LA Clippers' sixth man, Bogdan Bogdanović, was a gifted wonder for a stretch of games during the regular season. His focus was sensational, and the game came far too easy for him, as Bogdanović was casually tossing behind-the-back dimes and knocking down contested, long-range, step-back three-pointers.
Bogdanović is also the player who will be credited for the rest of Ivica Zubac's career for completing the big man's first triple-double. This was done on a triple that trickled into the iron and raised the locker room vibes to a more prominent extent.
Conversely, the Serbian Star's eighth season ended in shocking concern. Over his last three games, he averaged 7.7 points, shooting 33.3% from the floor. This came with a +/- of -0.7 and a net rating of -1.5. Bogdanović's finish motioned that a struggle bus was written down against the Denver Nuggets.
Following game one of the playoffs, the Clippers may have made a bad call in adding his scoring artistry at the deadline. This mistake is notable, and one that would inject sorrow, as a fan favorite and Clipper legend, Terance Mann, was in the trade machine to the Peachtree City.
Bogdan Bogdanović's scoreless night for the LA Clippers feels even worse as his defense was also below-average
From first impression, Bogdan Bogdanović's shot selection and defense seemed fitting for the playoffs. He is one of those players who is energized by momentum and can score the basket that would force the opponent to call a timeout while having the crowd chanting in support.
Furthermore, this was a misguided impression, as the Denver Nuggets star point guard Jamal Murray isolated and hauled in success against Bogdanović. Murray shot 7-20, which is underwhelming, but punished the veteran guard through officiating for being overzealous.
In addition to being singled out by Murray and the Nuggets, Bogdanović did not score a single point, missing all three of his shots. He also had four personal fouls with three turnovers.
Moreover, of the LA Clippers' nine guys in the game plan, Bogdanović had the lowest offensive rating, 81.5, and the lowest player impact estimate, -12.5.
Bogdanović and head coach Tyronn Lue clearly need to reflect deeply, as the Clippers will go winless in Denver if the star sixth man reaches another new low. Assuming his days do not sweeten, the coaching staff must remove him from a rotation that has already been condensed to nine.