Photo: AFP
Andrew Bogut looks set to miss some time after leaving Friday’s game against the Bucks after just five minutes and is questionable for Wednesday night’s tilt against Utah. The 7-footer underwent treatment Monday and did some non-contact stuff at practice, CSN Bay Area reports. This could be trouble for the Croatian-Australian as Andrew has a history of back troubles.
The Warriors crushed the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night 128-103. Andrew started and finished with 12 rebounds, one block, one steal, three assists, while failing to attempt a shot from the field. Bogut made highlights on ESPN with a beautiful between the legs pass to Steph Curry.
Andrew Bogut’s between the legs pass to Steph Curry against the Suns on Wednesday
Photo: NBA
Minnesota Timberwolves head coach, Sam Mitchell, must have told Damjan Rudež to work on his passing and shoot only when open as the Croatian international attempted only two shots in four games this week with the Wolves. After finally getting some time for the Wolves last week, Damjan averaged only 5 minutes of action this week for Minnesota. On Monday night against the Celtics, Rudež failed to attempt a shot in 10 minutes of action and finished the match with zeros across the stat sheet. Oh, Damjan did commit a foul. Rudež has a team option next year and chances are that he will become a free agent.
Photo: Fox Sports
Sacramento Kings undrafted rookie, Duje Dukan, is still looking to make his NBA debut after playing a couple of games for the team’s NBA D-League affiliate, the Reno Bighorns. Duje looked on from the bench against Washington, Toronto and Minnesota this week.
Photo: USA Today
The season continues to be an absolute struggle for Bojan Bogdanovic and the Brooklyn Nets. It was another week filled with losses starting against Miami. While Bojan continues to play 38-40 minutes, the second-year player failed to make a major impression by scoring just eight points and being on the receiving end of several Dwayne Wade’s baskets. Brooklyn lost 104-98, as they continue to allow teams to score over 100 points on a nightly basis.
They didn’t fare much better in Indiana, as they lost 104-97. Bogdanovic shot just two of seven from the field and scored only five points. With rookie swingman Rondae Hollis-Jefferson out, Bojan continues to receiver starter minutes. Brooklyn’s lack of top-tier scorers has been a consistent issue. The persistent problems showed up again in a 100-85 loss to Minnesota for their fifth straight loss. Bogdanovic faired somewhat better by scoring 13 points on five of twelve shooting. It wasn’t enough to counter an upstart Timberwolves team.
The week ended on a high note, as Brooklyn upset the underachieving Chicago Bulls on the road. Bogdanovic only played 27 minutes, but managed to put together his most efficient performance of the week with twelve points on five of eight shooting. Most of his production came in the second quarter. It was a much-needed confidence booster for Bojan and the entire team. Timely three-pointers helped the Nets prevail in a shocking victory.
Bogdanovic breaks out of his funk against Chicago
Brooklyn faces their old friend Deron Williams and the Dallas Mavericks tonight. While the Barclays Center has been mostly quiet this season, Net fans are relishing at the opportunity to boo one of their old prized disappointing acquisitions. They face Washington on Saturday, before ending the week in Miami.
Photo: USA Today
It has been another roller coaster week for Mario Hezonja. As Orlando continues their strong start to the season, the rookie searches to find his niche within the rotation. Mario contributed with eight points in 13 minutes against Charlotte in a 113-98 win. Most of his production occurred, when the game was already settled. Hezonja failed to play in a win against Portland, while only played seven minutes in a loss to Portland. With Victor Oladipo now dropped to the bench, nobody knows what to expect from Scott Skiles’ unpredictable disciplinarian philosophy.
Hezonja ended the week on a high note with eleven points in 19 minutes for his first game at Madison Square Garden. More ball-handling responsibilities were placed on the untested rookie, as you can see through the highlights. Mario shined with three assists and made several hustle plays as well. Confidence has never been an issue, but we can see his progression towards scoring on more isolation plays and making better decisions. Orlando ended up winning 107-99, which puts them at 16-12 for the season.
Hezonja shines under the bright lights
Orlando starts a three-game home-stand starting tonight against Houston. They play Saturday against state rivals Miami, before finishing the week against New Orleans. The Magic have developed into one of the more exciting teams in the league. While Hezonja’s minutes aren’t exactly stable at the moment, the future appears to be now for the youngest team in the NBA.
~Allen Strk reporting from New York and Denis Svirčić reporting from sunny Southern California