An NBA buzzer-beater will almost always have unfortunate collateral damage. Because, after all, they are often desperate last-second shots that usually nullify someone else’s heroics.

In the case of Max Strus’s ridiculous game-winning buzzer-beater for the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday, P.J. Washington is probably the main victim.

With the Mavericks battling the Cavaliers in an instant classic, it was Washington who received a bounce pass from Luka Dončić in the final moments to notch what sure felt like a game-winner for Dallas. Based on Washington’s ensuing reaction and slow stroll down the court, he (understandably) believed the Mavericks won the game.

Then Strus nailed his unlikely 59-foot shot, and a video shows precisely when Washington’s heart broke instantaneously.

Look at how quickly PJ Washington’s demeanor changes https://t.co/2dlhiH5SZf pic.twitter.com/qaG3XRpq6G

— Big Len Dawg (@_LeonardSmithJr) February 28, 2024

Oof. I can’t imagine what Washington was feeling there. After a hard-fought game and a well-earned basket, no one reasonably thinks a nearly three-quarters shot will sink their team. But that’s what happened here, and Washington had almost no time to celebrate his play.