In one of the most electrifying performances in Kentucky basketball history, Lamont Butler delivered a jaw-dropping display against Louisville, securing his place among the Wildcats’ all-time greats. His 33 points—on 10-10 shooting, including six three-pointers—led Kentucky to a 93-85 victory. Head coach Mark Pope couldn’t hold back his praise, calling Butler’s performance one of the greatest in the program’s storied rivalry with Louisville.
“Unbelievable credit to him,” Pope said. “Lamont Butler just gave us one of the all-time greatest performances in the history of his super special game. The numbers back it up. The way he came into it backs it up… I’m so proud of him.”
Butler’s flawless shooting put him in rare company. His 10-10 shooting from the floor ranks as the third-most makes without a miss in Kentucky basketball history, and his six three-pointers tie the record for the most in the rivalry against Louisville. Despite a subpar 7-12 effort at the free-throw line, his 33 points fall just one shy of the record for most points by a Wildcat in the rivalry, set by Derrick Miller in 1988.
While the 93-85 win was a team effort, Butler was clearly the MVP of the game, dominating from start to finish. So, how does his performance compare to other legendary Kentucky moments in the Louisville rivalry? Let’s take a look:
Tyrese Maxey (2019)
Tyrese Maxey’s performance in a 78-70 overtime win over Louisville may not be as widely remembered as Butler’s, but the freshman’s 27 points and seven rebounds were crucial in overcoming the third-ranked Cardinals. Maxey’s four made three-pointers were instrumental in the Wildcats’ success.
Tyler Ulis (2015)
No player has been more clutch against Louisville during the John Calipari era than Tyler Ulis. In a top-five showdown, Ulis scored 14 points, despite being bloodied by an eye injury, and led Kentucky to a victory. The next season, he topped that with 21 points and eight assists in another nail-biting win.
Anthony Davis (2012)
When it comes to all-around performance, Anthony Davis set the bar for Kentucky players in rivalry games. In a Final Four showdown, Davis tallied 18 points, 14 rebounds, and five blocks, cementing his legacy as one of the best players in NCAA history.
Josh “Jorts” Harrelson (2011)
In a memorable rivalry game at the Yum! Center, Harrelson, aka “Jorts,” put on a dominant performance. He scored 23 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, including a three-pointer, leading Kentucky to a 15-point win over the Cards.
DeMarcus Cousins (2010)
Known for his intensity, DeMarcus Cousins was a force against Louisville, finishing with 18 points and 18 rebounds in a hard-fought victory. His relentless play helped Kentucky dominate in the paint.
Patrick Sparks (2004)
One of the most iconic comebacks in Kentucky basketball history came in 2004, when Patrick Sparks led the Wildcats to a 60-58 win after trailing by as much as 14 in the second half. Sparks scored 15 of his 25 points after the break, hitting a game-winning three free throws.
Tony Delk (1996)
During Kentucky’s 1996 National Championship season, Tony Delk turned in a legendary performance against Louisville, scoring 30 points, including four three-pointers, in an 89-66 win. Delk’s explosive shooting helped the Wildcats dominate their in-state rivals.
Rex Chapman (1988)
In a blowout win, Rex Chapman had 26 points against Louisville and even dunked on current Louisville assistant coach Kenny Payne. Chapman’s 21-point performance in a one-point victory the following season proved his dominance in the rivalry.
Lamont Butler’s flawless performance against Louisville will forever be remembered by Kentucky fans, placing him firmly among the ranks of the program’s greatest players. As the Wildcats look to build on this win, Butler’s 33-point outburst has added his name to a legendary list of Wildcat greats.
