Walter Clayton Jr. Picking up Steam in NBA

Former Florida standout Walter Clayton Jr. came off the bench to match his NBA career high Monday night. The Mavericks guard scored 20 points in Dallas’ 115-110 loss to the Sacramento Kings.

Clayton replaced Max Christie midway through the second quarter after he was ruled out with a hip injury. Dallas was already without guards Kyrie Irving and Sergio de Larrea.

In just 24 minutes, Clayton shot 6-for-9 from the field and 4-for-5 from 3-point range, landing all four of his free throws. He made four of Dallas’ seven 3-pointers. 

Clayton helped a last-ditch effort for the Mavericks hitting two 3-pointers less than two minutes apart in the fourth quarter. The second, a 25-footer off a pass from small forward Naji Marshall, cut Sacramento’s lead to 94-87 with 5:59 left. The Kings pulled away for their first win of the season.

This is Clayton’s second season in the league, joining the Mavericks on Oct. 21 after signing a two-way contract following being waived by the Memphis Grizzlies. Before Monday, he averaged only 4.2 points and three assists in 11.2 minutes in his first five appearances for Dallas. 

Clayton said he has been learning from Irving’s daily habits and approach to the game.

“Just from a day-to-day standpoint, how he takes care of himself, how he works, and then the mental aspect too,” Clayton said. “I think he’s been giving me little bits and pieces day by day. It’s definitely great having him and I’ve been learning a lot.”

He looks to find a consistent role in the NBA as he did in college when he led the Gators to a national championship. 

The Mavericks are 4-3, returning to the court Wednesday at San Antonio. Whether Clayton will see his first start as a Maverick depends on Irving’s availability. 

“I’m willing to adapt to whatever the team needs me to be on whatever night it is, whether that’s with the ball in my hands or without the ball in my hands,” Clayton said. 

Category: Former Gators, Gator Sports, Gators Men's Basketball, NBA