Given up for dead, Walton comes alive, Tucson Citizen (AZ), January 7, 2000, Author: Steve RiveraTucson Citizen
His clutch performance and a late basket help lift the Wildcats over Cal.
STEVE RIVERA Citizen Sportswriter
BERKELEY, Calif. - It was only fitting that Luke Walton had the best performance of his young career in the land of the Dead Heads.
He felt at home, being a fan of the Grateful Dead and other things that made this area famous.
Mr. Tie-die tied one on last night as he helped Arizona get past California 65-61 at Haas Pavilion.
Walton scored five points, pulled down three rebounds and dished out three assists.
It was also the first time this season he hit two jumpers in a game. When was the last time he hit a jumper? ''It's been something like three games,'' he said.
Actually, it has been five. Not since UA's win against Indiana-Purdue had he hit something other than a free throw. He went into the Cal game shooting 24.3 percent from the floor.
''I try not to look at the stats,'' he said, smiling.
Last night, the numbers didn't matter. Walton said he felt comfortable, perhaps the most comfortable he has been this season.
''I wasn't even thinking out there,'' said Walton. ''I was just playing basketball, probably for the first time all year. I just felt good.''
Walton played 18 minutes of clutch basketball. With UA down 50-43 midway through the second half, he hit a three-pointer to draw Arizona within four points.
''That three-pointer made me feel confident,'' Walton said. ''Coach left me in and I felt good.''
Eventually, it was his 5-foot runner in the lane that helped Arizona get the lead for good with 2:30 left in the game.
''I just finally played,'' Walton said. ''I let it hang out.''
What Coach Lute Olson raved about afterward was not Walton's points but his energy, specifically because he had to do it with Richard Jefferson playing poorly and in foul trouble.
''I thought he did a great job in terms of his enthusiasm,'' Olson said. ''That spreads.''
UA needed Walton's contribution. Jefferson had only two points and two rebounds.
''Luke came in and played like Richard should play,'' Olson said.