Ranking John Wall’s 5 most electric moments in 11-year NBA career

Let’s rank the five greatest moments that capture the John Wall experience, moments that made him one of the most electric point guards of his generation.

5. Final game in D.C. (December 2022 – Clippers vs. Wizards)

Not all legendary moments happen at the peak of a career. Sometimes, they come when the story comes full circle. In December 2022, suiting up for the Los Angeles Clippers, Wall returned to Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., for what would ultimately be his final game in the city that drafted him.

The stat line was modest, 13 points and three assists in 21 minutes, but the night was never about numbers. It was about emotion, history, and legacy. Wall hit a bucket in the second quarter, turned to the crowd, and shouted, “This is my city!” The crowd erupted, showering him with love in a moment that transcended the game.

When the Wizards honored him with a tribute video and a standing ovation, Wall was visibly emotional, pointing to the fans and thanking them through tears.

“D.C. will always be home,” he said after the game. “I gave everything I had to this city.”

For a player whose career was defined as much by his bond with Washington as by his highlights, this was the perfect closing chapter in front of the fans who never stopped loving him.

4. The Miyah Game (December 2014)

The most human moment of John Wall’s career came in December 2014, following the heartbreaking death of Miyah Telemaque-Nelson, a 6-year-old fan battling lymphoma. Wall had developed a special bond with Miyah, helping her meet her idol Nicki Minaj and offering her joy during her illness. When she passed away, it devastated him.

Days later, Wall poured out his grief on the court against the Boston Celtics. He finished with 26 points, 17 assists, and seven rebounds in a double-overtime victory, but the box score only told half the story. After the buzzer sounded, Wall broke down in tears during his postgame interview, dedicating the performance to Miyah.

“This is for Miyah,” he said through sobs, as the crowd responded with an outpouring of support.

That night was a testament to Wall’s heart. For all his speed, dunks, and flair, the Miyah Game revealed something deeper: his compassion, his humanity, and his willingness to carry not just a franchise but the people who looked up to him.

3. Career-High 52 Points vs. Orlando Magic (December 2016)

John Wall was often labeled a “pass-first” point guard, and rightfully so; his career average of 8.9 assists per game makes him one of the greatest playmakers of his era. But on December 6, 2016, he proved he could take over a game as a scorer in devastating fashion.

Against the Orlando Magic, Wall dropped a career-high 52 points on 18-of-31 shooting, including 5-of-8 from three. He added eight assists, four rebounds, and three steals, showcasing the complete package of skills that made him a nightmare for defenses. His lightning-quick drives, fearless pull-ups, and relentless attacks on the rim overwhelmed Orlando.

The Wizards lost the game, but Wall’s performance was unforgettable. It silenced critics who claimed he couldn’t dominate offensively and highlighted his ability to carry an entire offense on his back. For one night, Wall wasn’t just the Wizards’ floor general; he was their unstoppable scoring machine.

2. 2014 Slam Dunk Contest

Few point guards have ever matched John Wall’s blend of speed, power, and flair, and nowhere was that more evident than the 2014 Slam Dunk Contest in New Orleans. At a time when the contest was losing its luster, Wall injected it with a shot of adrenaline.

In the final round, he leaped over the Wizards’ mascot, grabbed the ball, double-pumped under his legs mid-air, and threw down a reverse slam that instantly became an all-time highlight. The crowd erupted, the judges were unanimous, and Wall was crowned Dunker of the Night.

The dunk was iconic not only for its difficulty but also for the charisma with which Wall executed it. It brought fans back to the days when the dunk contest was must-watch television and cemented his reputation as one of the most athletic point guards the game has ever seen.

Even today, nearly a decade later, Wall’s 2014 dunk is replayed as one of the contest’s greatest moments, a reminder of the swagger and explosiveness that defined his prime.

1. Game 6 Buzzer-Beater vs. Boston Celtics (May 2017)

The pinnacle of John Wall’s career came in the 2017 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Boston Celtics. With the Wizards facing elimination in Game 6, Wall delivered the signature moment of his career, one that still gives Wizards fans chills.

Down by 2 with under 10 seconds remaining, Wall took the inbounds pass, sized up Avery Bradley, and pulled up from beyond the arc without hesitation. The shot swished with 3.5 seconds left, giving Washington the lead.

Wall’s reaction was as legendary as the shot itself. He sprinted to the scorer’s table, climbed on top, and pounded his chest as the D.C. crowd exploded. It was pure electricity, a moment that symbolized everything he meant to the franchise: courage, swagger, and a refusal to back down.

Though the Wizards ultimately lost Game 7 in Boston, Wall’s Game 6 heroics remain one of the most iconic playoff moments in recent franchise history. For a fanbase hungry for glory, Wall gave them a night they’ll never forget.