Walker Shines in Loss to Cavaliers
Billy “Sky” Walker is showing just what he can do when given extended playing time.
With starting forward Wilson Chandler out due to a death in his family, Walker took full advantage of playing a career-high 34 minutes off the bench as he set career highs with 21 points and five rebounds in an otherwise disappointing 124-93 defeat to the Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on Monday night.
“Some of these guys have been in a situation where they haven’t played,” said veteran swingman Tracy McGrady. “So when you get that opportunity, you go out there and try to make the best of it.”
And that’s what Walker did as he was the one bright spot for the Knicks, who fell behind by double digits early on and never recovered against LeBron James and the NBA-leading Cavaliers. Known mostly for his incredible leaping ability, the 6-foot-6 Walker showcased his entire offensive package, shooting 9-for-14 from the field, including two 3-pointers, a couple midrange jump shots and several layups.
Walker, a second-year player, has played only four games with the Knicks but already has a spot in Mike D’Antoni’s rotation after coming over from the Boston Celtics at the trade deadline two weeks ago. The Knicks are giving the former second-round pick the opportunity that he was unable to get in Boston while playing behind veterans like Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen.
“I’m just happy to play,” said Walker, who appeared in 37 games in two seasons with the Celtics. “This is what I want to do. I love playing basketball and just wake up everyday and enjoy the moment.”
Walker might just be a diamond in the rough for the Knicks, who will have a lot of open roster spots next season after making several trades over the past two seasons to clear salary cap space. Walker brings energy, athleticism and a physical presence the Knicks have been missing for quite some time now. He also brings an excitement to the game every time he touches the ball as fans wait for a high-flying play.
Walker certainly had some exciting moments in Cleveland, especially in the first half when he scored 14 points – surpassing his previous career high of eight in a game. He scored four straight points just minutes after checking in early in the opening quarter, including a big dunk that served as one of the Knicks lone highlights and their easiest bucket on a night where they were held to 40.9-percent shooting.
Walker played the entire fourth quarter and was joined on the court by another youngster, Toney Douglas, who will also get a good over the final 24 games of the season. The rookie ended the night with six points and a career-best six assists in 21 minutes.
“His development is important and crucial going forward,” D’Antoni said.
Second year-forward Danilo Gallinari, although a starter, also played down the stretch as he continues to try to break out of a recent shooting slump. After struggling early in the game, he finished with 17 points on 5-for-13 shooting, including two from beyond the arc.
Al Harrington started in place of Chandler and scored 18 points. James led the Cavaliers with 22 points, seven rebounds and seven assists before sitting out the entire fourth quarter.
