Image via Complex Original
John Wall hit the ground running last season and were it not for a slew of minor injuries, he wouldn’t have stopped. The 6’4”, 195 lb rookie out of Kentucky blessed the league with an unprecedented combination of speed and size, dunking over whatever he didn’t blaze past. The Washington Wizards have been mired in mediocrity for some time, but with Wall’s presence in the lineup for years to come, things are definitely looking up in the nation’s capital. Just try to keep up as we take a look back at John Wall’s top ten moments from his rookie year.
10. 22 Points, 14 Assists v. Lakers
When: December 7, 2010
What Happened: John Wall’s first matchup with the defending champs didn’t result in a victory, but he still managed to make a solid impression on Kobe & Co. For all of the talk regarding his offensive prowess, perhaps Wall felt no one was noticing his defense. Well there’s no better way to correct that mistake than putting both Bryant and his teammate, Derek Fisher on their backsides with a pair of devastating blocks.
9. 24 Points, 12 Assists v. Miami
When: February 25, 2011
What Happened: The Miami Heat were possibly the league’s stingiest defense last year, holding several superstars below their averages. Wall, however, shone brighter than usual on this night, scoring with ease and keeping his teammates happy. Miami would win the game, but it certainly wasn’t due to a lack of effort from Wall, who somehow out hustled the Miami defense for a layup to beat the buzzer.
8. Speeds Past Five Timberwolves For Dunk
When: March 5, 2011
What Happened: 18 points and 8 assists in an easy rout of an unprepared team. There’s nothing particularly special about that. But again, two points in the box score can’t properly encapsulate how impressive it is for a guard to beat an entire defense upcourt off the inbounds of a made basket. With just three dribbles, Wall raced 90 feet and slashed through all five Timberwolves for a ‘breakaway’ dunk. With this becoming a regular occurrence you’d think opponents would be more prepared. Then again, it’s tough to stop what you can’t catch.
7. 24 First Half Points v. Utah Jazz
When: March 28, 2011
What Happened: Utah isn’t the most accepting state in the nation, but Wall got everything he wanted in his trip to the Delta Center. Dicing hapless defenders for a quick 24 points in the first half, John would finish the contest with 30, 7 assists, 6 rebounds and the W.
6. Game Winning Three Pointer v. Boston Celtics
When: January 22, 2011
What Happened: Rajon Rondo’s breakout season hit a minor bump in the road during a mid season visit to the Verizon Center, where John Wall showed him how fast ‘fast’ really is. The rook only had four assists and a modest 16 points on the night, but his speed still mesmerized the Celtic D, especially with his game winning three pointer off the backboard as the shot clock expired. Was it luck? We’ll never know, but they all count just the same, right?
5. Dishes Career High 15 Assists v. Utah Jazz
When: January 17, 2011
What Happened: Martin Luther King lived an admirable life in the spirit of service and non-violence. When the Wizards hosted Deron Williams and Utah on King’s birthday, John Wall did his best to emulate the Dr., and embarrass Deron, passing for a career high 15 assists to go along with 19 points. As for the non-violence? Well, Wall tried his best, but this 40 foot alley oop to JaVale McGee was entirely too mean not to be.
4. Scores Career High 32 Points v. Los Angeles Clippers
When: March 23, 2011
What Happened: Blake Griffin’s highwire act was last season’s runaway Rookie of the Year, but in actuality, John Wall was the league’s best first year player. Griffin sat out the 2009 season with an injury and maintained eligibility for the award, but that wouldn’t slow Wall down a bit. When the two met in Staples Center, John was every bit his elder’s equal, with 32 points and 10 assists. The Wizards would lose this game and Wall would lose the award, but trust us, Blake Griffin still knows what’s up.
3. Near Triple Double In First Week v. Philadelphia 76ers
When: November 2, 2010
What Happened: In his home debut as a Wizard, John did the Dougie, which he became well known for. Then he did the Sixers dirty, which was much more enjoyable. Facing off against fellow rookie, Evan Turner, Wall made quick work of his opponent. Literally. Slicing through the defense for 29 points and 13 assists, he made a stellar defensive showing himself, setting a Wizards franchise record with nine steals.
2. Triple Double With Six Steals v. Houston Rockets
When: November 10, 2011
What Happened: A little more than a week later, Wall didn’t waste his second opportunity to notch that triple double. With 19 points, 10 boards and 13 assists, Wall became the third youngest triple double in league history and the only rookie besides Magic Johnson to record a triple double with at least six steals. Wall’s busy night was encapsulated by this fast break alley oop from Gilbert Arenas. Absolutely ridiculous.
1. Rookie v. Sophomore Game MVP And Breaks Assists Record
When: February 18, 2011
What Happened: The league’s annual Rookie showcase is usually an opportunity for scorers to shine. But someone has to feed them and John Wall was more than up to the task. Spreading the wealth evenly amongst his teammates, Wall dropped more dimes than an epileptic bank teller on his way to a record 22 assists. To make sure everyone got what they came for, Wall topped off his performance with a monster dunk off the backboard and the first of presumably many humblebraggadocious award acceptances.
