NBA Wildcat Watch (November 7)

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!

It was a great night overall for the Villanova alumni playing in the NBA. Six Wildcats were in action on Wednesday—Omari Spellman (Atlanta Hawks), Ryan Arcidiacono (Chicago Bulls), Jalen Brunson (Dallas Mavericks), Josh Hart (Los Angeles Lakers), Dante Cunningham (San Antonio Spurs), and Kyle Lowry (Toronto Raptors).

Omari Spellman

The Hawks might not have walked away with the win, but it was the best game of Spellman’s young career. He continued to stay in the starting lineup for the 112-107 loss to New York, and he was very productive.

He finished with 18 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, three blocks, and a steal. He was a force to be reckoned with and was an asset everywhere on the floor. He scored inside, made some threes, owned the glass, rejected some shots, and even dished out some assists.

Up Next: vs. Detroit, on Friday, Nov. 9, at 7:30 p.m. ET

Josh Hart

With another red-hot Derrick Rose performance leading the way for the Timberwolves, the Lakers were able to rise up and hang on for a 114-110 win over Minnesota. Josh Hart was an important piece to the victory. He logged 21 minutes off the bench and scored 21 points off of a 5-for-7 showing from beyond the arc. He also had four rebounds and a steal.

Up Next: at Sacramento, on Saturday, Nov. 10, at 10 p.m. ET

Jalen Brunson

Brunson reminded Dallas why he belongs on the Mavericks. As of late, he’s barely been getting minutes. However, with Dennis Smith Jr. and J.J. Barea both struggling against the Utah Jazz, he had his opportunity. Brunson had a quality outing in the Mavericks’ 117-102 loss.

He played 16 minutes off the bench, scoring 11 points on 5-of-7 shooting. He also had two boards, two assists, and a steal. He led the Mavericks with a +/- of +9.

Up Next: vs. Oklahoma City, on Saturday, Nov. 10, at 9 p.m. ET

Ryan Arcidiacono

After spending a number of recent games making waves for his distributing, Arcidiacono showed off his three-point shot. Although the Bulls lost, 107-98, to the Pelicans, Arcidiacono continued to build his case for a spot in the starting five. The Bulls’ starting point guard Cameron Payne only played 15 minutes, while Arcidiacono enjoyed 33 starter-like minutes of the bench. He made the most of his minutes, finishing with 11 points, three rebounds, two assists, and a steal.

He was 4-of-6 overall, and 3-for-4 from long range.

Up Next: vs. Cleveland, on Saturday, Nov. 10, at 8 p.m. ET

Kyle Lowry

It might not have been one of Lowry’s best games from beyond the arc, but he excelled almost everywhere else on the floor. He finished with 16 points in the Raptors’ 114-105 win over the Sacramento Kings. He was 6-of-13 overall and just 2-of-3 from deep. However, he also had a pair of rebounds, eight assists, and three steals.

Up Next: vs. New York, on Saturday, Nov. 10, at 3 p.m. ET

Dante Cunningham

Cunningham was in the starting five for the Spurs’ road trip to Miami. The Heat were able to fend off San Antonio for a 95-88 win. Cunningham had two points, four rebounds, one steal, and a block.

Up Next: vs. Houston, on Saturday, Nov. 10, at 8:30 p.m. ET