Kemba Walker Playing Like An All-Star For Charlotte Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets are playing their best basketball of the season, having won seven of their last eight games and reaching sixth place in the Eastern Conference. With the Hornets only two games behind the No. 3 seed Boston Celtics, home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs is a real possibility.

There are many reasons behind why the Hornets have been so successful this season. One can say a factor has been Marvin Williams having a career-season. The 29-year-old is averaging 11.4 points and 6.8 rebounds, and he has also been a reliable three-point shooter, making 40 percent from downtown. Another key has been the Hornets’ defense as they are allowing 101 points per game, good for 10th in the league. Charlotte is also 10th in scoring as they average 103.2 points. Nicolas Batum has been a blessing for the Hornets as well, putting up 14.6 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game.

The biggest reason for the Hornets’ success has been the play of Kemba Walker. On the season, Walker is averaging 21.5 points, 5.3 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game. His play has elevated as the season has gone on. Over the last 10 games, he is averaging 25.6 points and 7.2 assists. He has also been more efficient, shooting 47 percent from the field.

The addition of Courtney Lee has taken some pressure off Walker, particularly on the defensive end. Charlotte is one of the most versatile teams in the league as their second-unit guards, Jeremy Lin and Jeremy Lamb, play multiple positions.

With Walker playing at an elite level and the return of Al Jefferson, the Hornets are a well-balanced team that most will be afraid of. Look for the Hornets to surprise some people in the postseason.