Asked to sit on the bench at the start of the second half, Kemba Walker didn’t slam his fist or stamp his feet. Though he’s the type of player who wants to stay on the court every second of every game, Walker said he is willing to take it slow this time. He knows the health of his left knee could depend on it.
“I’m getting back,” Walker said, “and I’m not going to rush the process.”
Walker, still on restricted playing time, sat for the first 11 minutes of the second half so he could be available for more of the fourth quarter. He sat even though the prolonged stint on the bench cooled off his hot hand. He sat even though it might have cost the Celtics a win in Philadelphia. He sat because, at this stage of his recovery, a patient approach makes the most sense. After whatever happens in the playoffs, the Celtics will barely remember they lost to the 76ers 117-109 on a Wednesday night in January. If anything from the game…
