Cats in the NBA: Wednesday night recap

Rumors have been swirling the Minnesota Timberwolves to start the season, however, Derrick Rose (50 points) and former Kentucky Wildcat Karl-Anthony Towns (28 points & 16 rebounds) didn’t allow that to hold them back from a 128-125 win over the Utah Jazz.

In the Big Apple, New York Knicks’ center, Enes Kanter, came off the bench to put up just seven points on 3-11 shooting in a 107-101 losing effort to the Indiana Pacers. Kevin Knox, the Knicks’ first round pick this past summer, remained sidelined with an ankle injury.

In Chicago, Denver Nuggets’ starsJamal Murray (12 points, eight rebounds & six assists) and Trey Lyles (nine points & 10 rebounds) had well-rounded performances in a thrilling 108-107 win over the Bulls.

Heading West to Los Angeles, Rajon Rondo saw decreased minutes for the Lakers at the hand of Lonzo Ball. Rondo managed just five points and two assists for a team-worst -21 in a 114-113 win over the Dallas Mavericks.

In the Bay Area, the New Orleans Pelicans came up just short of taking down the reigning champion Golden State Warriors, falling 131-121. Anthony Davis was mediocre in his return from an elbow injury, posting 17 points & 12 rebounds. His fellow former Wildcat, Julius Randle, had one of his worst games to start the season despite posting a 11 points & 10 rebound double-double. Randle was a -23 for the game, the worst of any player.

On Thursday night, there will be plenty of former Wildcats in action. First, Eric Bledsoe and Jodie Meeks will suit up for the Milwaukee Bucks against the Boston Celtics on TNT. Then, Hamidou Diallo, Nerlens Noel and Patrick Patterson travel with the Oklahoma City Thunder to face Malik Monk and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist’s Charlotte Hornets.

In Cleveland, the Lyles and Murray will play in a back-to-back against the Cavaliers. Traveling to Philadelphia to face the 76ers will be rookie point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his Los Angeles Clippers.

Also coming cross-country will be the Sacramento Kings, who are expected to dress De’Aaron Fox, Skal Labissiere, Wenyen Gabriel and Willie Cauley-Stein. They’ll play in Atlanta against the Hawks, who should dress former Wildcat Alex Poythress.

For TNT’s late game, catch Davis and Randle in their back-to-back as they face the Portland Trailblazers on the road.

Check back tomorrow for the latest NBA news regarding former Kentucky Wildcats.