The Charlotte Hornets finished the regular season with an impressive 48-34 record and were led by point guard Kemba Walker, who averaged 20.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.56 steals per game. He's got to continue that fine play in the postseason, or the squad is in trouble. On Sunday, the Hornets got wrecked by the Miami Heat in Game 1 of their first round playoff series, losing 123-91. Walker shot 6-of-13 for a very solid 19 points, but only dished one assist. Here's the Charlotte Observer reporting:

It wasn’t Walker’s worst game of the season if you look at the numbers. He shot respectably (6-for-13) and scored decently (19 points).

But Walker’s plus-minus was a nasty minus-32, and Miami Heat point guard Goran Dragic had 10 assists compared with Kemba’s one. The Walker-Dragic matchup is one that Charlotte absolutely must win every night to have any shot at this series.

To make matters worse, Walker also tweaked his knee in Sunday’s game. He got treatment on it Monday and participated in the team’s optional shootaround at the University of Miami. He seemed to be moving OK.

“The knee is fine, and the days of rest will probably help me,” Walker said Monday. “I got treatment, but I’ve been getting treatment all year. I’m not missing any games.”