NBA Wildcat Watch (October 24)

From Tuesday through Friday, each time a former Wildcat hits the court, we will recap how they did and include a few highlights. 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!

Kyle Lowry

Lowry continued his strong start to the season with a double-double on Tuesday. Although quieter than some of his other early season efforts, Lowry’s 13 points on 4-9 shooting with 10 assists, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals was an excellent complement to another barn-burning effort from his new partner in crime, Kawhi Leonard. The one blemish on his effort in Toronto’s win over the Timberwolves was his six turnovers, an unusual stat for the normally sure-handed guard.

Dante Cunningham

Cunningham had a quiet night in his 11 minutes of action throughout the Spurs’ loss to the Pacers. Although 0-1 shooting on the game, he picked up two points on a pair of made free throws. One rebound was his only other contribution to the contest.

Donte DiVincenzo

DiVincenzo had his second straight quiet offensive game in a victory with only 5 points on 2-4 shooting against the Sixers. He was, however, a defensive menace during all of his 19 minutes. On top of registering 6 boards and 2 blocks, he was noticeable in harassing his man, earning his early minutes under new Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer.

Mikal Bridges

Bridges only got off the bench once the Suns’ blowout loss to the Lakers was in garbage time, but nevertheless he eventually registered 13 minutes. Active as always on defense, Bridges snagged 2 steals while scoring 2 points on 1-2 shooting with an assist. While it’s frustrating the Suns are choosing to bring him along slowly, it could prove the right move in the long-term.

Josh Hart

Facing Bridges, Hart continued to play significant minutes for LeBron James’ new-look Lakers, starting the contest and finishing with an extremely efficient 15 points. Hart worked on shading in his entire box score line throughout this contest, registering pairs of rebounds, assists, and steals. Look for him to gain more starts as a reward for his strong play on both ends of the floor, even as the suspended Brandon Ingram and Rajon Rondo return.

Omari Spellman

Spellman continued to look good in limited minutes for the Hawks in a rare win against Jalen Brunson’s Dallas Mavericks. Although he scored only 4 points on 2-6 shooting with 5 rebounds, Spellman and fellow rookie Trae Young appear to have a good connecting developing early this season.

Jalen Brunson

Even in a loss against the Hawks, Rick Carlisle’s admiration for Brunson continues to show. Even in a crowded backcourt behind the likes of Dennis Smith Jr., Luka Doncic, and JJ Barea, Brunson registered 19 minutes and got off 9 shots, sinking three for 6 points. He also had 5 rebounds and an assist in the contest.

Ryan Arcidiacono

Arcidiacono got to see 17 minutes of action in the Bulls’ 112-110 victory over the Hornets. He scored 10 points and had a pair of nice assists.