What’s going on with John Wall?
The Washington Wizards point guard has been putting up solid numbers. He is averaging 20.5 points and 10.4 assists on the season after posting 13 points and 15 assists in the Wizards’ 130-122 loss to the Cavaliers on Friday. However, he has struggled in different facets of his game throughout the season. One of the most glaring issues has become his free throw shooting.
Among the numerous issues going on with the Wizards, who fell to 4-4 on the season, is their star player’s latest rut shooting free throws. Wall had entered the week making 37-of-45 free throws on the season. Good enough for 82.2 percent, just above his career mark. Then something happened.
Against the Phoenix Suns, a 122-116 loss for Washington, Wall missed all four of his free throws. Two came at a critical moment in the fourth with Washington down by four. The four misses were worth noting. But, could have easily been pointed to just a bad night.
Then Friday happened. Against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Wall missed seven free throws, going 5-of-12 from the line. In an eight-point loss, every missed free throw was critical. That makes him 5-of-his last 16 free throws.
Wall missing free throws is a thing now 😔 #Wizards #WizCavs
— King of DC Sports (@dcsportsking) November 4, 2017
Two games are a small sample. However, on a team that has struggled like the Wizards and a player that has a target on him like Wall in sight of fans, this can play heavy on his psyche. Yes, John Wall missing free throws has become a thing.
What may make matters worse is the fact he suffered a sprained shoulder against the Cavaliers. He left Capital One Arena with his shoulder in a sling, although word out of the Wizards is the injury is not serious. But he will be sore, and his ego may be sore after doing all he could defensively on LeBron James for naught, as James scored 57 points. All are factors that could play a role moving forward with his free throw shooting.
This free throw slump Wall is in has dropped him to 68.9 percent from the line on the season. The no-calls on constant contact, the missed layups, inconsistent jumper, will pale in comparison to a free throw slump. Let’s just hope Wall missing free throws is not a thing for long.
