NBA Wildcat Watch: Bubble Edition (Aug. 1-4)

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’s time to get caught up on all of the NBA action that features Villanova Wildcats alumni. Here’s everything that happened while we were away from Saturday to Monday, as well as your action from Tuesday.

Donte DiVincenzo (Milwaukee Bucks) and Mikal Bridges (Los Angeles Clippers) are set to play tonight.

Here’s how they did, as well as all of the other Wildcats that were in action.

Mikal Bridges

It wasn’t a stellar showing offensively for Bridges, who scored just four points on 2-of-9 shooting (0-of-3 from long range) in the Suns’ 117-115 narrow victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday, but it was clear that Bridges had an impact on Luka Doncic.

Although Doncic’s 40-point stat line is impressive, just like their previous matchups, he had some issues when Bridges was matched up against him. When Bridges sat in foul trouble and appeared tired towards the end, the Mavericks made sure to capitalize on the moment.

Bridges had one rebound, one assist, a pair of steals, and three blocks—including a nice chasedown swat of Doncic early in the game.

On Tuesday, Bridges continued to make an impact defensively. Matched up against Kawhi Leonard, he made the Clipper superstar work. The Suns’ won in dramatic 117-115 fashion, and Bridges was a big reason why.

In the closing seconds of the game, his trademark wingspan helped force a deflection and steal that eventually led to the Devin Booker buzzer beater for the win. Bridges finished with nine points, six boards, two assists, and two steals.

Up Next: vs. Indiana on Thursday, Aug. 6, at 4 p.m. ET

Donte DiVincenzo

DiVincenzo was in the starting five for the Bucks’ 120-116 loss to the Houston Rockets on Sunday. He logged nine points (4-of-10 shooting, 1-of-6 from long range), one rebound, one assist, two steals, and five turnovers over 23 minutes of action.

The Bucks dropped another one, losing 119-116 to the Brooklyn Nets. DiVincenzo was shifted to the bench, replaced by Eric Bledsoe in Milwaukee’s starting five. The switch didn’t last long, as Bledsoe was quickly benched in favor of DiVincenzo after four minutes of action.

DiVincenzo supplied 11 points on 5-of-10 shooting, with four rebounds, six assists, and a steal. He never turned the ball over.

Up Next: vs. Dallas on Saturday, Aug. 8, at 8:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)

Kyle Lowry

Kyle Lowry was a monster in the Toronto Raptors’ 107-92 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, on Saturday, where he was a few assists away from getting a triple-double.

He had a game-high 33 points and 14 rebounds (also a career-high), with six assists and a steal. He was locked in from long range, shooting 5-of-9 from beyond the arc and was 8-of-16 overall. He got to the line a lot, and knocked down 12-of-15 free throws. Even with the big game, he wasn’t shy when it came to taking a few charges as well.

On Monday, he cooled off a bit against the Miami Heat, but the Raptors continued to roll with a 107-103 win. Lowry was in a bit of foul trouble early on, tallying four fouls in the first half. He finished with 14 points, eight boards, five assists, one steal, two blocks, and four turnovers.

Up Next: vs. Orlando on Wednesday, Aug. 5, at 8 p.m. ET.

Josh Hart

Josh Hart came off the bench in the New Orleans Pelicans’ 126-103 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday. He had five points, five rebounds, and a block through 19 minutes of action.

Hart and the Pelicans bounced back on Monday night, picking up their first win in the bubble. New Orleans won, 109-99.

Although most of the attention went to Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, Hart was a catalyst during the Pelicans’ late surge to pull away in the fourth quarter and win the game. He had a great game off the bench, finishing with 15 points on 5-of-6 shooting, and seven rebounds through 25 minutes of play.

Up Next: vs. Sacramento on Thursday, Aug. 6, at 1:30 p.m. ET (NBA TV)

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Wednesday’s Slate

Only one ‘Cat is playing on Wednesday and that’s Kyle Lowry. The Raptors will play the Orlando Magic at 8:30 p.m. ET, and unfortunately the game will only be broadcast on regional and local networks.