Louisville basketball fans are keeping a close eye on a couple of former Cardinals in the NBA. Last night, two former Cards went head-to-head for the first time as Ryan Conwell and the Miami Heat hosted Louisville legend Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Giannis Antetokounmpo sees bright NBA future for former Louisville star Ryan Conwell
The OKC Thunder selected Conwell No. 37 overall, then traded him to the Miami Heat, where many believe he will make an immediate impact. The former Cardinal got off to a slow start in the 2026 season, but last night against the Cavs, he had a career night and the statement game Louisville and Heat fans were waiting for.
Former Louisville star Ryan Conwell gives Miami Heat exactly what they need
Conwell entered Friday night having scored five points or more in just three games, and he wasn’t shooting to his standard, averaging just 4.2 points per game while shooting 34% from the field and 34% from beyond the arc.
However, last night Conwell reminded everyone why he can be a major X-factor for the Heat. The former Cardinal had his best night in the NBA to date, scoring a career-high 20 points while shooting 6-of-12 from the field and 4-of-9 from beyond the arc, and adding five rebounds and two assists.
His six made baskets, four made 3-pointers, and five rebounds all mark season highs for Conwell.
Ryan Conwell vs the Cavs tonight:
— Louisville CBB (@Louisvillecbb) November 14, 2026
20 points (Career-high)
6-12 FG (4-9 3PT)
5 rebounds
2 assists
STEAL of the draft ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/6ixjcNCwmI
The former Cardinal turned heads all offseason, including in the preseason, when he scored 20 points or more in two of the Heat's five games and scored double-digit points in three of their five games. Conwell is an elite 3-point shooter who made 347 3-pointers in his college career, including a career-best 112 3-pointers last season with Louisville.
He led UofL in 3-point shooting and points per game, while the Heat’s rookie averaged 18.8 points. Now, hopefully this 20-point game against the Cavs was the breakout game Conwell desperately needed. The Heat need a shooter to open up the court for their dominant frontcourt stars, and last night proved Conwell can be that guy for Erik Spoelstra.
After his 20-point game, Conwell now averaged 5.8 points per game, plus 1.6 rebounds and 1.3 assists. Miami and Conwell will take the court again tonight for the second half of their back-to-back as they face the Detroit Pistons at home at 8 p.m. local time.
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