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Something lost in the The Nets’ offensive success on Monday were the contributions of Lonnie Walker IV, who finished with 19 points, two rebounds and four assists in 27 minutes off the bench.
It was the most minutes Walker has played since Nov. 19. Brooklyn made 21 three-pointers as a team and he was responsible for four of them, which tied for second on the team with Cam Thomas. The return of Ben Simmonswho had 11 assists in just 18 minutes on Monday, had a lot to do with Walker and the team’s shooting success.
“He’s finding everyone, making sure everyone looks their best,” Walker said. “And he makes his teammates better, everyone around him. So I think that’s something that really helps lift us up, especially throughout the game, keeping everyone in the rhythm of the game… It was a pleasure to see him, just happy to have him back.”
Walker missed 17 consecutive games from December 2 to January 3 due to a strained left hamstring. Before suffering that injury, he was averaging 14.6 points while shooting 48.9% from the field and 46.3% from deep. There was a time when he led the NBA in 20-point games off the bench, which catapulted him to the position Conversation about the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award.
Walker’s numbers have declined since returning from injury, as he is averaging 7.5 points while shooting 44.4% from the field and 39.5% from deep over his last 11 appearances. He has been on a minutes restriction, playing just 14.1 minutes per night. But head coach Jacque Vaughn said Walker’s minutes restriction has been eased as he has passed certain benchmarks in his return-to-play progression.
“My body feels great,” Walker said. “That’s been my goal as far as staying consistent and being available. I’m putting in extra time eating, sleeping, an extra hour or two at the gym, maintaining the contrast in the hot/cold tub, whatever. I feel very good. No, it’s just day to day, trying to be better than yesterday.”
The 25-year-old’s injury was undoubtedly a setback in what has been one of his best seasons in the NBA. But he should only continue to heat up as his minutes increase, and Simmons’ unselfish nature should only help his production.
Walker, who entered the season on a one-year veteran’s minimum contract, is likely out of the Sixth Man of the Year conversation for now, but said he’s “on to bigger and better things.” He is not worried about awards and recognitions right now. He is playing to secure his future in the league.
“I’m at a low, so I carry that weight on my shoulders as far as finding a home, playing the right way and continuing to get better,” Walker said. “Every day I try to be consistent. I wake up, I meditate, I read, I do this and I just don’t try to skip any steps… My goal is to win. I have been playing this game; I’m 25 years old and I’ve been playing this game for 25 years. So, I love to win, and if you win, everyone eats. That’s the end of everything. Maybe this year, maybe next year, or the year after that, when I get a chance to sit back and say, ‘Let me try to get these accolades,’ but right now, I’m really just stuck trying to find that forever home. ”.
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