Kemba Walker makes dull EuroLeague debut, but Monaco secures first win / News - Basketnews.com

Kemba Walker debuted with an AS Monaco jersey with 2 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist, while his team achieved its first victory in the new EuroLeague season winning 82-76 against Crvena Zvezda.

Credit: Srdjan Stevanovic / Contributor / Getty Images Credit Srdjan Stevanovic / Contributor / Getty Images

AS Monaco star guard Kemba Walker made his EuroLeague debut on Wednesday night. The four-time NBA All-Star appeared on the Stark Arena court after not playing an official game since January 6.

Player of the Game EFF 24 Mike James Points 18 Accuracy 7-13 Rebounds 3 Assists 11

Although Walker's entry was rusty, Mike James-led Monaco managed to secure their first win in the 2023-24 EuroLeague season and currently holds a 1-2 record. The team overcame Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade on the road, 82-76.

Kemba checked into the game with 2:58 left in the first quarter, marking his first official appearance in almost five minutes. During this time, Walker missed two three-pointers and a mid-range jumper.

He re-entered the game in the mid-third quarter, and this time, his presence was marked by making two free throws.

Walker finished the game with 2 points (0/1 2PT, 0/2 3PT, 2/2 FT), 2 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 PIR over more than 10 minutes.

The game held special significance as it reunited Walker with Shabazz Napier, his former teammate at the University of Connecticut during the 2010-11 season, where they secured the NCAA championship.

Napier, a current Crvena Zvezda guard, had 7 points (2/6 2PT, 1/7 3PT), 2 assists, 2 steals, 3 turnovers, and -2 PIR on the other side.

Another former NBA guard, Mike James, stole the spotlight in this game, posting a double-double with 18 points (3/5 2PT, 4/8 3PT) and 11 assists.

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