Nearly three weeks after falling out of the Knicks rotation, Kemba Walker returned to the start for today's game and scored the team's second-highest score of 29 points. Kemba Walker said after the game: "I know what I'm capable of, I know I can play. ”
As a four-time All-Star guard, Kemba Walker joined the Knicks in the offseason and signed a two-year, $17.9 million contract with the team. After a series of changes such as serious injuries and being bought out, Kemba Walker only wanted to play well in his hometown team.
However, Kemba Walker played only 18 games with the Knicks before being dropped out of the team's rotation by head coach Thibodeau DPN. In the last 9 games, Kemba Walker has been watching from the sidelines and has not played. Prior to the game, six Knicks players triggered health and safety protocols, which, combined with Rose's ankle injury, gave Kemba Walker a chance to play.
Against the old owner Greenshirts, Kemba Walker scored 29 points. In the third quarter, Kemba Walker shot 5-of-6 from less than 10 minutes and scored 17 points on 4-of-5 three-point range to help the Knicks hit a 41-24 scoring climax, from trailing by 15 points to rebounding. Although the team ultimately failed to win, Kemba Walker's performance was well received by the fans. He also got the highest plus-minus +5 in the team!
In the previous 18 games, Kemba Walker had a net score of -11.9 on the court, ranking first from the bottom of the Knicks. Because of this, Kemba Walker was abandoned by Thibodeau. And after the match, Kemba Walker said in a post-match interview: "I knew I should play. ”
Regarding the disciples' requirements, Knicks coach Thibodeau's speech was somewhat intriguing. He said: "This is what he should do. He's a professional player, great role, plays well. ”
On the question of whether to let Kemba Walker continue the rotation, Thibodeau said: "We'll see. You have to look at everything holistically. ”