An incredible night for the 22-year-old Croat!
Mario Hezonja, our 22-year-old basketball player from Dubrovnik, has clearly shown why he was signed by Orlando Magic back in 2015, and just four days after his best NBA match, he played the game of his career, reports Index.hr on December 18, 2017.
Big night for Mari? pic.twitter.com/ihsUmeuBUu
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) December 18, 2017
It all began when Hezonja was given a chance in the starting five against the Clippers after usual starters Gordon and Afflalo were unable to play due to injuries. In that game, Hezonja secured 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists and three blocks. But there is even better news from his performance against Detroit.
? Mario Hezonja is off to a hot start ?#SuperMario scored 11 of our first 13 points. pic.twitter.com/trNRyUX5Ve
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) December 17, 2017
In Motor City, Hezonja broke his basketball record in the NBA (21) and reached his all-time career high (formerly 24 for Barcelona) and was the best shooter against the Detroit Pistons with 28 points. Hezonja had an excellent shot record during the game scoring 10/18 (55%) and an even more outstanding record for three-pointers achieving 8/12 (66%) - and he did not fail to excel in other key categories as well. Hezonja added six rebounds, two assists and three steals in the game making him the best player for Orlando, by far.
Hezonja also showed the world that last night was his from the very beginning, scoring 11 points of Orlando’s first 13!
New career high for Mario Hezonja, who currently has 22 points. pic.twitter.com/OZekFSF9V9
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) December 17, 2017
Unfortunately, Hezonja’s phenomenal shooting night was not enough for Orlando to overcome the Pistons. The Magic’s fourth-quarter comeback fell short in Detroit, and the Pistons walked away with a 114:110 win.
Hezonja was a part of 31 minutes and 29 seconds of court action.
Despite a career-high 28 points from Mario Hezonja, the Magic's fourth-quarter comeback fell just short in Detroit. pic.twitter.com/Bn4fQmZLjW
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) December 17, 2017
The Croat, who was chosen as the fifth overall pick by Orlando Magic in 2015, has finally been able to show he knows how to compete amongst the best basketball players in the world. We congratulate Mario on his all-time his career high!
Excerpts taken from Index.hr
