Former Kentucky Wildcats in the NBA
By Wayne
Dec 21, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) reacts on the ground after a foul was called on him against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Sacramento Kings defeated the Orlando Magic 105-100. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
A lot of action last night in the NBA which always means there’s a former Kentucky Wildcat prowling around. A couple stood out with monster games and a couple just flopped all over the floor. Such is the case of all of us I suppose. Anywho, check out who did what.
Sacramento Kings-108
Miami Heat-103
Boogie. Went. Off. I’m sure the Miami Heat gameplanned for DeMarcus Cousins but they couldn’t stop him. Heck, they couldn’t even contain him last night and it cost them the game. Cousins put a RIDICULOUS game together, going off for 27 points while grabbing 17 rebounds, dishing out 5 dimes and snatching a couple steals. All in all, without DeMarcus manning the post, controlling the tempo, LeBron James’ 33-8-8 in Sactown.
Phoenix Suns-86
Golden State Warriors-115
Well the Suns got blistered last night by the outstanding guard play of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. They combined for 35 points and 18 assists (16 for Steph) while Curry added 13 rebounds for his second triple-double of the season. Phoenix was out of sync in the first half, scoring only 40 points and Eric Bledsoe didn’t have an answer for ’em. He only played 19 minutes, going 3-9 for 7 points and 4 TO. He didn’t have one assist or rebound. Archie Goodwin played 15 minutes but hit one FT and grabbed a rebound for a 1-1 line. Phoenix just forgot to show up.
Utah Jazz-105
Los Angeles Lakers-103
Enes Kanter and the Utah Jazz eeked out a 2 point W against Jodie Meeks and the LA Lakers last night. Enes played only 15 minutes but did some was a presence down low, going 3-6 for 8 points and 2 rebounds. He didn’t tear it up but he’s a big body against a team without much size down low. Jodie Meeks, however, played a team high 41 minutes but didn’t shoot particularly well (4-15, 3-9) but finished with 13 points, 4 rebounds, an assist, and 3 steals. Turns out the Lakers lose with out without Kobe Bryant. Who knew.
New Orleans Pelicans-105
Denver Nuggets-89
Anthony Davis & Co. are rolling down in ‘Nawlings. The victory last night brought them one game under .500 on the season and he was pretty dominant. He’s as efficient a player as their is in the NBA, playing only 28 minutes but damaging the Nuggets for 17 points, 7 rebounds, an assist, steal, and 4 blocks (3 on one possession). But the story last night wasn’t the play of Anthony Davis, but Darius Miller. Miller played 19 minutes, going for 11 points, 4 rebounds, an assist, and a block in the victory.
Minnesota Timberwolves-120
Washington Wizards-89
This game was a beatdown from start to finish. Just when John Wall had the change to lead his team to a .500, they get plastered by the Wolves in Minny. Kevin Love is such a monster with an outside jumper that’s virtually unguardable. But the story in this game was John Wall. Isn’t it always? He’s easily having his best pro season and last night, he highlighted why he was selected #1 overall. He was aggressive, effiecent, and played smart basketball, finishing with 26 points on 11-20, 4 rebounds, 7 assists and 1 TO. But they were blown away by Minny which plays into the old adage, “defense wins championships,” and the Wizards had none of that.
Toronto Raptors-95
New York Knicks-83
So the 12-15 Raptors extended their Atlantic Division lead over the 9-20 Knicks. Let that sink in for a bit. Yeah, the Knicks are that bad but they can still win their division. Pitiful. What’s worse is there are a couple Kentucky boys stuck up there, north of the border. Patrick Patterson didn’t have a stellar game in his 20 minutes of action, counting for 2 points, 3 rebounds, a steal and a block. Chuck Hayes was a DNP Coach’s Decision. But at least they won.
Brooklyn Nets-104
Milwaukee Bucks-93
The Nets are awful but the Bucks are worse, and Brandon Knight finds himself in Milwaukee. Sucks for him but he’s gaining some valuable experience in playing through all these losses. He’s easily the best player on their team and has been on a tear of late. Last night he cooled off some in the loss, going for 11 point, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals in the loss.
Detroit Pistons-92
Orlando Magic-109
Detroit got buzzed but Josh Harrelson came to play. The Pistons finally seem to be coming around to the idea of letting Harrelson log some minutes on the floor and he’s rewarding them. Last night in the loss, he played 24 minutes and finished with a line of 9 points, 6 rebounds, an assist, and a block. If Detroit is going to have an identity, it must be on the post and Harrelson is man enough to handle it.