Walker stings Jazz with record scoring spree

KEMBA WALKER

CHARLOTTE • Kemba Walker recorded a career-high 52 points as the Charlotte Hornets downed the Utah Jazz 124-119 in double overtime in the National Basketball Association on Monday.

His virtuoso display included nine points in the second overtime period and a critical three-pointer with 2min 53sec left, which took Charlotte 116-110 clear.

He also contributed eight assists and nine rebounds as the Hornets earned just their second win in the last 11 games.

Utah looked to be taking a grip on the contest in the first overtime period, which began with a decisive dunk from centre Rudy Gobert.

Eight points from Walker, however, helped Charlotte keep pace with Utah and take the game to double overtime with the scores level at 108-108.

Walker's final haul was a franchise record for Charlotte and also marked the first time any Hornets player had topped 50 points in an NBA game.

The 25-year-old from New York said that he had consciously set out to be more aggressive.

"When I had my shots, I was just trying to be aggressive and take them... and they were falling in," he told reporters, adding that he had not been keeping track of his points haul during the game.

"I was just playing my game. Somebody told me I had 48 points. It was just the way the game went."

The Los Angeles Clippers also needed overtime to see off the Houston Rockets 140-132 on Monday, albeit in just one extra period.

Clippers guard J.J. Redick set a franchise record with nine three-pointers and scored a career-high 40 points at the Staples Center.

The Clippers also broke the club record for treys made, connecting on 22-of-37 attempts (59.5 per cent).

Point guard Chris Paul, who made five three-pointers, had 28 points, 12 assists and six rebounds as Los Angeles (27-14) ended a five-game losing skid against the Rockets.

"I take every loss personally," said Redick.

"I don't think anyone likes to lose. But the frustration stemming back from last season, they beat us pretty good.

"I felt like they had our number, or have our number or whatever. But this was a great win for us."

Centre Dwight Howard had 36 points and 26 rebounds to lead the Rockets.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, REUTERS

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on January 20, 2016, with the headline Walker stings Jazz with record scoring spree. Subscribe