BBNBA: John Wall makes his return; Tyrese Maxey plays well again
If John Calipari happened to tune into any NBA games on Thursday night, he would have had a lot to smile about.
Despite only two NBA games taking place on Thursday evening on what was the third day of the 2022-23 season, three former Wildcats saw on-court action. In the first contest of the evening, Tyrese Maxey and the Philadelphia 76ers fell 90-88 to the Milwaukee Bucks. Following this nailbiter, John Wall and the Los Angeles Clipper narrowly defeated Anthony Davis and the Los Angeles Lakers in a 103-97 battle.
Tyrese Maxey puts on another stellar performance
After two games, Maxey has my vote for the Most Improved Player Award. The 21-year-old guard dropped 15 points while shooting 6-13 from the field against the Bucks. While this performance doesn’t match his 21-point opening night, context is vital.
Maxey had several of the NBA’s top defenders, such as Jrue Holiday and Jevon Carter smothering him all game. When Maxey finally got past his opponent, two-time MVP Giannis Antentokounmpo was waiting for him in the paint.
Maxey scored the second-most on the team, trailing James Harden, who recorded an impressive 31 points and nine assists. Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 21 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists — shocker.
Evidently, Maxey’s impressive first two games of the season aren’t enough to earn some people’s respect. When the broadcast cut to the panel on “Inside the NBA,” Charles Barkley seemed confused.
“He should have passed that ball to Tyrone Maxey,” Barkley said.
It’s the thought that counts, Chuck.
Kentucky legends clash in Battle for Los Angeles
Two Kentucky legends, two vintage performances. In his season debut, Wall went for 15 points, four rebounds and three assists while shooting 7-15 from the field. Thursday night’s game was Wall’s first NBA contest in 545 days.
Let’s just say fans were excited to see Wall return.
Wall wasn’t the only Clipper with a fantastic first night. Paul George and Kawhi Leonard added a combined 29 points, 17 rebounds and six assists to the team’s effort. Nonetheless, Wall’s teammates put the spotlight on him. After the game, George gave props to the 32-year-old point guard.
“John was John. Special. That energy, that speed, can’t nobody match that!”
We agree.
Despite being on the losing end of the outing, Lakers superstar Anthony Davis looked like the best player on the court. The 2012 NCAA national champion recorded 25 points and eight rebounds while shooting 9-16 from the field and 2-4 from downtown. Moreover, Davis had the second-highest +/- on the team at +5.
Unfortunately for the Lakers, their effort was top-heavy. While Lonnie Walker IV and LeBron James contributed an additional 46 points, no other Laker scored more than eight points. With the loss, the historic franchise is off to a concerning 0-2 start.
Statistics
| Player | Score | PTS | MIN | FG | 3PT | FT | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO |
| Anthony Davis (LAL) | L vs. LAC (103-97) | 25 | 32 | 9-16 | 2-4 | 5-7 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Tyrese Maxey (PHI) | L vs. MIL (90-88) | 15 | 34 | 6-13 | 0-3 | 3-4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| John Wall (LAC) | W vs. LAL (103-97) | 15 | 25 | 7-15 | 0-4 | 1-3 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Brandon Boston Jr. (LAC) | W vs. LAL (103-97) | DNP-CD | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Wenyen Gabriel (LAL) | L vs. LAC (103-97) | DNP-CD | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Tonight in the NBA
7:00 PM: Pelicans @ Hornets (Washington, Richards)
7:00 PM: Spurs (Johnson) @ Pacers (Jackson)
7:00 PM: Bulls @ Wizards
7:30 PM (ESPN): Celtics @ Heat (Adebayo, Herro)
7:30 PM: Pistons (Diallo, Knox, Noel) @ Knicks (Quickley, Randle)
7:30 PM: Raptors @ Nets
7:30 PM: Magic @ Hawks
8:00 PM: Grizzlies @ Rockets (Washington)
8:00 PM: Jazz (Vanderbilt) @ Timberwolves (Towns)
10:00 PM (ESPN): Nuggets (Murray) @ Warriors
10:00 PM: Suns (Booker) @ Trail Blazers (Sarr, Sharpe)
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