Three Things to Watch: Thunder at Wizards

John Wall versus Russell Westbrook

Nov 10, 2013; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Washington Wizards point guard John Wall (2) handles the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Let’s take our attention away from Kevin Durant for one second and look at arguably the most pivotal matchup of tonight’s game featuring two of the best point guards in the NBA.

In D.C., you have John Wall who is playing unquestionably the best basketball of his young career. Wall’s motor is what makes this Wizards team go and it’s also what has caused so many problems for the opposition this season.

Wall leads the Wizards in points with 17 per game and is averaging 10 assists, which ranks him first in the NBA. His 2.1 steals per game also ties him for first in the league with Stephen Curry and Tony Allen, according to NBA.com.

Where Wall has really been hurting teams is with his court vision while setting up his teammates for scores and with his mid-range jumper – he’s shooting 48.8 percent from 3-10 feet and 48.3 percent from 10-16 feet.

For the Thunder, Russell Westbrook is averaging 24.9 points per game and, like Wall, leads his team in both assists (7.4) and steals per game.

Westbrook and Wall are arguably the two fastest point guards in the league and are both nearly unstoppable on the fast break. Both players will certainly be trying to utilize those skills against one another, and it will like come down to which player can throw off the other’s mid-range jump shot and force more turnovers.

Wall still has a chip on his shoulder to prove that he’s an elite point guard, and tonight is another chance to prove that.