BBNBA: John Wall and SGA clash; Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro fall to Warriors
Before we could blink, the NBA’s first week is in the rearview mirror. With countless standout performances, former ‘Cats have represented the school well this season. Thursday night was no exception. Between three games, seven Calipari products saw action. Without further ado, let’s jump into it.
John Wall and SGA battle in Oklahoma City
You never want to see two Kentucky legends go to war against each other, but when they do, it’s undoubtedly entertaining. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put on a show in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 118-100 win over the LA Clippers.
The fifth-year point guard led all scorers with 24 points in 34 minutes while shooting 10-23 from the field and 2-4 from beyond the arc. Of course, Gilgeous-Alexander did more than put the ball in the basket. The 6-foot-6 star recorded five rebounds, six assists and three steals, as well.
As expected, John Wall couldn’t let Gilgeous-Alexander have all the fun. Wall had an excellent game, adding 17 points to the Clippers’ effort despite only playing 21 minutes. To pile on, Wall dished out six assists in his short time on the hardwood. Wall’s younger Kentucky companion, Brandon Boston Jr., only played two minutes and recorded no statistics.
The loss felt like Groundhog Day for the Clippers, which fell to the Thunder on Tuesday, also. The loss brings the Clippers’ record to an ugly 2-3 on the season despite being one of the betting favorites to win it all. My tip to Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue to turn it around? Play John Wall more.
Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro fall to defending champions
The next game had less ‘Cat on ‘Cat crime but certainly wasn’t lacking in Big Blue action. Bam Adebayo dominated Golden State Warriors center, Kevon Looney, in the post, dropping 28 points while shooting an incredible 10-13 from the field. As if the stat sheet wasn’t stuffed enough, Adebayo also contributed eight rebounds, four steals and three blocks for the Miami Heat.
Unfortunately, Tyler Herro didn’t have as much to boast about after the game. The 2022 NBA Sixth Man of the Year struggled to find a rhythm, scoring just seven points while going 3-12 from the field and 1-5 from downtown.
Herro’s 3-point shooting hasn’t been ideal to start this season. The 6-foot-5 shooting guard is hitting a mediocre 28.1% from deep through his first five games. This figure pales in comparison to Herro’s 39.9% 3-point shooting from last year.
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Nonetheless, let’s cut the one-time Wildcat some slack. After all, Herro had defenders like Andrew Wiggins, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green chasing him all night. Not to mention, he has to guard the human inferno, Stephen Curry, on the other end of the court. The 123-110 loss leaves the Heat 2-4 on the year. Nevertheless, with Erik Spoelstra at the helm, the team will undoubtedly right the ship.
De’Aaron Fox, Malik Monk can’t take down the Grizzlies
Despite fantastic efforts by De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk, the Sacramento Kings fell to the Memphis Grizzlies in a 125-110 shootout. Fox did his thing, putting up 27 points, six rebounds and two assists for the Kings.
The performance is just another brushstroke to Fox’s masterpiece start. Through four games, he’s averaging 30.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game. Fox isn’t the only one off to a hot start this season.
Monk had a solid showing against the Grizzlies, recording 15 points and seven assists in just 22 minutes. The human microwave joined the Kings this offseason after an eye-catching year with the Lakers. Sadly, Monk’s efforts haven’t been enough to turn the franchise around. The Kings join the Magic and Lakers as the only teams still without a win this season.
Although the Kings’ record is nothing to smile about, there are still glimpses of greatness in the team, and what’s greater than two ‘Cats rekindling an on-court connection? Now, let’s just hope the pair’s Kentucky chemistry can cook up some wins.
10/27/22 statistics
| Player | Score | PTS | FG (3PT) | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | MIN | +/- |
| De’Aaron Fox (SAC) | 125-110 L vs. MEM | 27 | 11-19 (2-6) | 6 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 35 | -2 |
| Bam Adebayo (MIA) | 123-110 L @ GSW | 26 | 10-13 (0-0) | 8 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 38 | -12 |
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC) | 118-110 W vs. LAC | 24 | 10-23 (2-4) | 5 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 34 | 12 |
| John Wall (LAC) | 118-110 L @ OKC | 17 | 6-12 (1-3) | 4 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 21 | 7 |
| Malik Monk (SAC) | 125-110 L vs. MEM | 15 | 5-9 (3-7) | 2 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 22 | -11 |
| Tyler Herro (MIA) | 123-110 L @ GSW | 7 | 3-12 (1-5) | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 32 | -10 |
| Brandon Boston Jr. (LAC) | 118-110 L @ OKC | 0 | 0-0 (0-0) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 |
Tonight in the NBA
7:00: Hornets (PJ Washington, Richards) @ Magic
7:00: Hawks @ Pistons (Diallo, Knox, Noel)
7:30: Cavaliers @ Celtics
7:30: 76ers (Tyrese Maxey) @ Raptors
7:30 (ESPN): Pacers (Jackson) @ Wizards
8:00: Knicks (Randle, Quickley) @ Bucks
8:00: Lakers (Davis, Gabriel) @ Timberwolves (Anthony-Towns)
8:30: Bulls @ Spurs (Johnson)
9:00: Jazz @ Nuggets (Murray, Vanderbilt)
10:00 (ESPN): Pelicans @ Suns (Booker)
10:00: Rockets (TyTy Washington) @ Trailblazers (Sharpe)
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