Three takeaways from Kentucky basketball’s win over the Georgia Bulldogs
Three takeaways from Kentucky basketball’s 92-77 win over the Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday at Rupp Arena:
1. No Sahvir Wheeler, no problem
Not having point guard Sahvir Wheeler for 36 minutes in Baton Rouge on Tuesday night was a problem. A big problem. After UK’s point guard woozily departed the game with a neck injury suffered when he crashed into an LSU backcourt screen, the Wildcats’ high-octane offense was limited to just 60 points. LSU scored 65. And John Calipari’s team fell to 1-1 in the SEC.
Four days later, Wheeler was still missing. But this time Calipari had time to prepare. He moved off guard TyTy Washington to the point, inserted high-energy forward Jacob Toppin in the starting lineup and used guard Davion Mintz as the first sub off the bench. The recipe worked as the Cats put together a strong second half (52-40) to defeat the now 5-10 Bulldogs by 15 points.
Washington was the tone-setter and record-setter. The freshman from Phoenix dished out a school-record 17 assists, one better than John Wall’s mark of 16. Eleven of Washington’s assists came in the second half as the smooth 6-foot-3 guard showed his game has plenty of versatility.
“We did some things and added some things for him,” Calipari said afterward before adding, “He’s a play-making guard. Whether he brings it up or plays away from the ball, he’s a play-making guard. And he can shoot.”
Indeed, Washington scored 17 points to go with those 17 assists. Afterward, Washington said the only time he’s ever had 17 assists was playing “NBA 2K.” He said that in the locker room after the game, Wheeler was calling him “PG1” and congratulating him on the record. “He was glad for me,” Washington said.
After missing Wheeler badly at LSU, Kentucky had to be glad to see Washington so ably step in his place on Saturday.
2. Davion Mintz is an underrated player on this team
The veteran guard had struggled with his shot since missing four games with an illness. Mintz was 5-for-26 from three-point range before going 3-for-8 in the loss at Baton Rouge. The North Carolina native said earlier this week he had been struggling to get his groove back after missing so much time on the floor.
He found it Saturday and then some. Mintz was 7-for-10 from the field, including 5-for-7 from three-point range on the way to 19 points. With Wheeler out and Washington at the point, the 6-3 guard gave the Cats the perimeter threat it needed.
“If felt amazing,” said Mintz of seeing his shot go down. “It had to pay off. I’ve been working my tail off every day, every night getting up extra shots. It can’t rain forever, right. The sun has to come out.”
“Davion was outstanding,” Calipari said. “I know you’ll say he made shots. No, he defended. He flew.”
As this team moves forward, Mintz is an important piece of the puzzle. One good thing — one of the few good things — from last season was the way he played down the stretch for the Cats. If Mintz can return to that form and consistency, Calipari has a potent weapon off the bench.
3. Kentucky’s three losses don’t look that bad
So how are the Cat conquerors doing?
LSU followed up its Tuesday night victory over Kentucky with a 79-67 victory over visiting and 18th-ranked Tennessee on Saturday. Will Wade’s team is now 14-1 overall and 2-1 in the SEC. The Tigers travel to Florida on Wednesday.
Notre Dame won 72-68 in overtime at Georgia Tech on Saturday to improve its record to 9-5 overall and 3-1 in the ACC. The Irish have won five straight games. Since beating Kentucky 66-62 on Dec. 11, Mike Brey’s club has only suffered one loss — 64-56 to Indiana in Indianapolis on Dec. 18.
And, of course, Duke is Duke. The Blue Devils are ranked No. 2 in the nation and carried a 12-1 record into Saturday night’s game against Miami. Remember, Duke defeated Kentucky 79-71 in the season opener back on Nov. 9.
“I like where this team is,” Calipari said Saturday. “I’m still, you lose a game — I think we lost a couple of games we gave away. But you’ve got to move on.”
Next, the Cats move on to Nashville where they face Vanderbilt on Tuesday at 7 p.m. After a 75-74 win at Arkansas on Tuesday, the Commodores fell 72-70 at home to South Carolina on Saturday. Jerry Stackhouse’s team is 9-5 overall and 1-1 in the SEC.
This story was originally published January 8, 2022 at 9:15 PM.
