When Lamont Butler stepped onto the Rupp Arena floor on Saturday night, even he couldn’t have predicted the kind of game he was about to deliver. Coming off an ankle injury that had sidelined him for Kentucky’s previous two games, Butler played what head coach Mark Pope called “one of the all-time greatest performances in the history of this super special game.”
Butler’s jaw-dropping 33-point performance led Kentucky to a 93-85 victory over Louisville, further cementing the Wildcats’ dominance in this storied rivalry. Despite being questionable to play just hours before tipoff, Butler didn’t just suit up—he put on a clinic.
A Performance for the Ages
In just 32 minutes of action, Butler shot a flawless 10-for-10 from the field, including an incredible 6-for-6 from beyond the arc. Louisville’s defense repeatedly left him open, and Butler made them pay every time. His efficiency was historic; he became the first college player since 1996-97 to record at least 33 points and six assists while making all of his shot attempts.
Adding to the lore, Butler’s performance was the third-best perfect shooting game in Kentucky basketball history and just one point shy of the all-time scoring record for a UK player in the Kentucky-Louisville rivalry. That record, set by Derrick Miller in 1989, still stands at 34 points—but Butler’s brilliance has already etched his name into the rivalry’s history books.
Overcoming Adversity
What makes Butler’s night even more remarkable is the adversity he overcame leading up to the game. Sidelined since December 3 with an ankle injury sustained against Clemson, Butler spent 11 grueling days in recovery. Limited in practice and labeled as questionable by Pope in media appearances throughout the week, his status remained a mystery until game time.
But once the ball tipped, any concerns about his health were quickly erased. Butler credited Kentucky’s trainer, Brandon Wells, for helping him get game-ready, but he admitted that once the adrenaline kicked in, his focus was solely on helping his team win.
“Every day, me and Brandon were working to get the ankle back to normal,” Butler said postgame. “Tonight, I just said, ‘Forget the ankle.’ My adrenaline was running, and I just wanted to be out there making winning plays.”
MVP Honors and Praise from Pope
For his efforts, Butler was named the game’s MVP, receiving a custom bedazzled championship belt—a fitting reward for a player who left it all on the court. Mark Pope was effusive in his praise during the postgame press conference, calling Butler’s performance not only extraordinary but historic.
“Unbelievable credit to him,” Pope said. “My goodness, what an incredible night. Lamont Butler just gave us one of the all-time greatest performances in this rivalry’s history. The numbers back it up, the way he approached the game backs it up. I’m so proud of him.”
Lamont Butler, your MVP for tonight’s game, with his fancy belt. pic.twitter.com/N5UBpapEU9
— Zack Geoghegan (@ZGeogheganKSR) December 15, 2024
Pope wasn’t alone in marveling at Butler’s brilliance. Teammate Kerr Kriisa took to social media, humorously dubbing the performance a “masterpiece” in a photo of Butler casually posing in socks and a Nike NOCTA sweatsuit—snapped, oddly enough, in a bathroom.
Forever a Part of Rivalry Lore
Butler’s 33 points weren’t just the most scored by a Wildcat this season—they were a statement. His poise, efficiency, and ability to rise to the occasion in a game packed with emotion and pressure solidified his place in Kentucky-Louisville rivalry lore.
“This game means everything,” Butler said. “To come out and contribute like this, it’s special. But at the end of the day, it’s all about the win. That’s what we play for.”
Whether fans remember his performance as a masterpiece, a historic night, or simply an all-time great showing, one thing is certain: Lamont Butler’s name will be forever associated with one of the most electric performances in the rivalry’s history. For Big Blue Nation, it was a night to celebrate, and for Louisville, a reminder of just how dangerous this Kentucky team—and Butler—can be.