Washington Wizards: 2017-18 player grades for John Wall
Highlights
John Wall played just half of the games in 2017-18 but he still had his fair share of highlights throughout. The Washington Wizards got the regular season off to a fast start, knocking off the Philadelphia 76ers, 120-115, to open the season.
Wall put up 28 points, eight assists, five rebounds and two blocks in his season debut. He went 10-for-28 (35.7 percent) from the field but it proved to be enough as Washington got the victory.
In the second game of the season, Wall registered his first double-double of the year against the Detroit Pistons. He recorded 26 points and 10 assists, overcoming eight turnovers, to will his team to a 115-111 win in the end.
The Wizards’ Big 3 of Otto Porter Jr., Bradley Beal and Wall combined for 79 points, showing off their ability to co-exist on offense. It was a rare moment for them, as in key times, Porter tended to not show up.
Washington got off to a 3-0 start before dropping four of their next five games. Wall did his best to lead his squad but close games were their kryptonite. They fell in back-to-back games to the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors by just three points each.
Wall wasn’t efficient in those contests, but he used the Sacramento Kings to find his mojo in that regard on Oct. 29. He dropped 19 points and dished out nine assists while draining 5-of-6 3-pointers from behind the arc.
Wall was able to avenge an earlier loss to the Lakers on Nov. 9 behind a 23-point, eight-rebound, five-assist and three-block performance. Washington won the game 111-95 as Beal and Porter poured in 22 points and 20 points, respectively.
By the end of November, Wall was sidelined for an extended amount of time due to injury. He missed nine games as the Wizards produced a 4-5 record in his absence. In his return, Wall put up 13 points, four assists, two steals and a block against the Memphis Grizzlies on Dec. 13.
In his best volume-shooting game of the year, Wall scored 30 points against the Orlando Magic. He shot 13-of-21 (61.9 percent) from the field while attempting just two 3-pointers.
He also had nine assists and three blocks, showing off his ability to do more than just score the basketball. Six games later, Wall was sidelined once again with a knee injury. He would go on to miss the team’s next 27 contests before making his long-awaited return on March 31.
Wall made his return to the hardwood on March 31 against the Charlotte Hornets and made his presence known by the end of it all. He put up 15 points and 14 assists, his 16th double-double of the season, in a 107-93 victory.
The playoffs were a different beast for Wall and the Wizards, but at least they managed to put up a fight. Going forward, they should know what to expect and in the process, should have John Wall’s health on their mind.