Davion Mintz continues to be clutch for the Cats

The Kentucky Wildcats are 6-13, and it has been a wild ride. So many of these losses have been wins that have slipped away. The lack of discipline and composure late in games has been one of the biggest problems with this team that has a laundry list of problems. However, one bright spot late in games has been Davion Mintz.

Even though it has not made a huge difference in the win column, Mintz has hit several clutch shots late in games this season. He made go-ahead three-pointers against both Arkansas and Vanderbilt this season, both with under a minute remaining, even though the Cats still found a way to lose to the Razorbacks.

The most recent, and perhaps the biggest, shot came on Saturday against Auburn. After turning the ball over with :51 seconds left to let Auburn tie the game, Mintz hit a huge three-pointer with :33 seconds on the clock to give Kentucky the lead for good.

As a graduate transfer from Creighton, most fans expected Mintz to be a solid veteran off the bench that could mentor the young guards and give them a break as needed. However, he has become a true leader for this team and, while he is not perfect, continues to make big play after big play.

There is a lot of buzz out of Lexington that Mintz may return for another season. Every player has been granted a free year of eligibility due to the uncertainty of this COVID-riddled season. I am sure that Mintz’s game will continue to develop, and his level of leadership could be huge for next year’s team as well. But even if he does not come back, his late game heroics this season should not be forgotten.