I asked two NBA scouts to break down No. 1 Kentucky’s 58-50 win over Louisville on Saturday. Here are their takes:
NBA SCOUT 1:
Tough game to watch with such poor shooting from both teams.
Kentucky:
The Harrison twins both struggled. [Tyler] Ulis was the best player on the floor. Made big shots in the second half and did a nice job of handling the pressure from Louisville’s guards. Team just runs smoothly with him at the point. [Trey] Lyles was solid. He made open jump shots and rebounded well at both the 3 and 4 positions. [Willie] Cauley-Stein was just OK. Scored only on offensive rebound putbacks. Was not nearly the presence he has been lately at the defensive end. [Karl-Anthony] Towns is still their most talented player. Had a decent game but nothing spectacular stood out this afternoon. [Devin] Booker made a 3-pointer late but for the most part he was neutralized. Dakari Johnson rebounded well but was mostly a non factor throughout the game.
Louisville:
Chris Jones just cannot shoot and takes too many tough shots. [Terry] Rozier was solid. He can score. [Wayne] Blackshear, [Chinanu] Onuaku, and [Mangok] Mathiang did not impact the game enough to make a difference today. The length of Kentucky caused fits for Blackshear and his ability to make shots. He really struggled shooting the ball today. [Montrezl] Harrell didn’t have one of his better games. Too passive offensively and did not dominate the glass. He was more of a passer today than a threat to score in the half court other than a couple nice post moves.
NBA SCOUT 2:
Tyler Ulis played the best, smart, skilled, likes the big stage, sees the floor and does what the coach wants, leading them to a nice win in this great local rivalry. Karl-Anthony Towns did a good job battling underneath, defending the goal and scoring 10 points and 9 rebounds. Terry Rozier had 15 points, 8 rebounds and 2 steals but was forced to do too much in this intense defensive contest.
