Luke Walton hasn't seen the floor much this postseason. But Tuesday night in a Game 3 win, Walton entered the game in the first quarter after Ron Artest picked up two quick fouls. He ended up getting 13 minutes of playing time in the win, the most he's seen all postseason. Walton scored only two points, but he was plus-13 last night -- the best of any Laker. And after he made his only shot of the game, it sparked a 32-8 run for the team. That run was also aided by another bench player, Lamar Odom, who had his best game of the series to the tune of 12 points and five boards. But as Walton explained to Arash Markazi of ESPN Los Angeles, such an offensive performance by the team when he was in the game was no fluke. "I've been watching all the tape and watching from the bench, and I've been dying to get in and get a chance to play," Walton said. "I know how they load their defense, and in my mind's eye I had an idea of how to move the ball from one side to the other and getting into the middle and making some passes and getting some guys some easy looks." Whether Walton continues to get more run remains to be seen. After all, Artest's foul trouble gave him an opening. (Though, Artest has certainly had trouble finding his way in the triangle this season.) But in his only significant appearance of the Finals, he's proved he's capable of running the triangle well against Boston's defense. It could potentially lead to more playing time if Phil Jackson deems it appropriate. Source: ESPN LA
"I think Walton's play in the first quarter was massive. He comes in with Boston on a roll, the building rocking, and outplays Paul Pierce. Not that he put up huge numbers, but he had a bigger impact. Pierce was 0-5 in the quarter. It's the little things like that, a team hanging in and even excelling in a moment where a game can get out of hand, that make a huge difference. ... He'll play a few more minutes, but not 'big' minutes." - Brian Kamenetzky of ESPN Los Angeles
Luke is a decent defender as long as he isn't matched up against quick players. I liked the minutes he gave us last night. Once again, I'll reiterate that I think Luke can really help this team because of his knowledge of the triangle, and the way he runs the offense and gets everyone involved. The game is a lot smoother and under control when he checks in. I hope he can continue to give us this type of production if Ron is in foul trouble again, or decides to lay another egg.
I haven't seen Artest lay an egg, yet. Any added offense from him is just a bonus. His defense has been outstanding. Its what he was brought in here to do.
