NBA Wildcat Watch (October 17)

The NBA regular season has arrived! There are a record-number eight former Villanova Wildcats playing in the NBA, and six of them opened up the season on Wednesday night. Donte DiVincenzo (Bucks), Omari Spellman (Hawks), Dante Cunningham (Spurs), Mikal Bridges (Suns), Jalen Brunson (Mavericks), and Kyle Lowry (Raptors) hit the hardwood. As for the remaining two—Ryan Arcidiacono (Bulls) and Josh Hart (Lakers)—they will get their first taste of action on Thursday night.

From Tuesday through Friday, each time a former Wildcat hits the court, we will recap how they did and include a few highlights (if available). On Tuesdays, we’ll also recap what happened over the weekend, so you don’t miss the action. This will also serve as a discussion board. We will try to keep it updated as soon as the games are over, so check back often!

Donte DiVincenzo

Milwaukee was able to hold off a late-game comeback by Charlotte, winning 113-112. It came down to the closing seconds of the game, but the Bucks were able to hang on. DiVincenzo finished his first official NBA game with eight points—on 3-of-6 shooting—two rebounds, one assist, and a steal. He logged 22 minutes of playing time off the bench, and that healthy share of playing time is a solid indicator that he’s going to play a role in the rotation and is one of the first men off the bench.

Up Next: vs. Indiana on Friday, Oct. 19, at 8:30 p.m. ET

Kyle Lowry

Shoot ‘em up, sleep in the streets. Lowry was locked in from long range, converting on 5-of-6 three-point shots. Overall, he shot an efficient 10-for-12 on the floor, en route to a game-high 27-point performance. He also had eight assists, one steal, and a block to go along with his scoring. The Raptors won 116-104 over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Up Next: vs. Boston on Friday, Oct. 19, at 8 p.m. ET (ESPN)

Omari Spellman

Spellman entered the game for the first time just before the start of the fourth quarter, and he didn’t wait long to get his first career NBA basket. The 6-foot-9 big man got it off of a putback. Through eight minutes of playing time, he went on to finish with seven points (3-for-4 shooting), three rebounds, one block, and a steal. However, the Hawks fell to the Knicks, 126-107.

Up Next: at Memphis on Friday, Oct. 19, at 8 p.m. ET

Dante Cunningham

The Spurs won a close game with the Minnesota Timberwolves, winning 112-108. Cunningham logged seven minutes of game time. He was scoreless and shot 0-for-1, but he has one rebound and an assist.

Up Next: at Portland on Saturday, Oct. 20, at 10 p.m. ET

Mikal Bridges

Bridges made a very brief appearance in the Suns' 121-100 victory over Dallas. He subbed in for Devin Booker for the final 11.5 seconds of the game and as a result, he didn't log any stats.

Up Next: at Denver on Saturday, Oct. 20, at 9 p.m. ET

Jalen Brunson

Brunson played 19 minutes during the Mavericks' 121-100 loss to Phoenix. This is a promising amount of minutes for Brunson, who is on a squad with a handful of backcourt players--especially at point guard. While he was on the floor, he got his first and only basket, a three-pointer. Brunson went 1-of-3 overall, and also had one rebound and one assist.

Up Next: vs. Minnesota on Saturday, Oct. 20, at 8:30 p.m. ET