Aussies in NBA Playoffs: Dunks and Defense, the Bogut edition
ICYMI: The Golden State Warriors exuded confidence in Game 5, and routed the Memphis Grizzlies with a 98-78 victory. They lead the series 3-2, and could possibly close this round out very soon.
Andrew Bogut played only 23 minutes this night (averaging 26.1 minutes across 9 games), and scored all six of his points off some spectacular dunks, courtesy of teammates Draymond Green and Klay Thompson (video above). It's always good to see Bogey get up there, and more so against a Memphis team normally known for its stout defense.
He also rounded out the stat sheet with 9 rebounds (3 offensive), 4 blocks, 2 fouls and a turnover.
Interestingly, Bogut wasn't much of a facilitator this game. It wasn't for a lack of trying though - Bogut received 38 touches this game, and made 30 passes, none of which resulted in a made field goal. Bogut's zero-assist performance was the first in nine postseason games so far. Across 67 games played in the regular season, he has only had 6 zero-assist games. The Warriors' prolific shooting shooting, coupled with Bogut's keen passing will likely make this statistic a rare sighting more than anything else.
Bogey is really good at this defense thing
You can say what you want about Bogut's lack of scoring compared to other starting centers, but the man does his job when it comes to defense. Bogut has been phenomenal this playoffs when it comes to rim protection, and the numbers bear testament. When looking at opponent field goal percentages in the restricted area (six attempts or more), the Golden State center is fifth overall.
Narrow it down to the conference semi-finals, and we can see Bogut has led the pack in rim protection this round. Opponents who tried against Bogut in the restricted area, were restricted (pun intended) to a less-than-spectacular 40.3%.
Bogut's also eighth when it comes to blocks per game this playoffs, no mean feat when you consider the younger (and springier) legs ahead in the rankings: Anthony Davis, Dwight Howard and DeAndre Jordan, just to name a few. Honorary mention to the 34 year old Pau Gasol, who currently averages 2.3 blocks a game, on par with Russian behemoth Timofey Mozgov.
Bogut was incorrectly reported as having his ribs X-rayed after Game 4. According to Rusty Simmons from The San Francisco Chronicle, the X-ray was done on his left knee, and the results were positive.
Onwards, to Game 6.