Fans and critics alike have been waiting for the new and improved version of John Wall. The Washington Wizards point guard has been notorious for his lack of a jump shot since coming into the National Basketball Association (NBA). Teams have willingly given Wall the open shot this season, reaping in repeated misses from the third-year guard. But the switch finally went on for Wall this week as he shot over 60 percent from the field this past week. The AFRO recaps the week that was for the Washington Wizards:
March 12– Wizards 90, Cleveland Cavaliers 95– The Wizards squandered a 27-point, 14-assist game from Wall and an absence from star Cavs guard Kyrie Irving (shoulder injury) in a disappointing road loss. Rookie Dion Waiters (20 points) scored 12 points in a pivotal fourth quarter that helped guide Cleveland to victory. Former Wizards guard Alonzo Gee hit four three pointers en route to 17 points as five players scored in double figures for Cleveland. Guard Martell Webster connected on five three pointers to flank Wall’s huge night with 17 points.
March 13– Wizards 106, Milwaukee 93- Washington led by 20 points in the third quarter when the Bucks rallied to take the lead before the Wizards made another run to finish them off. Wall paced the team with 23 points, 10 assists and six rebounds. Six players scored in double figures and three players recorded double-doubles for the Wizards. After seeing their huge lead transformed into a three-point deficit late in the third quarter, the Wizards went on a 14-5 run to start the final quarter as their splurge helped them win the first bout of a three-game home stint.
March 15– Wizards 96, New Orleans Hornets 87-The Hornets stayed close but were never really much of a threat to Wall (29 points, nine assists), Webster (18 points, four three pointers) and the rest of the Wizards. Wall scored a season-high in points behind some superior shooting. He went 3-of-3 from three-point range while peppering the Hornets defense with midrange jumpers. New Orleans led 30-26 after the opening quarter but struggled to hover within 10 points of the Wizards as the game wore on. This was Washington’s first win against New Orleans since 2008.
March 16– Wizards 127. Phoenix Suns 105- It’s not too many games where the opposition simply can’t match up with the Washington Wizards but that was the case for the Suns inside a noisy Verizon Center. Washington moved the ball flawlessly and received huge games from Webster (34 points, seven three pointers) and Wall (17 points, 11 assists) and a deep cast. Six Wizards scored in double figures and the team connected on 16-of-21 from deep. Rookie guard Bradley Beal returned from a six-game absence to go 3-of-4 from long range, scoring 13 points.
With Beal back in the lineup combined with streaking efforts from Webster and Wall, things are looking positive for Washington as the season winds down. Webster created a new franchise record against Phoenix when he recorded his fifth straight game of four completed three pointers. Washington returns to action on March 18 on the road against the Charlotte Bobcats.
