Former Kentucky Wildcats in the NBA
By Wayne
Dec 23, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Brandon Knight (11) passes the ball as he is defended by Charlotte Bobcats center Al Jefferson (25) during the first half of the game at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Last night’s NBA slate was FULL of former Kentucky Wildcats and many played significant roles for their teams. Such is to be expected as future classes continue to pour into the Commonwealth of Kentucky while John Calipari is at the helm.
New Orleans Pelicans-113
Sacramento Kings-100
In a match-up featuring two of Kentucky’s best big men in some 15 years, DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis balled out. Since coming back from his broken hand, Davis has played like Cousins, a man possessed. Neither teams have winning records but both have these unselfish superstars as their foundation for the future. DeMarcus Cousins posted yet another double-double (24-14) last night but his Sacramento Kings failed to win…again. It’s pretty mind boggling how a team with such a core of young talent has such a tough time winning games but these Kings are it. Head on down to NO and the Pelicans are on the upswing. Anthony Davis nearly matched Big Cuz point for rebound (21-11-1-1) but had more help overall and has a more stable PG in Jrue Holiday. Darius Miller logged just 6 minutes but pulled down a rebound and blocked a shot.
Dallas Mavericks-111
Houston Rockets-104
In the battle of Texas, Dallas won but Terrence Jones of the Houston Rockets didn’t make it easy. He’s been on a tear of late and tonight he made the most out of his 30 minutes of floor time. The notoriously laid back Jones has been a spark for the Rockets since entering the starting line up and tonight, though the Rockets fell short, he held things together. He finished with 10 points on 5-8 with 4 rebounds and an assist. Still a bit of a defensive liability as he had a -12 point differential while in the game.
Milwaukee Bucks-110
Charlotte Bobcats-111
Tonight marked the first game in the past three that Brandon Knight recorded a turnover, finishing the evening with only 2. So in the past 3 games, Brandon Knight has dished out 26 assists while turning the ball over 2 times. That’s unreal but it’s what he’s able to do when healthy and in a system that allows him to thrive. Of course, the problem for him is the Milwaukee Bucks are terrible. Tonight he was two rebounds shy of a triple-double with 26 points, 8 rebounds and 14 assists in the loss.
Phoenix Suns-117
Los Angeles Lakers-90
Eric Bledsoe and his Phoenix Suns absolutely waxed Jodie Meeks and the Lakers last night. It wasn’t even close. I can’t believe I’m typing this but former Dukie Miles Plumlee was dominant down low which helped Bledsoe go off to the tune of 16 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists while posting a +25 point differential. Archie Goodwin also got some clock (17 minutes) and finished with 5 points on 2-8 while grabbing 2 rebounds, dishing an assist and pocketing 2 steals. Poor Jodie Meeks’ Lakers didn’t fare so well and he didn’t have the best of times either. He had a rough shooting night (6-15) for 18 points but played a complete game with 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals, though he had a -26 point differential while in the game.
Toronto Raptors-99
San Antonio Spurs-112
I’m not sure that Patrick Patterson and Chuck Hayes aren’t better off north of the border than when they were lacing ’em up in Sacramento. The Raptors at least have a better record anyway so there’s that. But they were no match for the Spurs last night but not many are. Both Patterson and Hayes came off the bench with Patterson going 7 points on 3-7 with 2 rebounds, an assist and 2 steals in 19 minutes; while Hayes played only 2 minutes and recorded a foul.
New York Knicks-103
Orlando Magic-98
This game featured the worst of what the East has to offer which usually means there’s a Kentucky Wildcat on the team since we go lottery so often. This is no different with Doron Lamb being on the Orlando Magic. They’re struggling and he’s having a pretty tough go of it also. Orlando has some decent guard play with Aaron Afflalo and Victor Oladipo so the 2 minutes he got in tonight won’t help him much. He missed his only shot and recorded no other stats in the loss.
Memphis Grizzlies-104
Utah Jazz-94
The Memphis Grizzlies opted not to play Tayshaun Prince (DNP Coach’s Decision) and the Utah Jazz might as well have left Enes Kanter on the bench as well. He, again, came off the bench and was limited to 18 minutes of 0-5 (0 points), 4 rebounds and 1 assist basketball while compiling 4 TO and had a -20 point differential while out there. All in all, not good for either individually but Tayshaun’s team did get the win so there’s that.