Sport

Croats in NBA: Bogdanovic Becomes Utah Jazz Hero after Hitting Buzzer-beater to Win

By 9 November 2019

November 9, 2019 - Bojan Bogdanovic became the hero of the Utah Jazz on Friday night. Not only was he their top scorer of the game with 33 points, which is his record for the season, but he also scored a three-pointer at the final buzzer to win 103-100 against the Milwaukee Bucks.

His fifth three-pointer of the game came after a series of team mistakes at the end of the game. Donovan Mitchell really should have settled the win, but George Hill stole the ball and called a time out with 2.3 seconds left. The possession went to the Bucks' side, but Khris Middleton also failed to score 1.3 seconds before the buzzer.

Joe Ingles carried the ball, Babo ran into the corner, received it, and nailed a three-pointer at the sound of the final buzzer. Salt Lake City erupted into joy. 

"I was surprised to receive a standing ovation of the whole arena, regardless of the shot to win. It was a great atmosphere, like in a playoff game,” Bogdanovic said.

After the game, Bojan revealed that Mike Conley was meant to shoot to win, but Bojan demanded the action goes to him. The two agreed, and coach Quin Snyder blessed the deal. 

"That's what is great about this team. The coach listens to what the players have to say because we're on the court and we execute. Conley should have gone in that corner, but I asked him to take his place on the high quadrant, so I had the option to slip into the corner,” Bojan said. 

Bojan said it is a pleasure to play in teams like the Jazz.

"I'm surrounded by a great group of guys who are selfless players. Quin is a great coach who knows how to fit you into a system with a lot of organized action. I didn't like that on other teams," Bogdanovic said.

Conley praised Bojan one more time.

"He is still showing the world what he's capable of. A lot of people don't know how good he is," the Jazz player concluded. 

In 37 minutes on the court, Bogdanovic scored 33 points, hitting 9/19 shots in play, 5/10 three-pointers, and all ten free throws. He even recorded five rebounds.

The Croatian ace was the best for the Jazz, although on the other side of the court was current MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo who hit 30 points and 13 rebounds.

Giannis scored 28 of his 30 points in the second half, giving the Bucks the only lead of the game 89-88, but fouled out shortly after. 

Dragan Bender has yet to make his Milwaukee debut.

Source: Index

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