National Basketball Association

Walker's 18 points lift Bobcats past Hawks, 79-77

Published Dec. 19, 2011 9:40 p.m. ET

foxsports

Kemba Walker opened his NBA career with a solid performance, shaking off a slow start to score a game-high 18 points - including the go-ahead layup- to lift the Bobcats to a 79-77 win over the Hawks in the preseason opener for both teams.

After missing eight of his first 10 shots, including a dunk on a fastbreak, Walker made a 17-footer and a driving layup over two defenders in the closing 90 seconds. He used his quickness to draw fouls in the lane and shot 9 for 11 from the line.

Josh Smith and Al Horford each scored 11 points to lead the Hawks.

The Bobcats got a strong effort from Boris Diaw, making his first start at center since the departure of Kwame Brown. Playing well away from the basket, Diaw shot 5 for 8 from the field and finished with 12 points.