Facing the Magic, Jarace Walker had the best game of his short career with 17 points at 7/7 shooting including 3/3 at 3-pts, and also 6 rebounds, in 23 minutes. He has never scored so much in a game since his arrival in the league in 2023, his previous record (15 points) dating from last January.
“It was a superb performance from him”, declared Rick Carlisle after his troops' victory. “He earned his minutes. His shots are good, he rebounds and defends against the best opposing player. His big counter at the end of the first quarter really gave a new dynamic. There's nothing better than being in the heat of the moment to learn and he responded very well. »
Enjoy the present moment and those absent
Since the start of the season, and as in his first in the NBA, the interior had few opportunities because the competition in the paint is fierce in Indiana. But in recent days, James Wiseman and Isaiah Jackson have suffered the same injury, with a torn Achilles tendon, which necessarily opens doors for the 8th choice in the 2023 Draft and allows for a little more time game.
Over the last three matches, Jarace Walker has had an average of 17 minutes on the field to express himself, compiling 8.3 points at 62% shooting success (and also at 3-pts) and 4.3 rebounds.
“His progress is exponential. He is progressing in all areas,” believes his coach. “He is a good passer, with excellent vision. He is arguably among the best in the league for vision of the game.”
Despite these compliments, the 21-year-old has no assurances about his playing time.
We must therefore take advantage of it for the moment because the future is uncertain. “I'm just starting to have fun. I don't take anything for granted. I know the NBA: there are ups and downs”puts the inside of the Pacers into perspective, while rumors indicate that the franchise could hire JaVale McGee to strengthen its domestic sector.
Jarace Walker | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
2023-24 | IND | 33 | 10 | 40.9 | 40.0 | 88.9 | 0.4 | 1.5 | 1.9 | 1.2 | 0.9 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 3.6 |
2024-25 | IND | 8 | 12 | 57.1 | 50.0 | 66.7 | 0.6 | 1.9 | 2.5 | 0.9 | 1.5 | 1.0 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 5.4 |
Total | 41 | 11 | 44.2 | 42.0 | 80.0 | 0.4 | 1.6 | 2.0 | 1.1 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 4.0 |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.