Fresh off of a 19-point outing against the Memphis Grizzlies where All-Star point guard Kemba Walker looked as much himself as at any time since coming back from the pandemic hiatus, the UConn product was clearly happy with how the Boston Celtics have been playing.
While his trademark smile was hidden beneath his facemask, the creases in his eyes and joy in his voice was evident when he was asked if he thought the Celtics had reached a level of play even higher than before the hiatus.
“I do. I do!” he exclaimed.
I think we’re just doing a great job at moving the basketball,” added the Bronx native, referring to the team’s proclivity to passing the ball enthusiastically of late.
Celtics sink Memphis 122-107, secure shot at better draft odds https://t.co/0w4QeVt9jJ
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) August 11, 2020
Perhaps a little too enthusiastically.
“We’re being really unselfish,” he added, “a little bit too unselfish, honestly. But, I think that’s a good thing. It’s a good thing to be too unselfish we have guys who are willing to give the basketball up. Whenever the ball is moving the way it is, I think we’re pretty tough to stop because we have so many weapons on the perimeter.”
“Guys are just just getting rid of that thing, which is really important for us”, he added.
WATCH: Boston Celtics 122 – Memphis Grizzlies 107 full game highlights https://t.co/Pl7GXVwAi2
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) August 12, 2020
At one point in the game vs. Memphis, Walker deployed his signature deep step-back jumper, prompting a question of whether the former Husky’s body was close to being where he needs it to succeed as a high-level player.
“It’s getting there — it’s getting there,” he replied. “Today was probably the best I’ve felt; I was really comfortable making my moves and stuff like that. It was good to make that move and see the ball go in as well. I’m working every single day to continue to get my leg stronger, get my knee stronger.”
I’m feeling good, and hopefully I can continue to feel good and I’ll continue to take care of myself,” he added.
Tatum, Hayward, Walker, Timelord video, photo highlights vs. Griz 8/11 https://t.co/jSb4U47ywI via @thecelticswire
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) August 12, 2020
The Celtics will need Walker at as close to full health as possible for a deep postseason run in the Disney-hosted restart, and his performance against the Grizzlies was very encouraging in that regard.
We may not see the New Yorker again until the postseason given the Washington Wizards are the Celtics final foe of the regular season and Walker has certainly earned the rest.
But, it wouldn’t surprise to see him play 20+ minutes in the contest just to keep his conditioning up.
Whatever decision is made by head coach Brad Stevens and the front office, with the playoffs starting in less than a week on August 17th, the wait to see Walker in green and white again shouldn’t be a long one.
