Sports

Another record for Kemba Walker: Hornets' all-time scoring king
Guard broke Dell Curry's mark in loss to Cavs
 
Published Wednesday, March 28, 2018 10:09 pm
by Ashley Mahoney

Nobody expected Kemba Walker to accomplish anything after college.

The two-time All-Star claimed two more Charlotte Hornets (34-42) records Wednesday: All-time leading scorer and most free throws made. His 21-point performance in their 118-105 loss to Cleveland (45-30) broke Dell Curry’s record of 9,839 points by two. Walker also became the first Hornet to break 2,000 free throws, surpassing Gerald Wallace’s 1,998. Earlier this season he claimed Curry’s three-point shooting title with 1,016.

“I’m not supposed to be here,” a tearful Walker said immediately after the game. “A lot of people where I’m from, they don’t make it.”

Said coach Steve Clifford: “He’s the same guy today that he is every day. He’s happy, which he should be. It’s an incredible achievement. You’ll see him in the locker room—head down, disappointed with the way we played, which is greatness. That’s one of the things that has allowed him to become the terrific player that he is.”

Critics tagged Walker as undersized when he made the jump from Connecticut to the Hornets after winning the national championship in 2010-11. Yet the point guard from the Bronx defied expectations. His work with coaches like Hornets assistant Bruce Kruetzer transformed his three-point accuracy from 30.5 percent as a rookie to 37 percent or higher over the last three seasons.

“We won the national championship, so I’ve seen him very emotional after games,” said guard Jeremy Lamb, Walker’s Connecticut teammate in 2010-11. “He earned it. Nothing was given to him. He took it, and that makes it even better.”

Said Walker: “All the doubt I’ve gotten over my career, and all the criticism, I just keep proving people wrong.”

Walker averages 23 points per game, shooting 43.3 percent from the field, 39.2 percent from beyond the arc and 86.1 percent from the charity stripe.

“I’m really happy for Kemba,” Hornets owner Michael Jordan said in a statement. “Becoming a franchise’s all-time leading scorer is a big accomplishment, and it’s a testament to his hard work, dedication and passion for the game of basketball. He exemplifies what it means to be a Hornet. His effort, leadership and commitment to our team and the city of Charlotte is second to none. I’m proud to have him on our team.”

Said Clifford: “Look at him compared to say three years ago. He’s a lot better than he was last year. He’s a great story.”

 

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