LA Clippers forward Nicolas Batum and head coach Tyronn Lue spoke highly of Bogdan Bogdanovic's ball-handling and play-making skills.
Bogdan Bogdanovic scored only eight points, but registered a career-high 12 rebounds as the LA Clippers overcame the New York Knicks (105-95).
| Player of the Game | |
|
EFF
23
|
| Ivica Zubac | |
| Points | 16 |
| Accuracy | 8-18 |
| Rebounds | 14 |
| Assists | 3 |
Since arriving in Los Angeles from Atlanta, the Serbian guard is increasingly fitting into Tyrone Lue's team, which registered its 34th triumph of the season. What's more, the team's stars, James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, seem to trust Bogdanovic more and more.
"Bogi is starting to understand what we want, he feels more comfortable. Kawhi and James trust him to organize the game. He had a big role tonight as well. He will still have to adapt when Powell comes back."
Lue said he's impressed by Bogdanovic's ability to "run pick-and-roll and make plays" and admitted that he used to look at him "as a shooter, a guy who can handle a little bit."
"I didn't think he can be that good in pick-and-roll situations. But he really has been," he argued.
French veteran Nicolas Batum had an interesting confirmation of that remark .
"I lost so many games because of that in FIBA. I hate him," Batum joked.
"I’m glad he’s on my side now. I knew what he would bring when he came. I played against him so many times, France vs. Serbia. I knew he could do it. Now the other guys start to learn they can trust him in those situations. It's great that we have another player for those moments."
Batum thinks that when Norman Powell comes back, the Clippers will have "four guys that can handle the rock during clutch time and make big plays."
Bogdanovic, 32, is averaging 10.6 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game this season. Batum, 36, is posting 3.4 points, 2.7 boards and 1.2 dimes per game.
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