| |
|
NBA PLAYOFFS -- Kemba's star is rising
By Eugene Nepangue
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 28 Apr 2016
CHARLOTTE -- After 12 agonizing years, the Charlotte Hornets finally won another playoffs game when they toppled the Miami Heat, 115-97, in Game 3 of their ongoing opening round series last week. Two nights later, at the Time Warner Cable Arena, the Hornets toppled the Heat anew, 89-85, tying the best-of-7 duel at 2-2.
Of the many players that point to Charlotte's success, no Hornet is shining brighter than Kemba Walker, the 6-foot-1, 175-pound scoring machine out of the University of the Connecticut.
The 9th overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft, Walker is heating up this postseason. Through four games thus far, the 25-year old is averaging 24.8 points per while shooting a staggering 95.8 percent from the free throw stripe. In Game 4 against the Heat, Walker exploded for 34 points, pulling the 6th seeded Hornets even with No.3 ranked Miami.
Beating the mighty Heat twice required help from other Hornets. And that hasn't been an issue thus far as reserve guard Jeremy Lin (14.8 points, 2.5 assists per game) and center Al Jefferson (14.3 points, 6.3 rebounds per) have stepped up to the plate and delivered. Big men Cody Zeller and Frank Kaminsky had put in their fair share as well, combining for 15.1 points and 9.6 boards a contest.
But so far, it's looking like the Hornets can only go as far as Kemba can take them, especially now that Nicolas Batum is out with an injury, creating a huge scoring void.
With the series now reduced to three games and Miami hosting Games 5 and 7 (if necessary) at the AmericanAirlines Arena, the road the second round remains an uphill climb for Charlotte. But so long as they have a healthy Kemba Walker, these Hornets will always have a puncher's chance.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Eugene Nepangue.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Santiago-Taniguchi Final Presser
, Wed, 01 Apr 2026Jimuel in Action on Friday!
By Carlos Costa, , Wed, 01 Apr 2026“Rumble in the Une” Makes History in Union City with Star-Studded Fight Card Headlined by Jacob Macalolooy
, Wed, 01 Apr 2026Is Floyd chickening out?
By Joaquin Henson, , Wed, 01 Apr 2026Bacaro to challenge Toyoshima on April 4
By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 01 Apr 2026IBA steps forward as potential organiser for Bivol vs Beterbiev trilogy bout
, Wed, 01 Apr 2026PBF president Almario dies
By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 01 Apr 2026Portland Trail Blazers have new owner after $4.25 billion sale
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 01 Apr 2026PH chess wizard seven-year old Noah Lucas Palcis finishes second in Bangkok chess
By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 01 Apr 20262 Time World Champion Marcos Maidana Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
, Wed, 01 Apr 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 30 MARCH 2026: Itauma Destroys Franklin in 5; Fundora Dismantles Thurman in 6
By Eric Armit, , Tue, 31 Mar 2026Panamanian WBC Judge Jesus Aleman murdered in Panama
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 31 Mar 2026‘I won’t be holding anything back! – Big Bad Bazley challenges The Pilgrim Ryan Williams for Heavyweight title May 29 in Perth – Thunderdome 54
, Tue, 31 Mar 2026ZAYAS AND BOOTS CLASH IN UNIFIED BLOCKBUSTER AT BARCLAYS CENTER, BROOKLYN ON JUNE 27 – LIVE AND EXCLUSIVE ON DAZN PPV
, Tue, 31 Mar 2026Manny Pacquiao Promotions Announces Full Card to Join Taduran Vs. Perez on Friday, April 3, at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. Live on ESPN Knockout
, Tue, 31 Mar 202613-0 prospect Marco Romero hasn’t lost a Fight in nearly 7 years and he’s only 20
, Tue, 31 Mar 2026WORLD ELITE SUMO ANNOUNCES NEW DATE – SATURDAY, MAY 16 – FOR LIVE PROFESSIONAL SUMO EVENT AT PRUDENTIAL CENTER
, Tue, 31 Mar 2026Filipino boy, 15, wins US chess meet
By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 31 Mar 202660 Years of Top Rank: Bob Arum’s First Fight Launched a Boxing Empire
, Mon, 30 Mar 2026Lebron James and son Bronny make NBA History
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Mon, 30 Mar 2026Bryan Acosta Wins WBA Continental Americas Featherweight Championship with Unanimous Decision over Ronny Rios in Main Event of ProBoxTV from Thunder Studios in Long Beach
, Sun, 29 Mar 2026Filipino boy, 9, wins in Canada chess meet
By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 29 Mar 2026Vagabov and Ziyaev crowned champions at IBA Bare Knuckle 4 in Saint Petersburg
, Sun, 29 Mar 2026Sherwin Tiu captures Kamatyas Open Chess crown
By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 29 Mar 2026Fundora vs Thurman: Can Keith Thurman Shake Off The Rust?
By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 28 Mar 2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
