NBA Wildcat Watch (January 31)

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!

Four different ‘Cats in action on this Thursday night: Jalen Brunson (Dallas Mavericks), Kyle Lowry (Toronto Raptors), Dante Cunningham (San Antonio Spurs), and Josh Hart (Los Angeles Lakers).

Jalen Brunson

Plenty of buzz and pandemonium as the Mavericks made headlines in a trade for the New York Knicks’ Kristaps Porzingis. The move was a big one for Brunson, as starting point guard Dennis Smith Jr. was also involved and will be sent to New York. So that means Brunson will be moving on up the depth chart. The Mavericks only have two point guards on their roster now. Aside from Brunson there’s Devin Harris. J.J. Barea is currently out of commission with an Achilles’ injury, meaning there should be plenty more time to go around.

Brunson was actually bumped up into the starting five against the Detroit Pistons, following the trade. He logged 32 minutes of action, finishing with nine points (4-of-14 shooting), two rebounds, and six assists. Unfortunately for the Mavericks, they lost 93-89.

Up Next: @ Cleveland on Saturday, Feb. 2, at 7:30 p.m. ET

Kyle Lowry

It wasn’t the greatest of nights for Lowry, who played for 34 minutes in the Raptors’ 105-92 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. Lowry finished iwth 10 points, four rebounds, three assists, and five turnovers.

Up Next: @ Clippers on Sunday, Feb. 3, at 3 p.m. ET

Dante Cunningham

Cunningham logged just three minutes in the Spurs’ 117-114 win over the Brooklyn Nets. He didn’t log any statistics.

Up Next: vs. San Antonio on Saturday, Feb. 2, at 8:30 p.m. ET

Josh Hart

The Lakers won in dramatic overtime fashion in LeBron James’ return, 123-120, over the Clippers. Hart saw 20 minutes of action, finishing with just two points (1-for-4 shooting), three rebounds and two assists.

Up Next: @ Golden State on Saturday, Feb. 2, at 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC)

Friday’s Slate

We’re almost there! Omari Spellman will be there once we cross the finish line into the weekend, as his Atlanta Hawks will head on the road to play the Utah Jazz. Tip-off is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET, it’ll be the only game featuring any Villanovans.