Welcome to the Basketball Hangover. I write about what’s happening in the NBA daily, even when COVID has ravaged the league.
It’s safe to say that Bojan Bogdanovic would make a difference for the Jazz in the postseason.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Scott G. Winterton/Deseret News.)
We all remember Donovan Mitchell‘s star-making performance in the first round of the bubble playoffs last summer. That series when he scored 50+ points TWICE against Denver. But the Nuggets ended up coming back from a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Jazz and move on to the West Semifinals.
What we mostly don’t remember was that Bojan Bogdanovic didn’t play in the bubble. He opted to have surgery on his wrist that he messed up in 2019. And while Mike Conley and Jordan Clarkson did get it going that series, none of them had any sort of rhythm in the slog that was Game 7.
It would’ve been nice to have Bogdanovic there as another option. The man averaged 20.2 points last season and was a deadeye shooter (.414 from 3). He also made a couple of game-winning threes at the buzzer. That kind of clutch shooting and floor spacing would’ve given the Jazz different looks on the offense. Maybe Mitchell wouldn’t have to carry such a heavy load for them.
Bogdanovic seems to be finding an incredible rhythm right on time. After they got their #1 seed taken away by Phoenix, the Jazz went on to win four straight games. They won in an all-important game against Denver and Bogdanovic went on to score a career-best 48 points. In his last 6 games, Bogey has averaged 29.5 points and shot .500 from long distance. He has become that go-to guy with Mitchell out (who is due back for a return soon). If Mitchell and Bogdanovic have it going (plus with Clarkson and Conley having excellent seasons), the Jazz offense would be more difficult to stop. And Denver thought Donovan was a handful.
But yeah, you can never have enough options offensively. And the Jazz are having a historic season from three as they are on pace (and should finish) with the most made threes in a season (they’re currently at 16.9 per game). We all know the game has changed and Utah sniping from everywhere could lead them deep into the postseason.
Especially since they’re going to have a healthy Bojan Bogdanovic with them.
Bullet Passes
Dallas took care of business on their end as they continue to hold on to the 5th spot.
So did Portland, who took over the 6th seed by beating the Lakers.
The Lakers don’t stand a chance if one of their stars isn’t healthy going into the postseason. LeBron James being worried about his ankle isn’t a great sign. Also, people have mentioned their continuity. I’m not worried about that as much with this team. But I wouldn’t be surprised if their lack of chemistry is their downfall. I just think LeBron and Davis are too good and there are still some holdovers from last year’s title team.
I just noticed this but I never thought that the Lakers and the Knicks would have identical records with 5 games left in their season.
Former teammates Jimmy Butler and Karl-Anthony Towns were yapping at each other. No love lost there between the two. And I find it interesting that Towns might have some feuds with multiple people (we all remember Towns and Joel Embiid having some tussles).
Brook Lopez is a hilarious dude. KJ Martin had a thunderous dunk in front of Lopez and the veteran had an excellent response to this.
Brook Lopez’s reaction after this Kenyon Martin Jr. dunk 😂 pic.twitter.com/E1o5UbTOw3
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 8, 2021
I want to hang out with those twins someday.
NBA Scoreboard
May 7, 2021
Watch This Play
Whoa. Look at this facial by Mo Harkless.
Moe Harkless put ’em on a poster 😤 pic.twitter.com/pcHjbc49Nc
— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 8, 2021
Jakob Poeltl risked it all and lost. Woof.
Everyone, please take care of yourselves during this pandemic. And that goes for everyone involved with the NBA as well.
You can find Rey-Rey on Twitter at @TheNoLookPass.
You can also check out Rey-Rey’s podcast, Rey-Rey Is Fundamental, for more basketball content and, really, whatever else.
R.I.P. Nala.