Reunion special

"We just kept it simple basketball and things worked out well," said Walker. "This was a big win for us. Then, obviously, to come in and play well was big for me. I've got to continue to work, continue to learn everything.

"I like our team. I didn't know we were that talented. We've got a lot of guys who can do a lot of things. That relieves a lot of pressure of a lot of guys. We can go very deep on our bench and that carries you a long way, especially when you're fighting for a playoff spot."

Although Walker said he was comfortable playing a supporting role, he led the Celtics with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Down much of the game, the Celtics entered the fourth quarter behind, 80-78, but point guards Delonte West and Marcus Banks sparked a 14-2 run with 3-pointers while Paul Pierce and Walker sat on the bench. Banks found West for the shot from behind the arc that capped the spurt, put Boston ahead, 92-82, and showed that the young backcourt combo was up to the task of replacing Gary Payton. Coach Doc Rivers said the West and Banks "were absolutely fantastic all game."

The Jazz responded and closed within 1 (103-102) on a layup by Keith McLeod with 36.6 seconds left. Rivers called a timeout to compose his players. Mark Blount ended up at the line on the Celtics' next possession and hit a pair of free throws to push Boston ahead, 105-102, with 16 seconds remaining. Free throws by Ricky Davis sealed the win.

Entering the game, Walker was conscious of keeping it as simple as possible. He did not want to "get in the way" of whatever chemistry remained on offense with Payton gone. Walker rarely struggled on offense as the Celtics pared down their playbook and repeatedly fed him in the low post.

"You know what was nice with 'Toine?" said Rivers. "We had somewhere to go in the post. That's really nice, when you can go to the post over and over again. That's something we haven't been able to do.

"We've been trying to get our guards to throw it down the post, even before 'Toine came. Now, they threw it down there and couldn't stop throwing it down there."