As Bogdan Bogdanović ceased games with his stats showing turnovers, fouls, and failed three-point tries, the subjective judgment from fans was to bench him. More notably, he was missing point-blank looks, and without him consistently thriving as a bucket-getter, Bogdanović is ultimately a liability.
Conversely, head coach Tyronn Lue had a different approach for Bogdanović to master in game four, and this was a better way to accommodate. The Serbian star was zoned in winning, not just scoring. He did have a few baskets, but his best play was made from hustling for an offensive rebound.
Due to a real, positive impact stemming from Bogdanović's minutes in game four, Lue concluded that he should play more in game five at Ball Arena. Given the Clippers' avoidance of going down 3-2, he would be crucial.
Furthermore, the Clippers lost game five by 16 points, but Bogdanović was arguably the second-best producer after Ivica Zubac had a playoff career-high of 27 points.
If the Clippers had won in the 'Mile High City,' Bogdanović's turnaround through adversity and criticism would have raised more eyebrows; nonetheless, he had a great game that gives fans hope for a dominant game-six victory.
Bogdan Bogdanović will have a crucial role in game six to keep the Clippers alive in the playoffs
It is rare for the LA Clippers to lose when Bogdan Bogdanović excels, but even rarer is losing when he and his teammates are fired up with energy from chirping back and forth. It is most often a mistake to trash-talk a player like Bogdanović, as building a house inside his head without paying rent is impossible.
Amidst Bogdanović scoring his 2025 playoff-high of 18 points, Russell Westbrook was chatting a bit extra with the veteran guard. These two had a moment, and the officials separated them immediately and issued a double-technical foul.
Moreover, Bogdanović played more than anyone on the bench, shot well at a percentage of 45.4, 50% from three, and posted five assists and three rebounds. If combined with a stellar night from James Harden and Norman Powell, the Clippers could have won in just six games tonight.
That said, fueling moments like the one with Westbrook motivate him to play with excitement in the second unit. There have also been other altercations, which LA could get the last laugh at if they win one more at home and on the road.