Croats in NBA: Bojan Bogdanovic Brilliant in Jazz Season Opener

Daniela Rogulj

October 24, 2019 – Croatian basketball player Bojan Bogdanovic was the second-best scorer in the Utah Jazz victory on Wednesday. 

Gol.hr reports that Bojan Bogdanovic was brilliant in Utah Jazz’s seasoner opener, as the team went on to win 100-95 in their first game against Oklahoma City Thunder.

While it wasn’t his day for three-pointers (1/5), Bogdanovic made great use of the plays set up for him and nailed five out of nine two-pointers, eventually finishing with 16 points in 24 minutes on the court. Bogdanovic was Utah’s was second-best scorer after Donovan Mitchell, who scored 32 points.

The Utah Jazz was concerned about Bogdanovic’s ankle injury in the second quarter, which saw him limp off to the dressing room. Still, after consulting with the medical team, he returned to the court and played in the second half.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the best for the Thunder with 26 points, while Chris Paul added 22 with eight assists. The team’s biggest star praised Bogdanovic in his pre-game interview. 

“One of the most underrated reinforcements is Bogdanovic. He’s great and knows how to play,” Paul said the day before the game.

In addition to Bogdanovic, Dario Saric also hit the court on Wednesday, scoring seven points with four rebounds in 21 minutes in the Phoenix Suns’ victory over the Sacramento Kings 124-95.

Devin Booker led the Suns with 22 points and ten assists, Kelly Oubre added 21 with nine rebounds, while Deandre Ayton scored 18 with 11 rebounds. Buddy Hield scored 28 points for the Kings.

Mario Hezonja played in the defeat of the Portland Trail Blazers to the Denver Nuggets (108-100) and scored two points with four rebounds. Nikola Jokic led the winners with 20 points and 13 rebounds, while Damian Lillard scored 32 for Portland.

The Cleveland Cavaliers and San Antonio Spurs also played on Wednesday. Cleveland topped the Orlando Magic 94-85, though Ante Zizic did not play. San Antonio beat the New York Knicks 120-11, while Luka Samanic stayed on the bench. 

In the most unlikely game played last night, the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrated at home after extra time against the Brooklyn Nets 127- 126.

Kyrie Irving scored 50 points in his Brooklyn debut. Karl-Anthony Towns led Minnesota with 36 points and 14 rebounds.

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.

 

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