Hornets’ Kemba Walker scores career-high 52 points in win over Jazz

Hornets guard Kemba Walker dropped 52 points in Monday’s win over the Jazz, a career-high and the second-highest total by an NBA player on Martin Luther King Day.

Hornets guard Kemba Walker dropped 52 points in Monday’s double-overtime win over the Jazz, a career-high, franchise record and the highest total by an NBA player on Martin Luther King Day.

Walker’s previous high was a 42-point effort against the Magic on Dec. 27, 2014. He is the fourth NBA player to top 50 points this season. Jimmy Butler of the Bulls scored 53 on Thursday. 

The previous franchise record for points in a game was 48 by Glen Rice in 1997 with the original Hornets franchise, before the team moved to New Orleans.

Walker also came close to recorded a triple-double, adding nine rebounds and eight assists. He was 16 for 34 from the field and 14 for 15 from the free-throw line.

HIGHLIGHTS: @KembaWalker's career night (52 points) in double-OT against the Jazz 🙌https://t.co/6zmtivxzVf

— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) January 18, 2016

• Watch: Kristaps Porzingis lights up Sixers in overtime win

Walker spoke recently with SI.com’s Rob Mahoney about how he’s worked to improve his jump shot. 

“When I shot last year, I was putting the ball in front of my face,” Walker said. “So now we just try to move it over a little more to the right so the ball isn't in front of my face anymore.”

- Dan Gartland