Charlotte Hornets point guard Kemba Walker broke former All-Star Glen Rice's franchise record for 40-point games against the Philadelphia 76ers. Walker now has 11 such outings in his eight years with the franchise. Rice was reportedly in the building to witness Walker break his record.
Kemba Walker (41) now has 11 40pt games which is a #Hornets record.
Previous record holder Glen Rice is in the building.
— Nick Carboni (@NickCarboniWCNC) November 18, 2018
This is Walker's second 40-point game this season after he dropped 41 points against the Milwaukee Bucks on the team's opening night.
While this isn't meant to take anything away from Walker, it is worth noting that Rice accomplished this feat in just three seasons with the Hornets. Though he did spend the majority of his playing days with the Miami Heat, he had his most productive years in Charlotte. Rice had a career year in the 1997-98 season where he averaged 26.8 points on 47.7 percent shooting from the field, and shot a similarly blistering 47 percent from beyond the arc.
Nonetheless, Walker's longevity and commitment to the franchise allowed him to snatch the record from Rice. Walker also owns several other records for the North Carolina-based squad, including the most points in franchise history.
Article Continues BelowUnfortunately, the Philadelphia 76ers' newest addition Jimmy Butler just spoiled Walker's huge night with a game-winning triple that sucked the gravity out of the Time Warner Cable arena. The Hornets lost in overtime, 122-119.
Despite the loss, Walker still accomplished more historical records on the night. Walker had a career game with 60 points, the first in franchise history. Aside from that, he also became the second player to succeed a couple of 76ers legends' records.
Kemba Walker is the:
– 1st player in Hornets history with a 60-point game
– 2nd player 6'1" or shorter with a 60-point game in NBA history (Allen Iverson)
– 2nd player in NBA history with a 60-point game against the 76ers (Wilt Chamberlain) pic.twitter.com/CLpLe0XVLJ— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) November 18, 2018
Charlotte is now below .500 after dropping this heart-breaker to the Sixers. Kemba Walker will look to carry the momentum from his career night onto their next outing against the Boston Celtics next on Monday.