John Wall didn’t “have it” in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Boston Celtics. The point guard and floor leader of the Washington Wizards started the evening in ghastly fashion, making only one of his nine shot attempts in the first half and scoring only three points before the break. Fortunately, Wall was bailed out by Bradley Beal (14 points in the half) and subpar offense from the Celtics, to the point where the Wizards were left with a fighting chance over the final 24 minutes.
From there, though, it was a reminder that John Wall is the best point guard in the Eastern Conference.
There are, of course, worthy competitors to the throne in this regard, including Kyrie Irving, Kyle Lowry and the “other” point guard in Isaiah Thomas. To that end, simply declaring Wall to be the best of the bunch should not be seen as a slight to any member of that trio, but rather an enormous credit to the 26-year-old former Kentucky point guard.
In the second half of Game 6, Wall erupted for 23 points on 16 shots, including the incredible game-winner that might just double as the biggest shot for the Wizards franchise in three decades. In addition to the importance of the shot within Wizards’ circles, ESPN Stats and Information brings word that Wall’s connection was the first game-tying or go-ahead 3-pointer within the final 10 seconds of an elimination game since Ray Allen’s famous shot against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 6 of the 2013 Finals.
John Wall on Celtics wearing all black "Don't come here wearing all black to my city" pic.twitter.com/P8U77IYsJt
— Gifdsports (@gifdsports) May 13, 2017
That type of specific designation does not necessarily move the needle with regard to Wall’s overall level of play, but again, it serves as a reminder of the gravity of the performance. Beyond that, this is not the first time that the All-NBA point guard has taken matters into his own hands during the postseason.
In the first round victory over the Atlanta Hawks, Wall torched Dennis Schröder and company to the tune of 29.5 points (on 52.5 percent shooting) and 10.3 assists per game, and before Game 6, he was putting up 26.4 points and 10.6 assists per game against Boston for good measure.
Wall’s numbers in the regular season (23.1 points, 10.7 assists) served as career-highs and also doubled as his coming out party for many folks. Make no mistake: it has been widely known for some time that John Wall is a very, very good NBA basketball player. However, Wall improved his efficiency (career-highs in PER and true shooting percentage) and even made mild strides defensively at times during the season.
It absolutely must be noted that his defense has not been up to par in the postseason, and the numbers for both Schröder and Thomas reflect that accordingly. With that out of the way, it is clear when Wall is locked in that he can bring an element to the table that neither Thomas nor Kyrie Irving can match, and his playoff production dwarfs that of Lowry over a rather large sample.
Irving’s individual shot creation, Lowry’s pure shooting and Thomas’ offensive explosiveness all surpass Wall in terms of individual traits, but Wall’s combination as a penetrator, passer, scorer, and opportunistic defender provides the most complete package.
There will be plenty of debate about the point in question, and frankly, that is one of the best things about the NBA. There are rational, calculated cases to be made for at least three different point guards (mentioned above) ahead of Wall in the greater pecking order, and the story of Isaiah Thomas and his unbelievable season is a remarkable one.
In the same breath, watching and consuming Wall’s takeover (alongside what was a great performance from Beal) in Game 6 should be a gentle nudge in his direction.
John Wall didn’t “need” this type of performance or the game-winner to cement himself as an unquestioned All-Star and member of the upper tier of NBA point guards, at least for those who regularly pay attention to the league. However, the overarching impact made by the showing in the nation’s capital in Game 6 should greatly aid in bolstering his reputation.
Even with full knowledge that Wall was already the best point guard in the East before Friday evening, this one didn’t hurt.
