Monday Quickies: Tyler Ulis Edition

When the Boston Celtics came into Talking Stick Resort Arena (what a name for a stadium) to take on the Phoenix Suns, everyone was focused on 5’9” point guard Isaiah Thomas. And why wouldn’t they be? He’s putting up astounding numbers this year, landing on MVP ballots and proving to be one of the best fourth quarter players in the league.

Not yesterday though, yesterday was different. On this day, it was about another little guy playing the point: the former Kentucky Wildcat, Tyler Ulis.

Last night was the night of the little guy, and Ulis stole the spotlight.

It wasn’t just the buzzer-beater that gave Ulis attention, though. He also had a career-high 20 points. He’s been looking like starting point guard material lately, and he’s giving Phoenix something to think about as they rebuild. Perhaps he’s building up a career that could follow the success of Thomas?

Tweets of the day

Devin Booker and Ulis are bromance goals.

Your quickies

Tyler Ulis and Isaiah Thomas go head-to-head in extremely short jump ball - SB Nation
The two 5’9” guards went at it in what might have been the shortest jump ball ever. Thomas won the battle, but Ulis won the war.

Willie Cauley-Stein (almost) soils Rudy Gobert’s dignity - KSR
Cauley-Stein attempted what would have been the greatest poster moment in recent history (and he nearly pulled it off).

Cats sweep UC Santa Barbara - Herald-Leader
Justin Lewis nearly threw a perfect game for the Wildcats in the finale of the three-game series. The Cats swept a team that made the College World Series last year.

How does Malik Monk compare to other Wooden Award finalists? - SEC Country
Monk is one of the best scorers among them, but struggles in other areas.

Coach Cal is not a fan of league tournaments - Times Free Press
Calipari has always hated these things.

Bozich has Louisville and Kentucky very close on his top 25 - WDRB
He has the Cards one spot ahead of the Cats going into conference their conference tournaments.

Pelicans beat Lakers for Cousins’ first win in Pelicans uniform - FOX Sports
The New Orleans Pelicans still aren’t that good after getting Cousins, but they finally got a win with him in the lineup.

Jay Gruden earns some security with Washington - Washington Post
Gruden got something that’s hard to get the Redskins’ organization: job security.

NFL combine notebook - Bleacher Report
Myles Garrett, the expected top pick, was magnificent at the combine.

Dustin Johnson wins WGC-Mexico Championship
It’s Johnson’s second straight victory.

The Knicks took it back to the old days - Chicago Tribune
The New York Knicks presented the first half of their game against the Golden State Warriors without any in-game music, sound effects, timeout entertainment, etc. It was pretty cool, but some fans, and players (Draymond Green) did not like the idea.

Jerry Jones and Tony Romo agree on Redskins being off limits - CBS Sports
Jones will not send Romo to the Dallas Cowboys’ divisional rival, and they’re both clear on that. That could be great for Kirk Cousins next year when he tries to finally leverage a long-term contract.

Highlights from the iHeartRadio Awards - Hollywood Life
Get the scoop on celebrity gossip from last night’s awards...if you’re into that kind of thing.