Boston Celtics: Cardiac Kemba Walker resuscitates team’s ‘heart’
The Boston Celtics Game 5 victory over the Toronto Raptors was all about the meaning of Kemba Walker.
Whatever nickname you want to give Kemba Walker during the 2020 NBA Playoffs inside the Orlando bubble, the one adjective that describes the Boston Celtics All-Star is a pure leader.
Whether you want to call him Cardiac Kemba or even “Playoff” Kemba, it really is the leadership that is running through the veins of a veteran player who knows he needs to be an example for a young team very capable of bringing a banner back to the city of Boston.
A pivotal Game 5 against the Toronto Raptors very set the stage for exactly why the Celtics gave max dollars to Kemba Walker. With both Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown rising to stardom throughout the season, Walker has faded to more of a supporting role, although he has picked his spots to remind the league on just how lethal he can be at crucial spots in the game.
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Kemba didn’t have to pour it on with points in the team’s 111-89 victory over the Raptors to take a 3-2 lead in the playoff series, but that leadership was the very reason the team was both prepared and focus to handle Toronto in dominant fashion.
A modest 21 points and seven assists doesn’t say enough on how big Kemba Walker was in the game. He not only played the game more aggressively; he inspired his teammates to play harder and more focused.
Like a true leader, he challenged his team to get back to playing Boston Celtics basketball.
"“I just wanted guys to be tough,” Walker said after the game, as transcribed by NESN. “I just thought we got out-toughed last game. They just played harder than us, and I know what we’re capable of.“We’re capable of playing hard, and that’s a skill. A lot of guys on that team have that skill, have that ability. So I had to check my guys’ heart. And they showed it. Big time.”"
Kemba Walker led a balanced Boston Celtics offensive attack
In getting off to a quick 25-11 lead, Kemba Walker, Jaylen Brown and the Boston Celtics never looked back as they stomped the Raptors and held their foot on their throats throughout the entire game.
Defensively, they were moving, switching and challenging shots. Offensively, they were aggressive and making the shots they weren’t knocking down in Game 4. Kemba Walker took more shots, Jaylen Brown was the Jaylen Brown Celtics fans have been accustomed to in leading the team with 27 points.
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Tatum added 18 points in the victory, but key performances from Daniel Theis, Marcus Smart and Brad Wanamaker off the bench also contributed to that toughness Kemba Walker inspired.
With Gordon Hayward back in the bubble and the Boston Celtics just a game away from advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals, the team really needed to mimic the way they played Monday night. If they do, they will be a tough team to beat.
There’s that word again: Tough.
Next. Boston Celtics: Jayson Tatum, Kemba Walker a special duo threat. dark
"“We just played really hard, made the right plays, played together, made the extra pass and just made shots,” Walker said on the win. “That’s what it comes down to – whenever you have the opportunities, just knocking it down. I think tonight our defense really set up our offense, and it worked out for us.”"
It sure did as Kemba Walker and the Boston Celtics now have the defending NBA champs against the ropes ready to deliver a knockout punch.