Former Kentucky Wildcats In The NBA: 1-24-2013 Edition
Jan 23, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls point guard Nate Robinson (2) is defended by Detroit Pistons point guard Brandon Knight (7) during the second half at the United Center. The Bulls beat the Pistons 85-82. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports
There were thirteen former Wildcats in action on Wednesday around the NBA. Most of them played well even though many of their teams suffered defeat.
Chicago Bulls 85 – Detroit Pistons 82
> Brandon Knight, Guard, Detroit
> Tayshaun Prince, Forward, Detroit
> Nazr Mohammed, Center, Chicago
The Pistons and Bulls have played sixteen games against each other since December 23, 2008. That was the last time the Pistons have beaten the Bulls, and that streak continued last night. The Pistons held a 17-point lead at one point but the Bulls came roaring back in the second half. The Bulls opened up the fourth quarter with a 22-5 run to take the lead and made a game winning shot with 7 seconds left in the game. Former Cats Brandon Knight and Tayshaun Prince were the leaders for the Pistons last night. Knight had 13 points, 2 rebounds, 7 assists, and a blocked shot while Prince had 11 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist and a steal. Nazr Mohammed for the Bulls played just 8 seconds and missed his only shot. Rookie Marquis Teague didn’t play again due to the coach’s decision.
Utah Jazz 92 – Washington Wizards 88
> John Wall, Guard, Washington
> Enes Kanter, Center, Utah
Washington fell behind early and found themselves trailing by 22 in the first half. They battled their way back into the game and made it close, however, the deficit was just too much to overcome. John Wall is starting to look more and more like his normal self after coming back from knee injury. He filled the stat sheet with 14 points, 2 rebounds, 8 assists, and a blocked shot. Enes Kanter also played well as he made all four of his shots and put up 10 points and grabbed 3 rebounds.
Phoenix Suns 106 – Sacramento Kings 96
> Demarcus Cousins, Center, Sacramento
> Chuck Hayes, Forward-Center, Sacramento
This was a close game throughout until the Suns were able to pull away in the fourth quarter. The Kings committed a season-high 24 turnovers which certainly hindered their chances of winning the game. Demarcus Cousins was a bright spot for the Kings as he had another impressive night recording his 19th double-double of the season. He had 15 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and a block shot. Unfortunately he was responsible for 6 of the team’s 24 turnovers. Chuck Hayes also came off the bench to see some action. He was able to corral 2 rebounds but didn’t score any points.
San Antonio Spurs 106 – New Orleans Hornets 102
> Anthony Davis, Forward-Center, New Orleans
This was another closely contested game down to the very end. After spraining his left ankle two nights ago against Sacramento, Anthony Davis was able to start for the Hornets last night. He got into foul trouble early but was able to record 9 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal.
Atlanta Hawks 104 – Charlotte Bobcats 92
> Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Forward, Charlotte
The Hawks took the series sweep of the Bobcats with a win last night. The Bobcats have now dropped three in a row and have the second lowest winning percentage in the NBA. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist has been doing everything he can to help turn his team around. Last night he had 8 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals.
Denver Nuggets 105 – Houston Rockets 95
> Patrick Patterson, Forward-Center, Houston
It appeared this game would come down to the wire until the Nuggets made a 21-5 run and put the game out of reach. Former Cat Patrick Patterson had a solid performance with 10 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 2 steals, and a blocked shot.
Memphis Grizzlies 106 – Los Angeles Lakers 93
> Jodie Meeks, Guard, Los Angeles
The Lakers have been struggling all season and their fortune didn’t turn around last night. They lost another frustrating game yesterday and have now lost four in a row. Jodie Meeks played 8 minutes for the Lakers and dropped in 9 points to go along with one rebound and one blocked shot.
Golden State Warriors 104 – Oklahoma City Thunder 99
> DeAndre Liggins, Guard, Oklahoma City
Kevin Durant had another impressive shooting performance by putting up 33 points. However, it wasn’t enough to stop the Warriors from controlling the game and picking up the win. DeAndre Liggins contributed 2 points and 2 rebounds for the Thunder in the loss.