Former Kentucky Wildcats In The NBA: 1-26-2013 Edition

Jan 25, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Hornets power forward Anthony Davis (23) shoots over Houston Rockets power forward Patrick Patterson (54) during the first quarter of a game at the New Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

There were thirteen former Wildcats in action last night in the NBA.  As the picture above shows, some of them squared off against each other.

Atlanta Hawks 123 – Boston Celtics 111 (2 OT)

> Rajon Rondo, Guard, Boston

This was certainly the game of the night in the NBA yesterday.  The Celtics jumped out to a big lead early and led by nineteen points at halftime.  The Hawks were able to fight their way back into the game by starting the second half on a 21-2 run which tied the game.  Kyle Korver converted on eight three-pointers to help his team force overtime.  The Hawks were finally able to break away and win in the second overtime period.  Despite the loss, Rondo had a monster game.  He had a triple-double with 16 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds, and a steal.

Houston Rockets 100 – New Orleans Hornets 82

> Anthony Davis, Forward-Center, New Orleans

> Patrick Patterson, Forward-Center, Houston

The Rockets had lost eight of their last nine games until defeating the Hornets last night.  The Rockets outrebounded the Hornets, shot greater than 50% from three-point range, and James Harden scored 30 points as they lead most of the game and cruised to a double-digit win.  Former Cats Patrick Patterson and Anthony Davis went at each other and both played well.  Davis recorded 10 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, and a blocked shot.  Patterson had a double-double with 18 points, 13 rebounds, and a blocked shot.

Oklahoma City Thunder 105 – Sacramento Kings 95

> Demarcus Cousins, Center, Sacramento

> DeAndre Liggins, Guard, Oklahoma City

Since defeating the Kings last night the Thunder have now won eight of their last ten and are the best team in the NBA standings.  The Kings, however, are headed in the opposite direction as they’ve now lost three straight games.  This game was close at halftime but the Thunder proved to be too much for the Kings to handle in the end.  Demarcus Cousins had 14 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals.  Cousins has struggled controlling the ball recently and committed seven turnovers against the Thunder.   His teammate and former Cat Chuck Hayes didn’t play due to a coach’s decision.  DeAndre Liggins had 2 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, and a blocked shot.

Miami Heat 110 – Detroit Pistons 88

> Brandon Knight, Guard, Detroit

> Tayshaun Prince, Forward, Detroit

The Heat are on top of the Eastern Conference standings and proved why in their win over the Pistons.  The Pistons’ defense was almost nonexistent as the Heat went on a big 26-4 run early in the game to assert their dominance.  Knight recorded 9 points, 5 assists, and 1 steal, while Prince recorded 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists.

Los Angeles Lakers 102 – Utah Jazz 84

> Enes Kanter, Center, Utah

> Jodie Meeks, Guard, Los Angeles

The Lakers continue to try to put the pieces together and salvage their season.  They took a step in the right direction by handily beating the Jazz.  Kanter had 2 points, 1 rebound, and a steal in his ten minutes of playing time.  Meeks had 8 points and a rebound.

Washington Wizards 114 – Minnesota Timberwolves 101

> John Wall, Guard, Washington

The Timberwolves gave up the most points they’ve allowed all season to the Wizards, who shot nearly 58% from the field.  Wall accumulated 14 points, 1 rebound, 5 assists, and 2 blocked shots.

Chicago Bulls 103 – Golden State Warriors 87

> Marquis Teague, Guard, Chicago

> Nazr Mohammed, Center, Chicago

The Bulls got off to a hot start by shooting 54% in the first quarter.  Opposed to the Warriors who shot just 23% in the first quarter.  The Bulls took a commanding lead that the Warriors were never able to overcome.  Mohammed and Teague saw limited action only playing a couple of minutes a piece.  Neither recorded any stats except for Teague’s one turnover.

Memphis Grizzlies 101 – Brooklyn Nets 77

> Keith Bogans, Guard-Forward, Brooklyn

The Nets trailed by twenty points at halftime and didn’t have enough firepower to close the gap and mount a comeback.  Bogans recorded 5 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, and a steal.