After a dominant start by the Celtics in the series opener, Game 2 of the 2024 NBA Finals had fans on the edge of their seats until the final minute.
Trailing by as many as 14 points in the fourth quarter, the Mavericks managed to slash the deficit to five with 1:15 remaining. Following a crucial defensive stop, Dallas had a golden fast-break opportunity. However, it was snatched away as Derrick White’s block on P.J. Washington thwarted the Mavericks’ comeback attempt, with the contact on the play sparking a heated debate.
Was P.J. Washington Fouled? The Crucial Swing Play
With under a minute left, Mavericks forward Derrick Jones Jr. blocked a Jayson Tatum layup, igniting a fast break. Kyrie Irving led the charge, threading a bounce pass to a streaking Washington, who had a slight edge on Boston’s defense. White closed in swiftly, delivering a chase-down block on Washington, whose momentum carried him beyond the basket.
In the mix was Boston’s Jaylen Brown, who applied pressure on Washington and appeared to make contact as Washington leapt toward the basket. This contact became the focal point of controversy.
Did Jaylen Brown Foul P.J. Washington?
As Washington elevated for the dunk, Brown seemed to use his left hand to push Washington in the back. When the ABC broadcast replayed White’s block, play-by-play announcer Mike Breen had a clear opinion.
“Not only was it a great block, there should’ve been a foul call,” Breen stated. “Jaylen Brown with a shove in the back on this P.J. Washington play. Both guys blocked it, but that should’ve been a foul call.”
Mike Breen: “Not only was it a great block, there should’ve been a foul call. Jaylen Brown with a shove in the back on this PJ Washington play. Both guys blocked it, but that should’ve been a foul call.”
DERRICK WHITE WHAT A BLOCKpic.twitter.com/8QpofM9hyH
— Dime (@DimeUPROXX) June 10, 2024
After the game, Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd shared his thoughts on the controversial play. “My interpretation [of the play] — it looked like a foul. But it wasn’t called, so it wasn’t a foul,” he remarked.
Given the tight nature of Game 2, the NBA is set to release a “Last Two Minute Report” that will review and address the correct and incorrect calls (and non-calls) made during the final two minutes.
GAME 2 TAKEAWAYS: Celtics’ Depth Overpowers Luka’s Dominance
Despite Luka Doncic’s stellar performance, the Celtics’ depth proved too much for the Mavericks. Jrue Holiday led Boston to a 2-0 series lead, showcasing the team’s robust roster.
As the Finals progress, the contentious non-call on P.J. Washington will remain a talking point, highlighting the intense scrutiny and high stakes of NBA championship basketball.
