The Boston Celtics have reached the Eastern Conference Finals three times out of the last four years. The biggest difference from the last two appearances is that instead of having Isaiah Thomas or Kyrie Irving, the Celtics have Kemba Walker.
Before joining the Celtics, Walker had only two playoff appearances in his time with Charlotte. Both times resulted in a first-round exit. Now with the Celtics, Walker is seeing an opportunity of making the Finals.
However, his play has certainly not been a major factor in getting there. During the regular season, the first-year Celtic averaged 20.4 points on shooting splits of 42 and 38 percent. In his 12 postseason games, his production has dropped to 19.6 points. At first glance, it doesn’t seem like a major dip. And while the veteran point guard’s overall percentage has increased (43 percent), his three-point efficiency has plummeted (26 percent).
Walker came into the first round hot, scoring over 19 points on 40 percent or higher shooting against Philadelphia. In the middle of the Toronto series, Walker started to fade out of every game. In Game 4, the All-Star point guard only took nine shots, which is not the appropriate tendency you would want from Walker. Walker, throughout the second half of the Toronto series, started deferring to his teammates.
Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart especially had more opportunities than Walker.
The former Charlotte Hornet just could not seem to find his confidence, as the Raptors continued to pin him down. He would pass up on normal shots, such as his patented mid-range step back––his most consistent shot. He would dump the ball back out to the three-point line, even if Walker had the open shot.
In Tuesday’s game against the Miami Heat, Kemba Walker finally shot the ball with confidence. Unfortunately, his shot was not falling until the fourth quarter and overtime, and he again struggled from the three (1-for-9).
Walker needs to find his offensive groove soon, or the Celtics will be upset by the Miami Heat––who is a strong defensive team, much like the Raptors. Jimmy Butler will have assignments to guard the All-Star guard and, if Walker is still a shell of himself, will have a field day.
To reinvigorate the veteran guard, Brad Stevens should incorporate more off-ball scoring plays, allowing him to feel the game without the ball. Have him come off some screens to find an open shot. Walker is a crafty guard and, with his agility and speed, should be able to cut to the basket and find a shot. A player can gain confidence in smaller scoring plays, and hopefully, Walker can regain that confidence to shoot the ball.
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