John Wall didn't wait for anyone else to point fingers at him. He did it himself.
“The main focus is me,” Wall said after practice Monday, via the Washington Post. “Until I start playing better, we’re not going to do well. It’s as simple as that.”
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Wall put his words to action Tuesday, helping the Wizards end a four-game losing streak with a 97-85 win over the Cavaliers. It was Cleveland's first home loss of the season, and it took a brilliant game from Wall to make it happen.
The former Kentucky star scored 35 points, dished out 10 assists and recorded five steals to help his team defeat the defending Eastern Conference champs.
It's the kind of performance from Wall the Wizards will need if they want to make a deep run in the playoffs.
His averages of 16.1 points and 7.6 assists, as well as his 39 percent shooting percentage, are below career averages. In an improving Eastern Conferences, the Wizards (7-8) need to have their best player progressing, not regressing to remain a top team.
Stud of the night
Marc Gasol was a problem down low all night Tuesday. Gasol stuffed the stat sheet, scoring 38 points with 13 rebounds, six assists and four blocks as Memhpis defeated New Orleans, 113-104.
Dud of the night
The Lakers, because when you lose to an 0-18 team, you deserve this title. Nick Young called the team a "circus act" following its 103-91 loss to the previously winless 76ers. Los Angeles, especially Kobe Bryant, is painful to watch. Bryant had another poor shooting night, going 7 of 26 from the field and 4 of 17 from 3-point land for 20 points.
Tweet of the night
Kevin Durant probably doesn't approve of the way C.J. McCollum disrespected legendary Dirk Nowitzki with this crossover dribble.
Cue the Billy Preston: "Will it go 'round in circles." https://t.co/dc1SyMY0re
— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) December 2, 2015Looking ahead (all times Eastern)
Warriors (19-0) at Hornets (10-7), 7 p.m.: Stephen Curry returns to his hometown as the Warriors try to make it 20 straight wins against a Hornets team that is 7-2 over its last nine games.
Pacers (11-5) at Clippers (10-8), 10:30 p.m.: Paul George tries to improve on his career year (27 points, eight rebounds, four assists per game) as the suddenly-hot Clippers put their three-game win streak on the line at home against the Pacers.