Kemba Walker's return to New York became one of the most anticipated storylines heading into a Knicks season already filled with anticipation after the point guard was brought in to replace Elfrid Payton in the offseason.
But through his first two games at Madison Square Garden, the Bronx native hadn't been able to capture the magic he formed on that same floor as a college star with UConn. He put in over 35 minutes in New York's double overtime win over the Celtics in the season opener, but shot 3-for-8 from the field with four turnovers. In Sunday's loss to the Magic, the Knicks were outscored by 14 when he was on the floor.
But Walker finally had his breakout game in New York on Tuesday night.
In a big rebound win over the 76ers, Walker continued his hot 3-point shooting but took it to another level, going 5-for-11 from beyond the arc and finishing with 19 points, nearly double his previous season high, and was a big catalyst in a dominant second quarter for the Knicks that ultimately decided the game, sinking four straight shots during the overwhelming New York run.
"I was waiting for that moment," Walker said. "It was the kind of moment I've dreamed of when I was a young kid wanting to be in the NBA watching the Knicks play. Coming to a Knicks game and seeing how the crowd goes crazy. That was a great moment."
Listen to New York sports talk now on Audacy and shop the latest Knicks team gear
The crowd was roaring for Walker on Tuesday, watching the beloved New York product shoot 7-for-15 from the field while finishing with a +3, his first game in the green so far this season.
"I was just trying to take what the defense gave me," Walker said. "My teammates did a great job setting great screens for me. Taj, Mitch, and even Julius set some great screens for me, and I was able to get to my pull-up. They were just dropping."
For Walker, it was a glimpse of what he envisioned when he arrived back home in New York, helping the home team to victory while surrounded by familiar faces, both on the court and in the stands.
"I saw a lot of familiar faces in the crowd for sure," Walker said. "My old coach was in the crowd tonight, I saw some guys from high school in the crowd tonight. Just growing up playing in the Garden, it brought back a lot of memories."
The Knicks hope Walker's breakout is a launching pad for a return to All-Star form. He had hovered around 20 minutes of action over the last two games before putting in 28 on Tuesday, as he works his way back to a more full workload following recent injury problems. But Walker looked healthy and like his old self on Tuesday, finally realizing what he dreamed about when he was brought in by his hometown team.
"It was fun," Walker said. "Hopefully we can have more moments like that. It was just such a great team win. Everybody contributed in many different ways. That's how New York basketball is. Everybody brings it together. It was fun. It was a great overall win."
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
Follow WFAN on Social Media
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitch
