Photo: USA Today
It has surprisingly been a positive week for the Brooklyn Nets. They continue to play hard during their disastrous season. Bojan Bogdanovic was quiet in Brooklyn’s dramatic 104-95 upset against Cleveland. The second year guard scored 12 points on four of eleven shooting in 26 minutes of action. With upstart rookie Rondae Hollis-Jefferson healthy again, Bojan’s minutes have slightly declined. That hasn’t ruined his confidence, as Bogdanovic scored 18 points on seven of fourteen shooting against Indiana. Brooklyn won their second consecutive game against a likely playoff team. The Nets shot nearly 55 percent with Brook Lopez continuing to play at a high level. In a 120-110 win, Bojan played a pivotal role by connecting on mid-range jumpers and being crafty towards getting into the lane.
The brief winning streak ended in Miami, as they lost 110-99 on Monday. Bogdanovic was limited to nine points on four of ten shooting in 24 minutes of action. Despite shooting 53 percent, the Nets were hampered on 20 turnovers and couldn’t contain Hassan Whiteside. Miami is one of the better defenses in the league, which is why Bojan was held in check. Brooklyn’s week ended in embarrassing fashion, as they lost 139-105 to Orlando. It was a despicable defensive performance by allowing the Magic to shoot 62 percent. Bogdanovic only played 15 minutes, as the game was over by the third quarter. Due to the circumstances, Bojan only scored six points on two of five shooting.
Brooklyn looks to finish the strong starting with Cleveland on Thursday. A quick transition will take place on Friday, as Brooklyn will face their crosstown rivals at Madison Square Garden. They finish the week on Sunday at home against New Orleans.
Photo: NBA.com
Orlando’s difficult stretch has taken them out of the playoff picture. Enduring a six game losing streak at this stage of the season is far from ideal. With star center Nikola Vucevic sidelined, the Magic are overmatched down-low and have allowed teams to score at will. That was apparent against Detroit, as they lost 118-112 on the road. Mario Hezonja contributed with eight points, two rebounds, and two steals in 23 minutes of action. While Scott Skiles continues to fluctuate the rotation, Hezonja has still managed to earn quality playing time.
The woes continued in Miami, as Orlando lost 108-97 in a game that wasn’t very competitive. Mario started in place of Victor Oladipo and managed to play 37 minutes. Although the rookie guard shot only four of eleven, his stat sheet was filled with eight points, three rebounds, two steals, and one assist. Contributing in other areas is important for all rookies trying to prove their worth. The Magic ended their losing streak by beating a lifeless Bulls team. In a 111-89 win, Hezonja was limited to only five points in 22 minutes of action. It was a quiet game from him, as Orlando went deep in their rotation. The blowouts continued last night against Brooklyn in a 139-105 win. Mario scored ten points on four of eight shooting in 25 minutes of action. With the game being over by the third quarter, Hezonja received more playing time and made a positive impression like the rest of his teammates.
Orlando starts a two-game road trip on Thursday against Indiana, before playing Milwaukee on Friday. The week ends on Sunday at home against Memphis. At 31-43, the Magic are playing for pride at this point.
Photo: AFP
The Golden State Warriors continue to steamroll past the NBA competition with wins against Washington, Philadelphia, Dallas and the Clippers this week. Andrew Bogut started for the Warriors at center in all four games and took it easy in limited time. The Warriors were a little sloppy on defense this week against mediocre competition as Bogut averaged on 18 minutes of action. Andrew and the Warriors are clearly saving themselves for the playoffs and looking to avoid injury. Golden State will have to go 6-2 in their final eight games to break the 72-10 regular season record held by the Chicago Bulls.
Photo: NBA
Damjan Rudež looked on from the bench against the Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards, and Sacramento Kings this week. Minnesota will finish the season playing their youth as Damjan will most likely look for a new home next season.
~Allen Strk reporting from New York and Denis Svirčić reporting from sunny Southern California
Maminjo, Don’t even bother educating these mental midgets who doubt your comment. The Spurs’ 19 year home winning streak vs Warriors means nothing to them. Granted, warriors will have home court advantage, but Spurs have played well @ Oracle not including the last game with Duncan resting.
Maminjo………why do you think they have the psychological advantage?
spurs the psychological advantage??? the stupidity on this site never disappoints
The Golden State vs San Antonio playoff matchup will be the two strongest NBA teams matched up against one another…ever.
Spurs have the psychological edge though, so it will be interesting.