The Los Angeles Clippers welcomed John Wall with open arms. The 32-year-old played a crucial role in his team’s 103-97 triumph over their enmity cross-town rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers, in their season opener. He not only shared first place in the scoring column for the Clippers with colleague Paul George.
Paul George was excited about Wall’s debut after the game. After that incredible performance, PG couldn’t help but join the John Wall hype train as he entered the tunnel (h/t NBA on Twitter):
John was John,” George said. “Special. That energy, that speed, can t nobody match that!
John was John. Special. That energy, that speed, can t nobody match that!
Paul George on John Wall in his return! pic.twitter.com/bHROtzGuaJ
— NBA (@NBA) October 21, 2022
Reggie Jackson, the starting point guard, was replaced by Wall off the bench in this game. With 15 points on 7 of 15 shooting (he had the most attempts in the game among all Clippers players), four rebounds, three assists, and a steal in 25 minutes, Wall was able to outperform Jackson. If he continues to perform in this manner, it won’t be long until demands for Wall to take the place of Jackson (eight points, four assists) in the starting lineup.
Wall had brief moments of his former self, especially during the first quarter when he went on a scorching-hot run. Even Wall’s former Washington Wizards teammate Bradley Beal felt compelled to thank him after seeing his former backcourt partner-in-crime shoot 4-of-4 in the first quarter.
Exactly for this reason, the Clippers signed John Wall in the offseason. He might not be the superstar he once was, but he can still provide a spark, whether it’s from the bench or with the starters, for a team that wants to win the championship this year.
The article “John was John”: Paul George joins the John Wall hype after his spectacular Clippers debut against the Lakers first published on ClutchPoints.
