John Wall is one of the best defenders at the point guard position and he showed it tonight with an emphatic defensive play against a taller opponent. In the first quarter of the Washington Wizards versus the Oklahoma City Thunder game, Wall demonstrated his defensive capabilities by way of a LeBron James-like chase-down block against Paul George.
The Wizards are 26-22 for the season, good enough for sixth in the Eastern Conference as he and his fellow All-Star teammate Bradley Beal lead the team to the playoffs. Wall and Beal represent one of the best backcourts in the NBA.
John Wall doing his best LeBron impression pic.twitter.com/JtHW3pJRaU
— The Crossover (@TheCrossover) January 26, 2018
After the Thunder’s Carmelo Anthony grabbed a defensive rebound, he sent an outlet pass to George who was on his way to making a fastbreak layup. Unbeknownst to him, Wall was running behind and just as he released the ball on the way up, the Wizards’ speedy guard blocked his shot with impunity.
Perhaps Wall was inspired by the fact that he was selected for his fifth All-Star game and James, famous for his chase-down blocks, picked him to play on his team. Or maybe not.
Wall is having his best year blocking opponents’ shots with a 1.1 blocks average per game. This, coupled with 1.3 steals per game, makes Wall one of the most feared defenders in the league.
George knew that coming in but now he knows it more intimately.
Unfortunately, the Wizards lost the game 121-112. Wall finished with 21 points, 12 assists, two steals, and one chase-down block.
LeBron James would be proud.
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