In the Boston Celtics' Game 6 loss to the Toronto Raptors, Kemba Walker struggled all game long. The C's star guard ended the game with just five points. In the post-game presser, Walker and Brad Stevens shared their thoughts, noting that the Raptors' defense made it a priority to get him out of rhythm.
Per Sean T. McGuire of NESN, Stevens noted that the box-and-one defense that the Raptors employed on Kemba prevented the guard from getting to his spot.
“In the first half, that’s not really fair to Kemba because their in a box-and-one on him, playing on top of him. And we’re getting great shots against it throughout the entire first quarter,” Stevens told reporters after the loss, as seen on NBC Sports Boston’s postgame coverage. “So, at that point in time his job is to either be a spacer, or a cutter, or a screener, and watch everybody else score. And then when they get out of it, then he gets better opportunities himself.
Walker echoed Stevens' thoughts. Come the second half, the Raptors changed their defense on the Celtics' guard. However, Walker just failed to establish a rhythm despite a number of good looks.
“Had me in the box-and-one, deny the whole first half. Second half, I just couldn’t really find a rhythm. I had a few good looks, just wasn’t enough,” Walker said. “Just wasn’t enough to help my teammates tonight. Just a bad offensive night, terrible offensive night.
“… I got to find a way to help my teammates more. I got to be better for my teammates,” he added.
As seen in the result, it was a masterful strategy by the Raptors. They effectively shut down the Celtics' floor leader. But in Game 7, expect Walker and Celtics to bounce back.
Follow Us
Subscribe