It was not until the post-season that Wolves could really measure the contribution of Nickeil Alexander Walker. Arrived from Utah with Mike Conley during the “trade deadline”, the rear has been invaluable for the collective of Chris Finch since Jaden McDaniels signed his end of the season by punching a wall .
In the last play-in game, he had already remarkably muzzled his cousin, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to help Minnesota win over OKC. Last night, he did it again by turning into an X factor during the overtime won by Minnesota in Game 4 of its series against Denver.
The MVP of the game for Anthony Edwards
With his team back to the wall, he first found Mike Conley for a first 3-pointer before stringing together two in a row to put the Nuggets the right distance and keep Wolves alive in the game. series. His defense on Jamal Murray was also an important element in avoiding the sweep as the Denver point guard finished 19 points at 8/21 shooting. Remember that “Bubble Murray” reappeared in this series, and the Wolves had all the trouble to stop him. In the morning, Alexander-Walker learned that he was going to defend against his compatriot, and he was remarkable on his legs, but also in his activity.
Author of 34 points, Anthony Edwards named him MVP of the match, believing that all the credit for the victory was his.
“I was with him at Karl-Anthony Towns the day before the game. I was like, “Nickeil, you were 2-2 in the last 3-point game and you only took two. You should take more shots.” That’s how I know he’s made for the playoffs… During regulation time, he didn’t take one, and there in overtime, he put two important ones. So I’m just trying to encourage him to shoot more.”, confided “Ant-Man”.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker seeks stability
In summary, the rear has taken his troubles patiently since his arrival and was able to seize his chance when it presented itself. “NAW” continues to take the steps in his new franchise in his new environment, he who has now been a starter since the start of the playoffs.
“It’s hard for a guy to come into the league with a vision of what he can be, how he wants to play and get into the league,” said Chris Finchwho knew him in his early days at the Pelicans. “It doesn’t always go as planned, at least not right away. I think he is now at peace with his identity as a player. He plays a lot more to his strengths.
While attending his third franchise in four years, the Canadian now aspires to a little stability and hopes to continue the adventure in Minnesota beyond the end of the season when he will be a protected free agent this summer.
“I am grateful to Minnesota, to the coach, Chris Finch and the management. They gave me a chance. I’ve worked very, very hard, tirelessly, and sometimes I’m too hard on myself, to get an opportunity.”he slipped, aware that the ax did not go far. “As I had this chance, I would love to come back. I believe in this group. I believe we can find a solution together and do something special”.
| Nickeil Alexander Walker | Percentage | Bounces | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Crew | GM | Minimum | Shots | 3 points | LF | Off | Def | Early | pd | party | Int | bp | CT | Points |
| 2019-20 | NOP | 47 | 13 | 36.8 | 34.6 | 67.6 | 0.2 | 1.6 | 1.8 | 1.9 | 1.2 | 0.4 | 1.2 | 0.2 | 5.7 |
| 2020-21 | NOP | 46 | 22 | 41.9 | 34.7 | 72.7 | 0.3 | 2.9 | 3.1 | 2.2 | 1.9 | 1.0 | 1.5 | 0.5 | 11.0 |
| 2021-22 * | All Teams | 65 | 23 | 37.2 | 31.1 | 74.3 | 0.6 | 2.3 | 2.9 | 2.4 | 1.6 | 0.7 | 1.4 | 0.4 | 10.7 |
| 2021-22 * | NOP | 50 | 26 | 37.5 | 31.1 | 72.2 | 0.7 | 2.6 | 3.3 | 2.8 | 1.8 | 0.8 | 1.7 | 0.4 | 12.8 |
| 2021-22 * | UTH | 15 | 10 | 33.3 | 30.3 | 91.7 | 0.1 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.1 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 3.5 |
| 2022-23 * | All Teams | 59 | 15 | 44.4 | 38.4 | 66.7 | 0.3 | 1.5 | 1.7 | 1.8 | 1.5 | 0.5 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 6.2 |
| 2022-23 * | UTH | 36 | 15 | 48.8 | 40.2 | 69.2 | 0.2 | 1.4 | 1.6 | 2.1 | 1.6 | 0.7 | 1.3 | 0.4 | 6.3 |
| 2022-23 * | MIN | 23 | 16 | 38.4 | 36.1 | 61.9 | 0.3 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 1.4 | 1.3 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 5.9 |
| Total | 217 | 18 | 39.7 | 33.9 | 71.3 | 0.3 | 2.0 | 2.4 | 2.1 | 1.6 | 0.7 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 8.4 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def= defensive rebound; Tot = Total bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; Points = Points.
