Charlotte Hornets: Kemba Walker scores 11 points in 2nd All-Star Game appearance
In his second All-Star Game, the Charlotte Hornets’ point guard was aggressive and even had a few highlight reel worthy plays.
Kemba Walker nearly missed out on the 2018 NBA All-Star Game after being snubbed in the original reserve selection. The Charlotte Hornets‘ point guard finally got in as an injury replacement for Kristaps Porzingis and he didn’t waste the moment. Kemba finished the game with 11 points, two rebounds and one assist to help Team LeBron defeat Team Steph, 148-145.
Walker became only the fourth Hornets’ player to compete in more than one All-Star Game joining Larry Johnson, Alonzo Mourning and Glen Rice. In his first ASG last season, Kemba put up seven points, six assists, three rebounds and one steal in 20 minutes. Although he played fewer minutes this year, the Bronx-native did score more points.
In only 14 minutes, Walker matched the scoring output of reigning MVP Russell Westbrook who had 11 points in 28 minutes and Stephen Curry who put up 11 in 26 minutes. He also outscored Victor Oladipo (7), Goran Dragic (2), LaMarcus Aldridge (0), Al Horford (6), Kyle Lowry (4), Draymond Green (3) and Jimmy Butler (0) who was the only player not to play a single minute as he was feeling under the weather.
Kemba didn’t play the entire first quarter but started the second and made a clear impact on the game. Walker scored seven of his 11 points in the second period and was a game-high +10 in +/- at halftime. He also had one of the best highlights of the night when he threw a lob to LeBron James.
In the second half, the 27-year old checked in during the third quarter and managed to score two points in the third and two points in fourth. He exited the game at the 9:19 mark of the final period and didn’t return.
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Walker shot 5-10 from the field and made one three-point shot out of five attempts from deep. Kemba had a shifty layup past Giannis Antetokounmpo and Karl-Anthony Towns as well. All in all, it was a solid performance from the Hornets’ point guard off of the bench.
This was one of the most entertaining All-Star Game’s in recent memory as both teams were competitive and the outing came down to the final shot. After LeBron put his side up by one point with 34 seconds left, James Harden missed a three for Team Steph. DeMar DeRozan grabbed the offensive rebounds but ended up turning it over. This led to a layup from Russell Westbrook who put Team LeBron up by three points with 20 seconds remaining.
Team Steph wasn’t able to get a shot off in the final seconds as Team LeBron’s defense was swarming. The game ended with a 148-145 victory for LeBron and company. James ended up winning MVP as he nearly had a triple-double with a game-high 29 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists.
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Hopefully, we’ll be able to see Kemba Walker compete in his third All-Star Game next season when the event takes place in the Queen City.