Boston Celtics: 3 Takeaways from loss to Phoenix

Boston Celtics Takeaway No. 1) Kemba Walker’s Poor Performance

When talking about this game, you have to start at Kemba Walker’s poor performance. It’s no secret he has had trouble finding the bottom of the net early on in this season, and Sunday was no different. Finishing with 14 points on 4-of-20 shooting, the UConn product hurt the Celtics much more than he helped them.

It’s been a roller coaster for Walker, as he has this poor performance fresh off of his efficient 24 points against the defensive-minded Clippers. Coming into this game, he was averaging 16.1 points on 38.3% shooting, numbers that are much below expected. It’s extremely likely that his statistics will go up to even a respectable clip, but as of this point, his inconsistency is hurting the Cs.

The good news for Boston fans is that physically, he continues to look like he belongs. He exhibits similar quickness both on ball screens and on drives to the rim. He hasn’t shown the same willingness to finish through contact at the basket, however, not getting the whistle in his favor early on this year. That will come with more play, as it’s more of a mental factor than anything, as he’s coming off a significant knee injury.

Kemba’s struggles are much more emphasized when Brown and Smart are both sidelined, as he’s the go-to second option when Tatum is being double-teamed. This led to many lineups where Walker is the best offensive player on the court, having every action run through him. This was a major reason for the Boston Celtics’ inefficiency on that end of the court, as lineups with Kemba on the court and Tatum on the bench didn’t produce.

Still, only playing nine games this season provides a promise of what’s to come. He can’t be much worse than this in regards to shooting the ball.