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Kevin Knox Became that Guy Tonight

Photo by Keyli Chisesi (Go Big Blue Country)

 

At times this season, freshman forward Kevin Knox has backed away during big moments but that was not the case on Saturday night at West Virginia.

 

From the opening tip, Knox looked poised and focused to deliver a big-time performance. He did just that and more, pouring in a career-high 34 points on 11-of-17 shots. Fifteen of those points came via the three-point line where he was 5-of-8 but none bigger than his a go-ahead three with 1:10 remaining in the game.

 

Tonight’s version of Knox was the one that everyone has been waiting to see. The UK freshman delivered and he did it with a look in his eye that we hadn’t seen from him this season.

 

In all, Knox knocked down 11-of-17 shots from the field and in addition to five made three-pointers; he connected on 7-of-8 free throw attempts. Knox also brought it on the glass, grabbing seven big rebounds to help the Wildcats own a 49-34 advantage on the glass.

 

The biggest difference for Knox was that he didn’t settle for the outside jumper. Even though he was hot from outside, he lowered his body and absorbed contact at the rim. John Calipari said he only settled one time during the game but Knox immediately knew what he did and picked himself up.

 

Tonight’s environment was the toughest Kentucky has faced all season but according to Knox, this is the stage he’s always loved.

 

I love playing away games and I love going against people on the road,” said Knox. “That’s something I loved growing up, just the other team yelling and hyped.”

 

The freshman also didn’t shy away from trash talk but ultimately, his 34 points did the talking.

 

“I was hitting some big shots today so I had to talk a little trash. They were talking trash to us, so I had to go back at them.”

 

After a stretch where he settled for a lot of outside shots, Calipari had Knox work with the big men during practice in order to get tougher. As a result, his outside shot suffered over the last few weeks but it has returned the last two games. Knox is now 9 for his last 13 from behind the arc and the Wildcats needed every one of them.

 

Overall, it was a résumé building win for Kentucky and it should propel them back into the top 25 but now that we know Knox can be that guy, it changes everything moving forward.

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