Yes, John Wall blocking shots is a thing now. Tyler Johnson and the Miami Heat will argue the latest highlight-reel block was goaltending. However, that’s not what was called, and it looked more like a block than anything.
Wall missed a three pointer in the fourth quarter. Miami got the rebound and Johnson sprinted ahead of the pack. With the outlet pass, it appeared Johnson had a dunk in store. But, Wall as he seemingly does on every break, closed the gap and blocked Johnson’s dunk.
A NIGHTLY OCCURRENCE FROM @JohnWall! #WizHeat on @NBCSWashington https://t.co/YDbunkv5VM
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) November 16, 2017
Wall’s block occurred with just over two minutes remaining in the game with the Wizards in front 93-86. That moment quieted the crowd and was pivotal to the Wizards’ 102-93 win. Although Miami would score on their next possession, precious seconds ticked off and ir was one emptier trip for the Heat.
Johnson was still upset, thinking a goaltending should have been called. He let the referee know and eventually earned a technical foul on the Wizards’ next possession as Bradley Beal was fouled shooting a three. The sequence resulted in Beal getting four free throws, making all four to ice the game.
But, it was Wall’s defensive effort not to give up on the play that started the closing sequence. He has become the shot-blocking king among guards. He had two blocks in Wednesday night’s win, and leads the NBA among all guards with 1.31 blocks per game and 1.84 blocks per 48 minutes.
Earlier this season, Wall said he was the best shot-blocking point guard in NBA history. He is doing all he can to making that statement a non-debate.
