Since All-Star weekend, Kemba Walker has taken his game to another level as he attempts to lead the Charlotte Hornets to the playoffs.
It is no secret that Kemba Walker has carried the Charlotte Hornets this season. After being named to his first all-star game with stellar play in the first half of the season, many expected much of the same or even some regression post all-star break. Instead, the point guard is tearing up the opposition and is on a mission to lead a late postseason push.
Entering the all-star break, the Hornets had lost four consecutive games and 11 of 12 in total. Their playoff hopes weren’t looking good and it would take a something special for them to break out of that rut. Deservedly being named to his first all-star game this season, many thought Walker could’ve used rest rather than playing in the glorified exhibition. Instead, he performed well in the three-point shootout, scored seven points in limited playing time for the Eastern Conference, and got a much-needed break during the week off.
As it turns out, the all-star game seemed to have re-energized Kemba as he came back with one goal in mind and that was to “fight to the end.” (Twitter/NBAonTNT) Making the postseason was always the goal for this team but it wasn’t going to be easy with the hole that they dug. Post all-star break, Walker has responded by putting up the best numbers of his career and beginning the late push.
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Charlotte has played seven games since the East vs West game and in those seven outing, the team has a 4-3 record. It might not seem like much but six of those seven came away from home and the Hornets were also able to get back to back victories for the first time since mid-January. They aren’t just winning games now but Kemba is the one leading them to those wins.
He was playing the best ball of his career before the all-star game but the 26-year old has somehow taken his play to another level. Not only is he scoring more points but he is also doing so more efficiently while reducing his turnovers.
Kemba’s great play was highlighted by him being named the Eastern Conference player of the week for the first time this season.
Just looking at his number before and after the all-star game, it is clear to see that Walker is reaching a point we’ve never seen so far in his career. He’s always been electric and exciting with the ability to take over games but this recent stretch is simply astonishing.
Pre All-Star Game: 22.5 PPG, 5.5 APG, 4.1 RPG, 2.3 TOV, 1.2 SPG, 44.7% FG/ 39.5% 3P/ 83.5% FT
Post All-Star Game: 27.3 PPG, 5.7 APG, 4.4 RPG, 1.9 TOV, 1.3 SPG, 47.4% FG/ 47.5% 3P/ 92.1% FT
Since the all-star break, Walker ranks 10th in the league in points per game and is shooting nearly 50% from three while taking more than eight shots from behind the arc per game. Looking at his current stats post all-star game, only LeBron James is putting up 25+ PPG, 5+ APG and 4+ RPG while shooting over 45% from both the field and three. Not even Stephen Curry, James Harden or Russell Westbrook can match those numbers with that level of efficiency. (NBA.com)
Now the Hornets currently sit in the 11th seed in the East, three games back of the Chicago Bulls for the eighth spot. The playoff picture is far from set with just about a quarter of the season remaining. It will still be tough for Charlotte as six teams (Indiana Pacers, Detroit Pistons, Bulls, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Hornets) are all within four games of each other ranging from the sixth seed to the 11th.
Anything can happen over the last month and the Hornets have a good a shot as just about any of those teams to lock up a spot in the postseason. Even more so if Kemba continues to destroy opposing defenses. His production is off the charts and we all can remember just what the former UCONN player is capable of in March.
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If the Hornets end up in the playoffs this season, it will be because of Kemba Walker. Keep an eye on Charlotte’s star point guard as he is on a mission to make the postseason and he is making highlight plays while doing so. It will be tough to keep up these numbers but the Bronx native shows no signs of slowing down.