Brooklyn Nets: Twitter
Bojan Bogdanovic has stole headlines this week, as the Brooklyn Nets have silenced the critics in forcing the Atlanta Hawks to six games. During the regular season, Atlanta had their way with Brooklyn on nearly every occasion. That has changed through much better defensive play by Brooklyn led by Brook Lopez. They played well in game two, but ultimately lost 96-91 from poor execution offensively in the last two minutes. Bogdanovic was inserted into the starting lineup, as Lionel Hollins wanted a better scoring option on the wing.
The lack of offensive production from Markel Brown has frustrated Hollins. Bogdanovic had already been playing around 30 minutes, but will now be matched up against sharp-shooter Kyle Korver on a consistent basis. The rookie shooting guard struggled in shooting three for nine (eight points) from the field. With Deron Williams and Thaddeus Young shooting for a combined two for fourteen, Brooklyn didn’t have enough offensively to pull off the upset.
Despite two underwhelming playoff games, Bogdanovic remained confident and was rewarded with a breakout game. Brooklyn was in a must-win situation at home. They played like Hollins’ old Memphis teams with stout defense and getting to the free throw line. Atlanta shot only 35 percent with Kyle Korver being a non-factor. Bojan outplayed him on various occasions through driving past him or shooting over him without hesitation. The highlights are below of his excellent game. In a 91-83 win, Bogdanovic shot seven for thirteen that included 3 three-pointers. Bojan’s nineteen-point performance was vital with Joe Johnson and Williams shooting poorly throughout the game.
Bogdanovic’s breakout performance in Game 3
Despite their disappointing crowd support, the home-court advantage seemed to be playing a part in Brooklyn’s resurgence. After being down by double-digits in the second half, the Nets stormed back in the fourth quarter led by Williams’ 35 points. It felt like the 2010 playoffs with Williams running the court. Bogdanovic played 44 minutes in Brooklyn’s 120-115 victory. The rising Croatian star scored 15 points on six of twelve shooting, along with six rebounds and three assists. Bojan connected on multiple three-pointers that came at pivotal moments. It’s becoming evident that Bogdanovic is on his way to becoming a consistent key contributor.
Bogdanovic connects on a few major three-pointers to push Brooklyn over Atlanta
The series shifted back to Atlanta, where the Hawks were 35-6 in the regular season. They showed that in a 107-97 victory through an efficient offensive effort. All five starters scored in double figures led by DeMarre Carroll’s 24 points. Bogdanovic was kept quiet in 29 minutes of action from shooting just three of eight. Alan Anderson’s emergence from the bench kept Bogdanovic on the bench longer than expected. Anderson was the hot hand with 23 points from the bench, along with being a much better defender than Bogdanovic. It’ll be interesting to see how their minutes are managed going into the make-or-break elimination game.
Brooklyn will be playing to keep their season alive tomorrow on ESPN. If they win at home, a game seven showdown will take place in Atlanta on Sunday. After being rated as the worst playoff team, Brooklyn is two wins away from taking down one of the best teams (on paper) in the NBA. They’ve already exceeded expectations in winning a game, let alone two wins. The Nets were considered dead in the water a month ago. From the old roster to lack of rising stars, nobody was giving this team any credence. Now they have started to command respect again.
NBA.com
It has been a quiet week for the Golden State Warriors following their sweep of the New Orleans Pelicans. Andrew Bogut was limited to under 30 minutes for both games. The seven footer struggled with foul trouble in both games. Due to New Orleans being fairly limited offensively, Golden State was able to get away with playing undersized. Bogut will have to play far better than he did in the last two games. A combined eight points and eight rebounds in two away games won’t cut it against the likes of Memphis, Los Angeles , and San Antonio.
Golden State will likely get a week-long rest before playing the Memphis Grizzlies in the next round. Memphis got past the Portland Trail Blazers in just five games. With star point guard Mike Conley out for possibly the entire series, it will be essential to force Memphis into becoming a jump shooting team. Bogut’s defensive excellence will be tested against the most versatile center in Marc Gasol.
Twitter: @Allen_Strk
I sometimes wonder what goes into the mind of someone when they decide to purchase a shirt with the name of another person on the back side?
Do you guys think those people were brought up poorly? Got to be head issues involved, no?????
I’ve said it once and I have to say it again……when in doubt if you should purchase a jersey with the name of another person on the back side, ask yourself this………. Would that same person purchase a jersey or tshirt with my (your) name on the back? If the answer is no, then there is no need to purchase a jersey with the name of another person on the back side. If the athlete/celebrity wont be a jock sniffer, no reason for you also to be a jock sniffer.
Back to hoops talk……..Cro basketball looks to be in good shape, but one big issue. No PG. The federation is begging one of the crnci to play this summer.
me above
heres a quote from clicking on the bogdanovic youtube vid just for you ziva lolol
Donnie Darko 4 days ago
Bravo care, samo nastavi i nosit cu ti ime na ledima 😉
@Maminjo,
Yes, I forgot about Bender and Justin Hamilton. The future looks bright to say the least.
I don’t think so. I think his contract with Barcelona allows him to leave immediately.
Saric had a buyout that well exceeded the limit NBA teams can contribute to, but he has an opt-out after two years. Everyone knew that going into the draft, and it cost him a few spots in his draft position.
Any chance Hezonja still decides to stay in Europe even if he stays in the draft. Same thing Saric did.
@Svircic
Don’t forget Bender.
He’s likely to declare in next year’s draft and is as big a prospect as Hezonja. Both players will likely be going top-10 in consecutive years.
Including Saric, Croatia will likely have three lotto pick players in three consecutive years. That bodes extremely well for the future.
Perfect Allen and don’t be late with the NBA playoffs report!! Well done Bogdanovic, majstore!!
Memphis won’t be a cake walk for Andrew Bogut and the Golden state Warriors. Z-Bo will pound it down low and Gasol will pull Bogut out to the perimeter opening up the lanes for guards. I see the Warriors winning in 7.
Bogdanovic has really impressed me the last month or so of the NBA season. I thought Brooklyn would squeak out a game but now they have a chance to send it to a deciding game 7.
the future looks bright for Croatian basketball. Tomic will most likely sign a contract in Europe and will retire there. Hezonja is on his way next season, while Saric is another year or so away.
Detroit Pistons head coach, Stan Van Gundy, just recently made the trip to Barcelona to scout Hezonja.
thanks for the report Allen!
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