John Wall did not hold back his criticism of the NBA referees fresh off the Washington Wizards’ latest embarrassing loss, a 123-98 beat down at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers. Wall, who finished with 11 points on 4-of-15 shooting and seven assists, said he has “no respect” for officials, as relayed by Fred Katz of the Athletic.
John Wall spent much of his postgame availability talking about refs: “I have nothing to say to them. I have no respect for them. Simple as that. I get the same excuse every time…I don’t get those calls. I have no respect for them…I have nothing nice to say towards them.”
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) December 1, 2018
Wall’s aggressive attacking style has at times seemed halted by no-calls. In Friday’s loss, the Wizards shot 14 fewer free throws as the 76ers.
Wall was assessed a technical foul midway through the second quarter after making a driving layup, cutting Washington’s early deficit down to nine at 44-35. He was contacted on his way up but no whistle followed. Out of frustration, Wall clapped his hands in an apparent gesture to the nearby official leading to the technical.
While there were other numerous factors, Washington was outscored 24-11 the remainder of the quarter leading to a 22-point deficit at 68-46.
Wall continued voicing his frustration at the officials, as he turned his attention to the technical foul.
The end of John Wall’s postgame interview turned to the topic of him picking up a fifth technical foul tonight.
Here’s the exchange and Wall’s responses: pic.twitter.com/1TFSMhrB2a
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) December 1, 2018
The Wizards now have a record of 8-14 with their second straight loss. This comes after a tough overtime win over Houston on Friday. However, they’ve suffered back-to-back blowout losses this week, leaving more questions than answers with a team that cannot find its traction.
The Wizards problems are festering. Dwight Howard is expected to be out two-to-three months following glute surgery. The more Washington loses the more the trade rumors swirl about Wall and fellow backcourt mate Bradley Beal and the rest of the team’s core.
It remains to be seen if Wall’s latest barb about the league’s referees will have a negative impact on his style of play. It also remains to be seen if the Wizards cannot channel their growing frustration to their advantage and get back to winning games.
