Walker on physical semis: ‘This is dirty play, this is not basketball’

MANILA, Philippines – “That’s not physicality. That’s just dirty play. That’s blatant dirty play.”

Alaska Aces import Henry Walker could not contain his frustration over what he perceived as “dirty play” following his team’s 99-87 loss against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in Game 2 of the best-of-5 semifinal series on Sunday, June 22 in the PLDT Home Telpad PBA Governors’ Cup. 

Game 2, which equalized the series for the Painters at 1-1, was marred with physical plays and high tempers all throughout. 

Walker, who finished with 18 points and 8 rebounds in a losing cause, spoke to reporters about the physicality he endured throughout the game. 

“The whole game, [Jireh] Ibañes, or whatever his name is, he’s twisting my arm up,” he said, his busted lip visibly swollen.

“Belga [was] trying to twist my arm up, trying to hip toss me, grabbing my arm and hits me in my mouth.”

Walker and Beau Belga figured in a skirmish at the 8:13 mark of the third in Game 2 after Belga freed himself from being entangled with Walker as the two big men battled for the rebound.  

Walker, who stumbled to the outside, came charging and shoved Belga, who in turn slammed into Calvin Abueva. 

Belga was called for an offensive foul while Walker was slapped a flagrant foul penalty 1.  

“I’m getting punched in the mouth. This is the second time in a row I’m getting punched, trying to dislocate my arm,” Walker said, also describing how he couldn’t feel his fingers and how his hand was sore. 

“I can take basketball stuff, like if it’s a basketball play. That’s cool. But this is dirty play, this is not basketball. This is like me grabbing your arm, trying to twist your arm out the socket or break your elbow. That’s dirty. That has nothing to do with basketball.” 

It took the 26-year old American import about an hour before he could walk out of the locker room as he was being treated by the team’s physical therapists for his right arm.  

With the game considered over for Alaska, Walker was subbed out with over a minute left in the game, grimacing in pain as he made his way to the bench.  

“All the dirty plays, I’m not gonna stand for that. I can see being physical and being in there, you checking everybody. But there’s a line you’re crossing when you’re really trying to break my arm. That’s not basketball.” 

Walker also lamented not getting calls. He was previously fined P20,000 for “misconduct and misdemeanor” during an Alaska – Meralco tune-up game last May 13 prior to the start of the conference. 

“I’m gonna get a call, get fined, because I reacted like any man would have reacted. It is what it is.”

He added: “I say something to the ref, he rolls his eyes. I know I’m a foreigner and stuff but come on now. I can’t be physical and stuff like that but you’re allowing them to be physical like that. But if that’s what they gotta do to win, then so be it.”

Acting as an anchor for Alaska this entire conference with averages of 21 points and 9 rebounds per game, Walker is looking to put Game 2 behind him and instead focus his energy on a crucial Game 3. 

“I’m sore right now. Got a lot of treatment ahead of me today and tomorrow so I can get ready to play.” 

Game 3 of this semifinal series will take place Tuesday, June 24. – Rappler.com