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5 must-see moments from Wizards' loss to Celtics

5 must-see moments from Wizards' loss to Celtics

By Chase Hughes January 11, 2017 11:57 PM

Here are five plays or moments from the Washington Wizards' 117-108 loss to the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night at TD Garden that are worth revisiting...

1. Wow, did this game have a lot of moments worth playing back. We will get to the postgame altercation and all that led up to it, but first a pass by John Wall that few players in the NBA could pull off. Not only was it an extremely athletic play, it was right on the money to Otto Porter, who knocked down a three:

Here's an honorable mention, also courtesy of Wall. He blocked the heck out of an Isaiah Thomas layup attempt:

Okay, one more from Wall. Here's him getting two points on his third shot of the same possession:

2. Jason Smith also had a few highlights that were noteworthy. Here's a big slam over former NBA dunk champion Gerald Green:

And here is a finger roll from Smith that came earlier in the game. Who does he think he is, George Gervin?

3. This was part of the broadcast. Wizards Insider J. Michael joined Steve Buckhantz and Phil Chenier during the game, and they just couldn't help but poke some fun at him. We decided to add Buck's signature call to the clip:

4. Now for the stuff everyone will be talking about. The Wizards and Celtics had a few chippy moments, including these two plays that led to technicals for Markieff Morris and Bradley Beal:

5. Those two plays may have played a role in what happened after the game was over. Jae Crowder got in Wall's face and poked him in the nose. A big argument then broke out between both teams:

Perhaps this was just a coincidence, but look who was in the crowd for the game, Floyd 'Money' Mayweather. The boxing champ just happened to be in attendance for a game that ended in a fight. Figures.

[RELATED: John Wall explains his side of story after altercation with Jae Crowder]

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Wizards release statement on the passing of John Wall's mother

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Wizards release statement on the passing of John Wall's mother

By NBC Sports Washington December 13, 2019 7:37 PM

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The Washington Wizards announced the passing of John Wall's mother, Frances Pulley on Friday. 

Wall's mother had been battling cancer before her passing. She was 58. 

In a statement on Twitter, the Wizards said, "Sending thoughts and love for John Wall and his family after the passing of his mother, Frances Pulley. She will forever be a part of our #DCFamily."

Zach Leonsis, the senior vice president of strategic initiatives at Monumental Sports & Entertainment, also released a statement: 

"Thinking of @JohnWall and his family right now. Keeping you guys in our prayers. So terribly sorry for your loss and know that she will be remembered forever. #DCFamily

Wall's Kentucky coach, John Calipari also expressed his condolences for his former star: 

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Bradley Beal sees a young John Wall in the Grizzlies rookie sensation Ja Morant

Bradley Beal sees a young John Wall in the Grizzlies rookie sensation Ja Morant

By Chase Hughes December 13, 2019 2:52 PM

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WASHINGTON -- It is not often you see a rookie find initial success in the NBA to the degree Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant has, already with borderline All-Star numbers at the age of 20. And oftentimes, opponents are careful throwing out player comparisons for guys his age, wanting to see more before they anoint anyone.

Morant, though, is a different case and questions from media members at Wizards practice this week as the team gets set to face him for the first time naturally led to parallels to great players. On Thursday, Brooks brought up unprompted how much Morant reminds him of Russell Westbrook, his former player in Oklahoma City.

And on Friday, Bradley Beal invoked a teammate of his when breaking down what makes Morant so good.

"He loves to get up and down. He's really fast with the ball. It reminds you of John [Wall] in a lot of ways. He plays with his pace," Beal said.

Through 19 games this season, Morant is averaging 18.7 points, 6.4 assists and 1.3 steals per game. He is shooting 42.2 percent from three on 2.2 attempts.

The threes have been surprising to most, as he shot a relatively modest 36.3 percent his final year in college at Murray State. But also surprising maybe just how lethal he has been at attacking the rim.

Sure, that was a big part of his game in college. But this is the NBA where athletes are much bigger and stronger. And he isn't the biggest guy either, weighing in at 175 pounds according to Basketball-Reference.

But despite lacking in size, he has shown an ability to finish through contact rarely seen from any player.

"I think he has a no-fear type of mentality. So, you have to respect his aggressiveness," Beal said. "He'll get respect from a lot of players in the league, a lot of refs in the league because of his aggressiveness and... with all the posters he has. So, he's an assassin. You gotta respect his game."

Beal likely won't draw the defensive assignment on Morant. That will probably go to Ish Smith and back-up point guard Chris Chiozza, who is with the team while Isaiah Thomas recovers from a left calf injury.

Beal knows it is going to be tough for the whole Wizards team to contain Morant. He said the trick will be trying to stay in front of him, though he knows that is easier said than done.

Really, Morant is such a unique player that the Wizards can only gameplan and prepare so much until they actually experience facing him for the first time.

"He's gonna be a handful," Beal said.

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