Former Kentucky Wildcats in the NBA
By Wayne
Nov 21, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets power forward Patrick Patterson (54) shoots against Chicago Bulls power forward Carlos Boozer (5) during the first quarter at the Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-US PRESSWIRE
Happy Thanksgiving!
There was a ton of NBA action last night and most of the games involved former Kentucky Wildcats…so let’s jump right in!
Houston Rockets-93 Chicago Bulls-89
>Patrick Patterson, PF, Houston
>Terrence Jones, PF, Houston
>Nazr Mohammed, C, Chicago
>Marquis Teague, PG, Chicago
Patterson had monster game for the resurgent Houston Rockets. Putting up 20 points while grabbing 8 boards is precisely why he was a lottery pick and now that he’s getting to start every game, his play has only improved. Clearly he is every bit the talent we watched stalk to post at Rupp but his long range game has improved as well. With the acquisition of James Harden from the OKC Thunder, he is back on another special team. Jones, at this point, is just along for the ride. He plays sparingly much of the time and was a DNP this game.
Unfortunately, the loser of this game also is home to a couple former Cats, Nazr Mohammed and Marquis Teague. Neither of whom played.
Sacramento Kings-113 Los Angeles Lakers-97
>DeMarcus Cousins, C, Kings
>Chuck Hayes, PF, Kings
This game featured a trio of former Cats with DeMarcus Cousins and Chuck Hayes of the Kings and Jodie Meeks of the Lake Show. Finding minutes for some guys is tough, like Chuck Hayes because he’s an undersized Forward, but his pitbull style of play earns him his time on the floor. He provided a very nice spark off the bench, contributing 10 points and grabbing 5 rebounds. In what was a lackluster game for Big Cuz, 7 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, we mustn’t forget that he was going against Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol so he was, essentially the whipping boy for the bigs down low and his offensive numbers took a hit but he did his job and the Kings pulled out the victory.
Not lost, however, in the Lake Show with their new coach, was Jodie Meeks. His 15 points off the bench should earn him additional playing time because the scoring of the guards for the Lakers is consistently poor after Kobe Bryant.
Brooklyn Nets-93 Golden State Warriors-102
>Keith Bogans, SG, Nets
Bogans, game in and game out, does what his team needs and that is tough, hardnosed defense. Any offese is icing. He did contribute 6 points and 3 rebounds in the losing effort.
Charlotte Bobcats-98 Toronto Raptors-97
>Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, PF, Charlotte
The Wizards are now 6-4 which nearly matches their win total for ALL LAST SEASON and the change of culture is thanks, in no small part, to the ability and energy of MKG. Tonight his 14 points, 3 boards, 2 assists, 2 steals, and unbelievable hardnosed Defense were enough to outlast to Raptors.
strong>Los Angeles Clippers-111 Oklahoma City Thunder-117
>Eric Bledsoe, PG, Clippers
>DeAndre Liggins, PG, OKC
>Daniel Orton, C, OKC
In a battle between to of the West’s best teams, Kentucky loses. Well that is if you consider having former Cats on both teams a loss anyway. With DNP’s for Liggins and Orton, it was up to Bledsoe to rep the BBN on the floor and he was more than successful, pouring in 14 points, grabbing 3 boards and dishing out 4 dimes. All in a loss however.
strong>Milwaukee Bucks-106 Miami Heat-113
>Doron Lamb, SG, Bucks
>Josh Harrelson, C, Heat
Unfortunately neither Cat saw any action in this game with Lamb as a DNP and Harrelson as Inactive. Harrelson was able to enjoy the victory though.
strong>New Orleans Hornets-107 Indiana Pacers-115
>Anthony Davis, C, Hornets
Davis was Inactive due to a sprained ankle and had to sit idly by while the Pacers beat his Hornets.
strong>Detroit Pistons-74 Orlando Magic-90
>Tayshaun Prince, SF, Detroit
>Brandon Knight, PG, Detroit
Here we have two good players on a bad team. Tayshaun has been there for many years and Knight for only a couple but their combined efforts have only produced two victories this season. Prince finished with 10 points, 8 boards and 1 assist. Knight finished with 8 points, 2 rebounds, and 5 assists.
strong>Charlotte Bobcats-98 Toronto Raptors-97
>Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, PF, Charlotte
Don’t look now, but the Bobcats are 6-4 and 1 win away from matching last season’s total number of wins (7). The culture of that club is changing and if you think the addition of rookie MKG isn’t partly responsible, you need medication. His ability, energy, and ferocious D have helped spark this team to believe they can win. He and Kemba Walker are a legitimate duel threat. He finished with 14 points, 3 board, 2 assists, and 2 steals in the victory.