John Wall has faced harsh criticism throughout this season as the Wizards have gotten off to a cold start, but it appears the heat has ignited Washington's point guard over the last few games.
After scoring 28 points and dishing out nine assists in Saturday's win in Miami, Wall put on another superstar display Monday night at home against Orlando, recording 25 points and 10 assists, leading the Wizards to a 117-109 victory to improve to 4-9 on the season.
And according to his backcourt partner Bradley Beal, the critics have transformed John Wall into someone else: 'Wolf Wall.'
Wall entered Wolf mode tonight --@RealDealBeal23 blames the media: https://t.co/nNzk3E6IHJ pic.twitter.com/DqDQ79gi2o
— NBC Sports Wizards (@NBCSWizards)
November 13, 2018 "Y'all pissed him off, man, it's y'all's fault," Beal told reporters after the win over the Magic. "He's gonna come out and play like 'Wolf Wall.' That's what we need him to do, so I'm happy you guys lit a little flame up under him."
"He got us going. He got us all going. That's John, we need him to do that. We need him to lead the ship. Lead us, and continue to bring it on both ends. I think when he gets after it defensively for us, I think that gets everybody else going, too."
In fact, Smith was in attendance at Monday night's game, and the Wizards (and Wall) were well aware.
Stephen A. Smith is here at Capital One Arena for #Wizards-#Magic. Guess he wanted to check out Rosebar --
— Hoop District (@HoopDistrictDC)
November 12, 2018 John Wall hits a big shot with 4:17 left in the 4th quarter. Timeout. Austin Rivers walks away from the huddle to point at Stephen A. Smith, who is sitting baseline.
— Chase Hughes (@ChaseHughesNBCS)
November 13, 2018 If Wall keeps this up, Ted Leonsis may have to give Smith permanent courtside seats.
