Grading Key Golden State Warriors Players In Game 2 Win Against Spurs

Center: Andrew Bogut

Andrew Bogut’s stat line does not come close to telling the whole story of how he played Wednesday. Putting up six points and collecting 11 rebounds, along with a single block.

May 8, 2013; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili (20) battles for a rebound with Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut (12) during the first half in game two of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at the AT

Bogut was one of the biggest reasons the Warriors won, but he was also, at times, getting brought back to school by the legend Tim Duncan. Every time Bogut got into foul trouble and had to sit for a few minutes, the Spurs started feasting on Ezeli in the post and tried to make a big run to make the game closer. His defense at the rim on help side was spectacular, but Duncan just has too many moves in that bag of tricks.

In isolations in the post, Duncan was able to knock down almost every tough fade-away or banker off the glass. The Spurs continued to attack the rim late and Bogut was the difference, changing multiple shots at the cup in the last two minutes of the game, and taking a clutch charge to really dash the Spurs hopes.

Popovich went back to the Hack-a-Bogut strategy, only once though, and had mild success, forcing Bogut to miss the two free throws after their only off-ball Bogut foul. Even though the numbers don’t say it, Bogut was the difference late in the game, and proved to be worthy of the $13 million he made this year, even if he’s only earning it in the playoffs.

Grade: B+