John Wall’s retirement marks the end of an era for Washington Wizards fans and all those who remember what it was like to see him at full speed. One of the fastest guards to ever play the game, Wall was an elite passer, a fearless competitor, and a showman who always rose to the moment.
From his explosive dunks to clutch playoff performances, Wall gave fans some unforgettable memories during his 11-year NBA run. Now, with his career officially in the books, it’s time to look back at the five greatest moments that defined the John Wall experience.
5. Final Game In D.C. (December 2022, Clippers vs. Wizards)
It wasn’t a playoff game or a buzzer-beater, but Wall’s final appearance in Washington, D.C. was one of the most emotional moments of his career. Suiting up for the Clippers in December 2022, Wall returned to the city where it all started, where the fans gave him the love he deserved.
He finished the night with 13 points and 3 assists in just 21 minutes in a win, but the numbers didn’t matter. In a storybook moment, he hyped up the crowd after making a bucket in the second quarter, yelling, ‘This is my city!’ When it was over, the Wizards legend was honored with a tribute video and a standing ovation, which he reciprocated with a heartfelt response as he pointed to the crowd and thanked them through tears.
“D.C. will always be home,” Wall said after the game. “I gave everything I had to this city.”
It was a full-circle moment for a player whose legacy in Washington remains unmatched. While injuries and trades cut his time short, Wall’s connection to the fanbase never wavered, and that night, he made it clear.
4. Miyah Game (December 2014)
This wasn’t just one of John Wall’s best games; it was his most emotional. In March 2013, Wall played with a heavy heart following the tragic death of a 6-year-old fan named Miyah Telemaque-Nelson, who had been battling Burkitt’s lymphoma. Wall had formed a close bond with Miyah during her fight, helping her meet Nicki Minaj and using his platform to spread awareness about her story. Her passing rocked him.
Just days after learning of her death, Wall dropped 26 points, 17 assists, and 7 rebounds in a double-overtime win over the Celtics. But it wasn’t the stat line that stuck with people; it was the tears. After the final buzzer, Wall broke down in a postgame interview.
“This is for Miyah,” he said, choking up as the crowd applauded.
That night, Wall showed the world that basketball was more than just a job to him; it was personal. He played for people, for moments, for meaning. And the Maya Game proved he had one of the biggest hearts in the league.
3. Career-High 52 Points vs. The Orlando Magic (December 2016)
On December 6, 2016, John Wall delivered the best scoring performance of his career and reminded everyone just how dangerous he could be with the ball in his hands.
Facing the Orlando Magic, Wall erupted for 52 points, adding 8 assists, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals while shooting 18-of-31 from the field and 5-of-8 from deep. It was the type of high-octane explosion that separated Wall from your average point guard; full-speed attacks to the rim, step-back jumpers, and a level of aggression that felt impossible to contain.
Despite the Wizards ultimately losing the game, Wall’s performance was undeniable. It was a loud, unforgettable reminder that he wasn’t just fast — he was fearless, skilled, and fully capable of putting the entire offense on his back when needed. For a player often labeled a pass-first floor general, this was the night Wall let loose and showed just how elite his scoring bag really was.
2. 2014 NBA Slam Dunk Contest
You could make the case that John Wall saved the 2014 Slam Dunk Contest. Coming into All-Star Weekend, fan interest in the event had been declining for years (and still is to this day). But Wall, representing the Washington Wizards, brought it roaring back to life with a jaw-dropping reverse double-pump slam that capped off the night and instantly went viral.
In the final round, Wall jumped over the Wizards’ mascot, grabbed the ball mid-air, double-pumped under his legs, and threw down a reverse jam with authority. The crowd in New Orleans erupted, judges lost their minds, and Wall was unanimously crowned the Dunker of the Night.
The dunk was both brilliant and creative, with an air of confidence and charisma all rolled into one. It reminded fans why they fell in love with the dunk contest in the first place and put Wall’s name in the same breath as some of the all-time great contest performers. Years later, it’s still one of the most replayed dunks of the past decade, and proof that when John Wall wanted to make a statement, he made it loud.
1. Game 6 Buzzer-Beater vs. Celtics (May 2017)
This was John Wall at his absolute peak: fearless, clutch, and carrying an entire city on his back. With the Washington Wizards facing elimination in Game 6 of the 2017 Eastern Conference Semifinals, Wall rose to the moment with everything on the line. Down 2 with under 10 seconds left, he took an inbounds pass near halfcourt, used a screen, and with no hesitation pulled up over Avery Bradley for a cold-blooded three-pointer, draining it with 3.5 seconds left to give the Wizards the lead.
The shot was electric, and the reaction was iconic. Wall sprinted to the scorer’s table, climbed on top, and pounded his chest in front of a raucous D.C. crowd. In that moment, he became the hero of the city, and he was the heartbeat of an entire fanbase.
The Wizards would fall short in Game 7, but Wall’s Game 6 heroics went down as one of the most memorable playoff moments in recent franchise history. It was everything that made John Wall special — the competitive fire, elite shot-making, and the will to win, captured in a single play that fans still talk about to this day.
Legacy Of Greatness
John Wall may have never won an MVP or championship, but few players left as much emotion, energy, and legacy on the court as he did. From his rookie season to his final appearances as a Wizard, Wall’s combination of speed, flair, and fearlessness made him must-watch TV.
More than anything, though, Wall gave Washington, D.C. a basketball identity. He embraced the city, gave it everything he had, and never backed down from a moment. Whether it was the dunk contest, a tribute to Miyah, or a season-saving shot in the playoffs, Wall created memories that will live forever with Wizards fans, and that’s a legacy no stat sheet can capture.
