The biggest X factor in Mavericks-Thunder NBA Cup quarterfinal

If Mavericks wing P.J. Washington makes his first few shots in Tuesday's NBA Cup quarterfinal, the Thunder could be in for a long night.

Ever since last season's Western Conference semifinals, Washington has developed an affinity for torching the Thunder. During that series, he averaged 17.7 points while shooting 46.9% from three, making a number of of clutch shots that helped his team close out the series 4-2. 

Washington continued that trend earlier this season when he tallied 27 points and 17 rebounds in a 121-119 win over OKC on Nov. 17. The win was extra impressive as Dallas overcame a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter while playing without Luka Doncic. After the game, Washington didn't hide his love for torching the Thunder.

"I just enjoy the matchup," Washington said with a laugh, via WFAA News in Dallas. "I love playing against them for sure." 

In fairness to the Thunder, they were without offseason pickup Isaiah Hartenstein during that loss. Since the 7-footer entered the starting unit, OKC has won seven of its last eight while outscoring teams by an incredible 17.7 points per 100 possessions. Even with Hartenstein on the bench, OKC has maintained a league-best points differential of 12.2 points over the last eight games.

On the flip side, the Mavericks have been on a roll too, winning seven straight and 11 of their last 12. Mind you, most of those wins came without Doncic, who was sidelined with a wrist sprain for two weeks. During the ongoing win streak, the Mavericks have eight players averaging double-figures, with the likes of Naji Marshall (16.3 PPG), Quentin Grimes (15.8) and Spencer Dinwiddie (15.6) coming up big.

The stage is set for what should be a riveting contest. The Mavericks and Thunder are two of only five teams in the NBA that rank in the top 10 on offense and defense. As such, it should be a matchup between two of the most balanced and deepest teams in the league. 

The winner of Tuesday's quarterfinal will head to Las Vegas to face either the Rockets or Warriors in the semifinal. The second-ever NBA Cup champion will be crowned on Monday, Dec. 16.