Lamont Butler delivered an electrifying performance for the Kentucky Wildcats, scoring a career-high 33 points in a decisive 95-83 victory over the Louisville Cardinals. His flawless shooting and dominance on the court left Louisville head coach Pat Kelsey in awe, even admitting, “I see that kid in my nightmares.”
Lamont Butler’s Impactful Return
Before the game, Kentucky fans were unsure if Butler would take the floor due to an ankle injury that had sidelined him for two games. The injury had occurred during Kentucky’s only loss of the season against Clemson in the ACC-SEC Challenge. However, Butler not only played—he stole the show. His impeccable shooting—10-for-10 from the field and 6-for-6 from three-point range—proved pivotal in securing the Wildcats’ 10th win of the season.
Coach Kelsey, who had previously faced Butler when coaching at the College of Charleston, had nothing but praise for the sophomore guard. “Lamont Butler was magnificent. I still see that kid in my nightmares because we played against him when I was at Charleston and he was the point guard at San Diego State. He’s an absolute warrior—a winner.”
Kelsey had no doubt that Butler would suit up despite the injury. “People were questioning if he would play. I told them, ‘That cat is playing. You can mark that one down.’ He’s a stone-cold killer and a fantastic player.”
Breaking Down Butler’s Dominant Performance
The Wildcats and Cardinals met at Rupp Arena in what was expected to be a competitive game, but Butler’s hot shooting quickly put Kentucky in control. Not only did he lead his team in scoring, but he also contributed across the board with rebounds and assists, showing his all-around impact on the court.
Lamont Butler’s Stats vs. Louisville (Dec. 14):
Minutes played: 32
Points: 33
Rebounds: 3
Assists: 6
Blocks: 0
Steals: 0
Turnovers: 3
Field Goals: 10-10
Three-Pointers: 6-6
Free Throws: 7-12
His perfect shooting night was a rare accomplishment. According to ESPN, Butler became just the second player in the SEC in the past 20 years to shoot 100% from the field while scoring over 30 points.
Kentucky head coach Mark Pope had high expectations for Butler’s return, saying before the game, “He’s been that way his whole career. He keeps getting better and better, and we’re going to see some of the beauty.”
What’s Next for Butler and Kentucky?
With a 10-1 record, Kentucky now sets its sights on a high-profile matchup against Ohio State in the CBS Sports Classic on Dec. 21 in New York. Given his performance against Louisville, all eyes will be on Butler to see if he can replicate his magic on an even bigger stage.
For now, Louisville’s Pat Kelsey will likely continue to “see Butler in his nightmares,” while Kentucky fans hope this is just the beginning of a special season for their star guard.
