By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Bogdan Bogdanovic scoring a season-high 23 points was not enough for the Atlanta Hawks in the home loss to the San Antonio Spurs Friday night.
Bogdanovic, 29, connected 8/14 field goals, including 5/8 three-pointers. In addition, he registered five rebounds, four assists, and two steals in 30 minutes coming off the bench for the tenth time over 36 appearances in the 2021-22 NBA Regular Season.
The Hawks were forced down to 26-29 with their fourth loss in the last six contests on the heels of a seven-game win streak. Currently sitting tenth in the Eastern Conference, the lowest point of the Play-In zone, is certainly a huge letdown compared to the 2020-21 team making the Conference Finals.
“Everything, honestly,” said Bogdanovic on what the Hawks need to do better, relays Kevin Chouinard, “After this last game, it is easy to find the answer. Whatever you say, you’re going to be right, so the best answer is ‘everything’. Start with personal things, maybe get this thing personal.”
The Serbian star signed a four-year, $72 million contract with the Hawks as a restricted free agent ahead of the 2020-21 season. Injuries limited him to 44 games in the Regular Season but he did make his way to his all 18 Playoffs games averaging 14.1 points per game behind 39% accuracy in field goals.
Forced again to the injury list on multiple occasions, Bogdanovic has produced 12.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per 2021-22 contest. His name surfaced in trade rumors but the Hawks ended up not making a move ahead of Thursday’s NBA Trade Deadline.
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