Chowder and Champions
Fansided

Boston Celtics: Kemba Walker puts a dagger in Philly’s heart, ‘I’m a winner’

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 21: Kemba Walker #8 of the Boston Celtics shoots the ball against Al Horford #42 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half in Game Three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at The Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 21, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kim Klement - Pool/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 21: Kemba Walker #8 of the Boston Celtics shoots the ball against Al Horford #42 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half in Game Three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at The Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 21, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kim Klement - Pool/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Boston Celtics prized free-agent addition Kemba Walker stepped up in Game 3 and became the absolute assassin that he is.

It was like poetry in motion.  With 1:05 left in the fourth quarter and the Boston Celtics up just a bucket over the hard-fighting Philadelphia 76ers, Kemba Walker took the ball in his hand, dribbled to his sweet spot on the floor, and drained a jumper over the outreached arms of one Al Horford.

With a team high 24 points along with 8 rebounds and 4 assists, it wasn’t a dominant game for Walker by any stretch of the imagination, but with both Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown struggling offensively, the veteran All-Star took the team on his shoulders when he needed to.

In leading the Celtics, who scored the last 10 points of the game, to a commanding 3-0 lead in the first round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs, Walker introduced his assassin ways to the playoff stage, and it felt so good given Kemba’s knee issues entering the playoffs.

This was just so pretty:

"“I’ve made that shot a lot,” Walker said following the 102-94 victory over Joel Embiid and the 76ers, via ESPN.  “It’s just another example of it. …I’m just happy. I made it.”"

On a night in which his shot wasn’t falling consistently up until that point, Kemba Walker was able to turn it on when he really had to.

Kemba Walker accepting a supporting role status with Boston Celtics

In acknowledging that the team belongs to Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, Walker is content with his supporting role and stepping up in the lead role only when the team needs him in moments like Friday night.  The team needed a basket and he took the ball and delivered.

That was exactly why the Boston Celtics signed the 30-year-old All Star, and moments like Friday night is why Kemba Walker signed with the Celtics.  He wants to taste that playoff stage, he wants to play under pressure in big games, he wants to take the big shot, but most importantly he wants to contribute to the overall team effort in those big games.

More from Boston Celtics

Folks, he did that in Game 3 and he did it over a player who left the Celtics for greater pastures in Philadelphia.

How is that working out for you now Al Horford?

But what felt really good in the 102-94 victory besides the team taking a 3-0 lead is having that veteran player come through when the young stars were struggling.

It wasn’t a big night, but the night belonged to Kemba Walker.

"“I’m a winner.  I want to play at the highest level, and I’m able to do that now,” Walker added."

Overall, What the night exemplified is that Kemba Walker is a fighter, a competitor and an assassin who shows no fear.  That is the greatest attribute he brings to a team who has two ballers on the rise.

Next. Boston Celtics: Time to put respect on Jayson Tatum’s name. dark

There will still be nights Walker scores 30-40 points and take the Boston Celtics on his shoulders.  But he doesn’t have to, and he knows it.  That actually makes him even more dangerous as long as he is healthy.  He is in a supporting role in Boston and not afraid to step up and take the lead in dramatic moments.

Home/Boston Celtics