Catching Up with the 'Cats: Week 14

Randy Foye

It was a banner week for Randy Foye on multiple accounts. The Denver Nuggets started their three games in seven days with a visit from the Charlotte Bobcats and Foye took full advantage, scoring a season high 33 points on another season high 21 field goal attempts. He also handed out 7 assists coupled with only one turnover. Check out the highlights here:

Randy Foye Full Highlights 2014.01.29 vs Bobcats - 33 Pts, 7 Assists (via Dawk Ins)

Foye's offensive impact during the week wasn't limited to just scoring, however. In the following game against Kyle Lowry and the Toronto Raptors, Foye dished out a career high 16 dimes in a losing effort. Paired with his 10 points, the contest marked Randy's first double-double of the season.

But wait, there's more! The Villanova alumnus contributed SportCenter's top play of the night, as his buzzer beating three pointer propelled the Nuggets past the Los Angeles Clippers. Check out the awesome shot below:

Randy Foye Sinks the Clippers with the AMAZING Buzzer-Beater (via NBA)

First off, that's a pretty incredible shot: from thirty feet, fading backwards to his left, and over the taller Blake Griffin. But, with the announcer singing "Oh Randy Foye" to the tune of "Oh Danny Boy...." at the 20 second mark in the video above, well now that's a complete highlight.

This week served as a culmination of the progress Foye has made over the duration of the season. After shooting under 30% from beyond the arc for the opening stretch of the season, Randy finally has his mojo back.

Kyle Lowry

Two season highs in one week? Hard to believe it, but Kyle Lowry matched Foye's season high with 33 points in a win against the Orlando Magic. He almost finished the night with a triple-double, but ultimately fell short by 3 rebounds to bring his final stats to 33 points, 7 rebounds, and 11 assists for the contest.

Kyle Lowry Full Highlights 2014.01.29 vs Magic - 33 Pts, 11 Assists (via Dawk Ins)

After another two solid performances, Lowry was hampered by a knee injury against the Utah Jazz. Hopefully the ailment doesn't derail the terrific season Kyle has been enjoying.

But, despite his tremendous play on the court, Lowry was surprisingly left off the roster for the Eastern Conference all-star reserves. Jeff Van Gundy sounds off on the issue here. Essentially, Van Gundy believes that the voting system is inherently flawed; both coaches and fans will vote in players they "like" over those that truly deserve it.

Two weeks ago I wrote about how Zach Lowe, perhaps the most avid and knowledgeable NBA fan on the planet, viewed Lowry as a surefire guarantee to make the all-star team. Despite the lack of selection for Kyle, Lowe stands by his claim. In his most recent article, he writes that Lowry is "second among all Eastern Conference guards in PER, and considering the tiny gap between Lowry and the top guy (Dwyane Wade), and Wade's 13 missed games, you could easily argue Lowry has been the best guard in the conference." Lowe offers that it's possible "the league's coaching fraternity is punishing Lowry for his well-chronicled run-ins with just about every coach he's come across." If that's the case, it supports Van Gundy's claim that the all-star selection process is flawed.

To put it simply, there's no way Lowry hasn't been one of the 12 best players in the Eastern Conference.

Regardless, Lowry will likely continue his high level of play for the Raptors. Firmly entrenched as a playoff contender, expect Kyle to keep his Toronto jersey for the remainder of the season.

Dante Cunningham

Dante Cunningham enjoyed one of the best weeks of the season these past seven days. The Minnesota Timberwolves forward scored 12 points in back to back contests against New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies, adding an additional 6 and 7 rebounds respectively. For the week, he averaged 7 points and 6 rebounds in around 22 minutes of play in each contest. Dante also had some nice throw downs against the Atlanta Hawks.

If Cunningham can continue to produce games like this, he'll no doubt garner interest from teams as his contract expires at the conclusion of the season. Hopefully he can land some place that will allow him to thrive!

Maalik Wayns

Still no news on Wayns' next move. As the trade deadline approaches, it's possible a transaction will thin a team's point guard depth. Until then, we'll be keeping an eye out.

Maurice Sutton

We've got some great news right out of Tulsa and the 66ers! Maurice Sutton started his first game in the D-League!!! Last week, Sutton produced his best statistical performance of the season, going for 12 points and 16 boards in only 24 minutes of action against the Austin Toros. That outburst must have been enough leverage to slide Sutton into the starting lineup. And the big man did not disappoint. The recently graduated Nova alumnus went on to score 15 points and grab 16 rebound in a career high 41 minutes. If he keeps that up, a fifth Wildcat might soon find himself in the NBA ranks.

Thanks for reading everyone!