The midway point of July provided fireworks from former UConn men’s basketball players, including a big game from Cam Spencer. Today, three players who helped claim the 2023 NCAA title will take the floor in Las Vegas.
Tristen Newton
Newton did not provide much offense for the Minnesota Timberwolves in 16 minutes off the bench. The 2024 NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player was 0-3 from the field, including two missed 3-pointers for zero points overall. However, he impacted the game differently. In addition to a +13 plus/minus, the two-time national champion had three steals, two assists and one defensive rebound while turning the ball over zero times. The Timberwolves defeated the Detroit Pistons, 89-73.
Cam Spencer
Spencer took over Tuesday night’s game for the Memphis Grizzlies, scoring 23 points on 6-10 shooting in 29 minutes as one of the starting guards. Half of his made field goals came from downtown. Spencer was nearly automatic from the free-throw line, going 8-9 from the stripe. While the Grizzlies are now 1-2 with a 96-84 loss to the Golden State Warriors, Spencer has shown that they do not need to rely solely on Jaylen Wells in Sin City.
James Bouknight
It was unusual to see Bouknight only play 10 minutes as a starting guard for the Portland Trail Blazers late Tuesday night. Perhaps it could have been his only 3-point attempt of the night, which resulted in him falling into the courtside seats on the bottom baseline. The former Charlotte Hornet scored just two points on 1-2 shooting, while also handing out two assists and recording one steal. The Blazers took care of business and downed the New Orleans Pelicans, 93-87.
Today’s Games (all times ET)
Phoenix Suns vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (Newton) (5 p.m., NBA TV/ESPN+)
Milwaukee Bucks (Andre Jackson Jr.) vs. Chicago Bulls (5:30 p.m., ESPN2/ESPN+)
Washington Wizards vs. Utah Jazz (Adama Sanogo) (10 p.m., ESPN/ESPN+)
Calhoun's Corner 