John Wall scores career-high 52 points in loss to Magic

John Wall's career performance wasn't enough to lead the Washington Wizards to victory on Tuesday night.

The 6-foot-4 point guard erupted for a career-high 52 points in the Wizards' defeat to the Orlando Magic, chipping in eight assists, four rebounds, and three steals as Washington fell 124-116.

Tuesday's performance marked the first 50-plus point performance of Wall's career - tying Michael Jordan for the same number in a Wizards uniform. It was also the first 50-point game for a Washington player since Gilbert Arenas dropped 51 against the Utah Jazz in 2007.

After struggling with his shot early in the season, the 26-year-old veteran has been red-hot in the month of December, averaging 31.3 points, 12 points, and three steals. However, Wall's great individual play has done little to help Washington, as the Wizards have won just one of those contests.

Washington (7-13) will look to bounce back from their recent defeat on Thursday, when they host the Denver Nuggets at the Verizon Center.