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2015 NBA Playoffs: Players Under the Most Pressure

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 19, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) saves a ball from going out of bounds during the first quarter against the San Antonio Spurs in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 19, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) saves a ball from going out of bounds during the first quarter against the San Antonio Spurs in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 18, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) gets by Toronto Raptors forward Amir Johnson (15) in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Washington defeated Toronto 93-86. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) gets by Toronto Raptors forward Amir Johnson (15) in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Washington defeated Toronto 93-86. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

John Wall, Washington Wizards

Position: Point Guard

Age: 24

Experience: 5th Season

Slash Line: .445/.300/.785

Season Averages: 35.9 MPG, 17.6 PPG, 10.0 APG, 4.6 RPG, 1.7 SPG, 0.6 BPG

John Wall is one of the most under-appreciated players in the NBA. He’s also a player who, from time-to-time, does the underrating justice by failing to perform in the biggest of situations.

In his first 12 career games in the NBA Playoffs, Wall averaged just 15.8 points on 35.7 percent shooting from the field.

Those numbers aren’t misleading, but instead an accurate depiction of Wall’s postseason career thus far. He’s been valuable as a facilitator and defender, but offensively, the 24-year-old struggles to score when the lights are shining.

In Game 2 of Washington’s series against the Toronto Raptors, Wall found a way to right the ship for the Washington Wizards.

Washington stole an ugly Game 1 from the Toronto Raptors, and that road win swings the home court advantage in its favor. Wall shot just 5-of-18 for 10 points in that outing, however, and did himself no favor with his critics.

Fortunately, Wall was all-time good in Game 2.

Washington may win a series with Wall struggling, but for it to go as deep as it can—the Eastern Conference Finals or better—Randy Wittman and company will need the franchise player to continue to perform at an elite level.

Kyle Lowry won’t make that easy.

Next: Can Chris Paul exorcise his postseason demons?

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