What Happened to P.J. Washington? Mavericks Forward Leaves Game vs. Suns With Shoulder Injury

Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington left Wednesday night’s matchup against the Phoenix Suns after sustaining a left shoulder injury during the first quarter. The Mavericks later confirmed that Washington would not return to the game, labeling the injury as a left shoulder strain.

The 26-year-old exited after just five minutes of play, having already tallied six points, a steal, and a block. His early impact highlighted his value before he was replaced by forward Caleb Martin. The incident occurred midway through the opening quarter, and Washington was seen heading to the locker room shortly after.

P.J. Washington Injury Update and Team Statement

According to team officials and media reports, Washington’s early exit was precautionary after he appeared to experience discomfort in his shoulder during a defensive possession. The Mavericks medical staff assessed him on the bench before escorting him back to the locker room for further evaluation. Not long after, the team officially ruled him out for the remainder of the game with what they termed a “left shoulder strain.”

The injury came at a crucial time for the Mavericks, who have been building strong chemistry around Luka Dončić and newly acquired pieces. Washington’s versatility and ability to space the floor have made him a key part of Dallas’ rotation this season. His early contributions against Phoenix underscored how vital his two-way presence has become for the team.

As of late Wednesday night, there was no immediate update on the severity of the strain or whether imaging tests would be conducted. The team is expected to provide more details following Thursday’s evaluations. Fans and analysts will be watching closely, especially with Dallas preparing for a challenging stretch of Western Conference matchups.

Washington’s Importance and Next Steps for Dallas

Washington, who was traded to Dallas earlier this year, has been averaging double figures in scoring while providing steady defensive effort and rebounding support. His ability to switch defensively across multiple positions has been central to head coach Jason Kidd’s system. Losing him, even temporarily, could test the Mavericks’ depth at forward.

Caleb Martin and Derrick Jones Jr. are likely to absorb additional minutes in Washington’s absence. Both players have experience filling in as stretch forwards, but neither offers Washington’s combination of size and shooting consistency. The Mavericks’ medical team will likely monitor his progress closely before determining his availability for upcoming games.

While Washington’s injury appears to be a strain rather than a structural tear, the Mavericks will await further testing before making any long-term decisions. His status for the next game will depend on how his shoulder responds to rest and treatment over the next 24 to 48 hours.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What happened to P.J. Washington during the Suns game?

He suffered a left shoulder strain in the first quarter and did not return to the game after heading to the locker room for evaluation.

Q2: Will P.J. Washington miss future Mavericks games?

The team has not confirmed his status for upcoming games. Further evaluation will determine the timeline for his return.

Q3: How was P.J. Washington performing before the injury?

Before exiting, Washington scored six points, grabbed a steal, and blocked a shot in just five minutes of play.

Q4: Who replaced P.J. Washington after he left the game?

Caleb Martin filled in for Washington following his early departure due to injury.

Q5: What does this injury mean for the Mavericks?

The Mavericks may need to adjust their rotation and rely more on their bench until Washington returns to full strength.