NBA G-League: Calcaterra’s hot shooting leading the way for more playing time
In his lone season in Storrs, the graduate transfer from Kentfield, California added some much-needed firepower from beyond the arc to Dan Hurley’s bench. The fan-favorite point guard shot a blistering 44.6% from three and was a key X-factor on UConn’s 2023 national championship squad. Upon the conclusion of his collegiate career, the 6-foot-3 guard landed with the South Bay Lakers with hopes of making the difficult climb from undrafted free agent to NBA prowess. The former Connecticut and U San Diego guard didn’t see the floor much until March 13, when he played for more than 12 minutes for the first time in his G-League career, totaling five points and two steals. Since then, Calcaterra has seen the floor for nearly 20 minutes a night and went off for a career high 17 points and five three pointers in the Lakers’ 129-113 loss to the Valley Vipers on March 21. With performances like that, it will certainly be hard to keep the first-year pro off the court as the season continues.
NBA: Drummond records double-double in loss to Washington
In Chicago’s 107-105 loss to the Washington Wizards on Monday, veteran big man Andre Drummond recorded his 14th double-double of the season off the bench. The former lottery pick of the 2012 NBA Draft has carved out an important bench role with the Chicago Bulls over the last two seasons after establishing himself as one of the best rebounders the game has ever seen. In 72 games played this season, the former UConn glass king is averaging 8.3 points and 8.8 rebounds per game.
NHL: Thompson returning to form as points streak reaches 5 games
On Sunday, Sabres right winger Tage Thompson scored a goal and assisted on another in the team’s 4-1 win over the Calgary Flames. The former UConn star now has 10 points (four goals and six assists) over the last eight games, with the team winning five of those games. The former first round pick exploded for a career high 94 points last season (47 goals and 47 assists), but an injury to his left hand kept the former Husky sidelined for a chunk of this season. Thompson has 22 goals and 23 assists this season and will look to continue this hot stretch of play with the team as they sit eight points behind the final wild card spot.