Closing games against elite teams is typically one of the first signs of legitimate growth for a team that’s looking to become elite themselves. Over the past several seasons, with the exception of Paul Pierce‘s lone season in the nation’s capital, the Washington Wizards have lacked true closing ability.

All championship contenders have at least one go-to player in the clutch.

The Oklahoma City Thunder have Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant. The Cleveland Cavaliers have LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. The Golden State Warriors have (insert whomever you’d like). You get the point.

Up until this season, the Washington Wizards did not have that go-to player.

John Wall, while capable, lacked the confidence to take big shots down the stretch. When he did, the shots were often forced and out of rhythm. Young players tend to struggle in closing moments and it takes time to develop that part of the game — both mentally and on the court.

In his sixth season with Washington, Wall has really taken a step forward in that regard.

Wall is essentially tied with Chris Paul — seventh amongst guards in the NBA — in field goals made in the fourth quarter when their respective team is losing or tied during the last five minutes of the game, per NBA.com. Instead of settling for mid-range jump shots, Wall is creating his own offense by getting stops on the other end of the floor.

Last night against the San Antonio Spurs, Wall read a pass during the final moments, took the ball coast-to-coast and laid it in. Without that play, the Washington Wizards would’ve lacked the momentum they needed to close the game.

Wizards needed this @JohnWall boost in the worst way https://t.co/Dsgw3HJ6Mg — Hoop District (@HoopDistrictDC) November 5, 2015

Bradley Beal, of course, has been just as good in the clutch.

It’s hard to believe how much Beal has grown since he entered the league. In a post-game interview, Beal was asked if he would’ve ever taken a step-back three point shot to win the game prior to this season. He simply answered, “no”.

Beal has made the fourth most field goals in the fourth quarter with five minutes remaining in the league amongst guards, per NBA.com. Ironically, he’s tied with Tony Parker, who hit a game-tying three point shot before Beal’s eventual game-winning three.

A lot of the guards’ growth could be credited to the change in Randy Wittman‘s offensive philosophy. Both guards have been given the tools to succeed. They’re no longer hindered by a slow pace that didn’t allow them to play up to their potential.

Wall finally has the space to drive in the half-court, and more importantly, he has players around him that could keep up in transition.

On the other hand, Beal has been given the freedom to shoot threes and not “take what the defense gives him”. Beal isn’t taking the first deep two point shot that he receives. He’s making a conscious effort to attack the basket and shoot threes — both things he failed to do in his first three seasons in the league.

The game is slowing down for Beal. Add in his confidence.

The change in offense has been huge for both Wall and Beal, but it’s also important to credit their work ethic.

Both players have worked extremely hard to develop their games and it’s translating over to when the Washington Wizards need them most. They’ve embraced the roles of dual leader. Neither one of them have an issue with taking a step back. When Beal is in a rhythm, Wall never has an issue with giving the ball up and setting his back court mate for shots on the perimeter.

When Wall enters Angry-Wall mode in the fourth, Beal does a fantastic job of moving without the ball and looking for shots in case the All-Star point guard needs to give it up.

Wall and Beal have made up for the loss of Pierce and they’ve learned a lot from the Truth. They’re playing with more confidence than they’ve ever played with before. Both have taken legitimate steps forward to become the franchise players the Washington Wizards need them to be.

It’s only been four games, but the guards have already shown what they’re capable of doing. Closing a team out like the Spurs isn’t easy, but led by the guards, the Wizards are capable of beating any team in the league.