Why John Wall is the best point guard in the East
(Photo Courtesy: gettyimages Patrick McDermott)
This may be the first, and perhaps the only time I agree with something Charles Barkley says.
The TNT analyst stated during halftime of game 4 Celtics-Wizards series, "...What separates stars from superstars, or ordinary players, you have to have supreme confidence in your ability. If you miss the first nine, hey, you know it's coming. You're not going to go 0 for 17, 18, 19, 20. Especially when, to me, you're the best point guard in the Eastern Conference; maybe the second best player in the Eastern Conference."
(Video courtesy of The Crossover)
High praise for Wizard's all-star point guard, John Wall as he contributed 27 points and 12 assists in a 19 point victory blowout against the Boston Celtics to tie the series 2-2.
During the regular season, Wall averaged a double-double of 23.1 ppg and 10.7 apg. To prove how efficient Wall is, he's continued his double-double tendencies even further, increasing his stats to 28.8 ppg and 11.1 apg; all while maintaining a 47 percent field goal percentage and leading all players in assists in the playoffs .
Wall's proven ability to step it up in the postseason has separated himself from other "best point guard" contenders like Isaiah Thomas. Thomas led the Celtics through an impressive regular season which ultimately resulted in achieving the number one seed; however Wall's presence might cut their attempt at a championship short. Last night, Thomas came out hot, shooting 5-5, but stayed in a slump for the rest of the game finishing with 19 points, while Wall started 0-9 and controlled the pace of the event through it's entirety.
Wall is currently outplaying Thomas in every category as displayed in the screenshot below from NBA's Comparison Player.
Another controversy is between Wall and Irving. Once again, the comparison is in Wall's favor for the postseason.
Stats aside, the athletic guard's display of speed and quickness is what truly makes him special. His ability to push the ball in transition and score before the defense has time to turn around is no easy task to stop. As a matter of fact, he used such skills in last night's game, igniting a 26-0 run where he poured in 13 points and five assists in the third alone. As a team, the Wizards scored 25 fast-break points in their game 4 triumph.
The 2016-17 season has been Wall's year and he takes the crown for the point-guard position.
