Hornets' Kemba Walker: Scores 18 in win

Walker scored 18 points (7-19 FG, 3-10 3Pt, 1-2 FT) and added five assists, three rebounds, and one steal in 33 minutes during Thursday's 97-87 win over the Mavericks.

Analysis:

The fact that this marks one of Walker's worst games of the season is a testament to how well he has played this year. Walker is setting career marks in points and field goal percentage, averaging 23.9 and 46.9 percent, respectively. Before this season, Walker had never averaged more than 42.7 percent during a season, and if his current rate falls towards his career average, it would represent a significant hit to his current value. That said, while his shooting Thursday was inefficient, he had shot 49.4 percent over his previous five games, so it is still to early to worry about a regression.