BBNBA: De'Aaron Fox, Kings pull out narrow victory over Nets
While all eyes were on the NCAA Tournament throughout Thursday, ex-Kentucky Wildcats quietly had a fantastic day in the NBA. Between five contests, six once-Wildcats hit the hardwood, some doing more with their time than others. One group represented Kentucky particularly well.
Kentucky trio shines for Sacramento
The Sacramento Kings called checkmate against the Brooklyn Nets in a 101-96 victory. The Kings’ trio of former Cats was pivotal in the victory. De’Aaron Fox was the spearhead of the dangerous squad, dropping 18 points, six rebounds and five assists in 35 minutes.
His former Kentucky teammate Malik Monk followed Fox’s lead for the Kings. The 6-foot-3 shooting guard recorded 12 points, five boards and six assists against the new-look Nets. While the duo put up impressive figures, they were inefficient. The pair shot a combined 8-27 (29.6%) from the field and 5-16 (31.3%) from downtown.
While Monk and Fox chased baskets, Trey Lyles let the offense come to him. The Kings forward went for 11 points and six rebounds while connecting on 2-3 of his attempts from range. Lyles’ hot hand fits the script. In his past 10 contests, Lyles has shot 54.9% from the field and 45.2% from 3-point range.
The Kings’ Kentucky triad has rocketed Sacramento toward success. The team is second in the Western Conference and has won eight of its last 10 games.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s big night isn’t big enough
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is everything for the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Canadian leads his team in points, blocks, steals and almost every advanced statistic. He puts up masterpiece performances nightly, averaging 31.3 points per game this season. Unfortunately, SGA’s masterpiece on Thursday night will hang in the peanut gallery.
The 6-foot-6 combo guard recorded 29 points, three rebounds and three assists in the Thunder’s 128-111 loss to the Toronto Raptors. As usual, SGA rarely wasted a shot, going 12-19 from the field and 1-1 from beyond the arc.
Despite the loss, SGA was all smiles after the game when he celebrated with friends and family who came to watch the hometown hero.
Other Cats in the NBA
SGA wasn’t the only former Cat smiling at the end of the night. In the Phoenix Suns’ nail-biting 116-113 triumph over the Orlando Magic, Devin Booker led his squad with 19 points, five rebounds and two assists. The guard’s 7-17 shooting effort helped the Suns break a three-game losing streak.
SGA wasn’t the only former Cat smiling at the end of the night. In the Phoenix Suns’ nail-biting 116-113 triumph over the Orlando Magic, Devin Booker led with 19 points, five rebounds and two assists. The guard’s 7-17 shooting effort helped his team break a three-game losing streak.
Across the country, another one-time Kentucky shooting guard was equally entertaining. Jamal Murray went for 19 points, 10 assists and six boards in the Nuggets’ 119-100 win over the Detroit Pistons
Murray’s importance to the Nuggets speaks for itself. On March 10, Murray became the franchise’s all-time leader in 3-pointers made. To pile on, in his comeback season, the Nuggets are first in the Western Conference with a 47-23 record.
3/16/2023 Statistics
| Player | Score | PTS | FG (3PT) | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | MIN | +/- |
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC) | 128-111 L @ TOR | 29 | 12-19 (1-1) | 3 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 35 | -17 |
| Jamal Murray (DEN) | 119-100 W @ DET | 19 | 7-15 (2-5) | 6 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 39 | +21 |
| Devin Booker (PHX) | 116-113 W vs. ORL | 19 | 7-17 (2-5) | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 36 | +6 |
| De’Aaron Fox (SAC) | 101-96 W @ BKN | 18 | 5-16 (2-8) | 6 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 35 | +2 |
| Malik Monk (SAC) | 101-96 W @ BKN | 12 | 3-11 (3-8) | 5 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 29 | +18 |
| Trey Lyles (SAC) | 101-96 W @ BKN | 11 | 4-8 (2-3) | 6 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 18 | +4 |
| Isaiah Jackson (IND) | 139-123 W @ MIL | DNP | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
Tonight in the NBA
7:00: 76ers (Maxey) @ Hornets (Washington, Richards)
7:30: Warriors @ Hawks
7:30: Wizards @ Cavaliers
8:00: Timberwolves (Towns: OUT) @ Bulls
8:00: Pelicans @ Rockets (Washington)
8:00: Grizzlies @ Spurs (Johnson)
10:00: Celtics @ Trailblazers (Sharpe)
10:30: Mavericks @ Lakers (Davis, Vanderbilt)
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