Kemba being out is good for the young guys.
Some of the Celtic losses, especially late in the 4th, is due to Kemba's penchant for taking "all in" shots.
I think it's best if the Celts preserve Kemba for the playoffs.
Such as?
Kemba has the tendency to launch 3-pointers, in crunch time, when the Celts really don't need it.
I've also noticed that Kemba makes more 3-pointers early in the qtr. than late in the qtr.
He's shooting 44% from 3pt in crunch time this year, which is higher than his season average of 39% and equal to what he shoots from 3pt in the 4th quarter overall.
https://www.espn.com/nba/playbyplay?gameId=401160854
1:44 Kemba Walker misses 26-foot three point pullup jump shot 94 - 90
With the Celts leading by 4, in regulation, why shoot a 3?
Maybe it's the decision making.
That shot and miss led to a Clipper fast break that cut the Celtic lead to 2 points with 1:37 left in the 4th.
Celts ended up losing that game in OT.
Kemba has this knack of going for "all in" shots in crunch time.
I think Kemba needs to learn that he's with the Celtics already, not the Hornets.
So, according to you: "Some of the Celtic losses, especially late in the 4th, is due to Kemba's penchant for taking "all in" shots." and your one example is from November 20th, 41 games ago, half a season back! And it's untrue as Kemba hits threes at an elite level late in close games!
Here's another example.
https://www.espn.com.au/nba/playbyplay?gameId=401160999
1:44 Kemba Walker misses 27-foot three point pullup jump shot 109 - 111
Brogdon just hit 2 FTs to give the Pacers a 2-point lead with 1:59 remaining.
Kemba tried to go all in with a 3-pointer.
When Kemba missed, Justin Holiday makes a 3-pointer at the other end to give the Pacers a 5-point lead.
Game over for the Celts.
Like I said, it's not that we don't want Kemba to shoot, just don't go "all in" all the time.
So your only other example is from 34 games ago? Can you see how your complaint is irrelevant?
I can post more examples if you want.
We can also double check using my League Pass.
The complaint is just to become better with the decision making in crunch time.
I think there's nothing wrong with asking for Kemba to make better decisions in crunch time.
Kemba's not used to winning because he's been with Charlotte most of his career.
With Boston, Kemba has lots of options because he's surrounded by very good players.
That's why he doesn't need to have that "all in" mentality in crunch time.
Kemba just needs to learn to trust his teammates.
He doesn't need to do it all by himself.
This is an odd take. It's the first time I've ever heard Kemba be accused of trying to do it all himself while playing for the Celtics. He's actually been very selfless this year, he was feeding JT when JT was hot. Even at the end of the game. When JB is hot he feeds the ball to JB.
Sometimes we can second guess players too much. Sometimes it's the right shot but he just missed.
TP...could not agree more. Kemba in the last 5 minutes of games in close games hits 3s at an elite rate but somehow is getting criticized for the ones he misses?!?!?! The whole take makes very little sense to me and, IMO, is just not based in reality. Kemba, late in games has been beyond clutch, with his scoring, defense and playmaking...again, just my opinion.
I agree Kemba's defense has been great in the clutch.
I'll give you another example.
If you have league pass you can check it for yourself.
4:22 Kemba Walker misses 25-foot step back jumpshot 97 - 92
That was the game the Sixers beat the Celts in Boston.
Embiid just scored to give the Sixers a 97-92 lead.
Kemba's response was a step back 3 that missed.
Embiid got the rebound and ended up making a 3 on the Sixers' next possession.
That gave the Sixers an 8-point lead, 100-92.
Game over for the Celts.
Again, it's not that Kemba shoots poorly in the clutch, it's about taking good shots.
Sometimes Kemba tries win it all with one shot.
What we see happening in games trumps the stats because the stats don't tell the whole story.
I already gave 3 examples.
Every Celtic fan here who watch the Celtics on a regular basis has seen Jayson Tatum make clutch shots numerous times this season.
Can't say the same for Kemba.
But it's true that Kemba has drawn a lot of charges in the clutch.