15 New England alums in NBA action on Christmas Day
Christmas Day is known as the unofficial start to the NBA season as there are five straight nationally televised games beginning at noon and going all the way past midnight.
For local New England fans, the slate of games provided a reminded of just how many local products, prep or otherwise, are now playing at the highest level as there were 14 New England alums scattered through the day’s five games.
Bucks 109 Knicks 95
Noah Vonleh’s breakout season continued as the former Mass Rivals and New Hampton School big man went for his latest double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds for the Knicks. The Bucks, who feature former St. John’s Prep and Middlesex Magic swingman Pat Conaughton, took the win in the Garden though.
Rockets 113 Thunder 109
OKC is a favorite for New England prep fans as the roster features former Notre Dame Prep big man Steven Adams, former Tilton and BABC big man Nerlens Noel, and former Putnam Science and New York Rens guard Hamidou Diallo. Deonte Burton, who spent a year at Brewster Academy, is also on the roster. Adams went for 17 and 7 on Tuesday but it wasn’t enough as the Rockets, including former St. Andrew’s and BABC guard Michael Carter-Williams, took the win.
Celtics 121 76ers 114
The Celtics took a dramatic overtime win over the Sixers, who feature former Brewster Academy forward Jonah Bolden.
Lakers 127 Warriors 101
The Lakers got a big win with Notre Dame PRep alum still on the injured list while St. Thomas More alum Damion Lee saw five minutes of action with the Warriors.
Jazz 117 Trail Blazers 96
The late game was a big one for New England alums as Brewster Academy alum Donovan Mitchell, one of the league’s top sophomores, scored a team high 19 points while former Tilton and BABC forward Georges Niang also saw time in the Jazz’ win. Portland started South Kent alum Mo Harkless on the wing and brought former St. Mark’s guard Nik Stauskas off the bench along with former King Philip and BABC forward Jake Layman.