Bogut stands tall among Kings
GIANT centre Andrew Bogut continues to make a compelling case for NBL MVP honours in his maiden season, inspiring the Sydney Kings to yesterday’s 75-68 defeat of the Brisbane Bullets at Qudos Bank Arena.
Bogut, who won an NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors, was a force at both ends of the court, tallying 14 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and four blocks.
Spurred on by a crowd of 9545, the Kings chalked up their 11th win of the season to remain in top spot on the ladder heading into the new year.
Standing 2.13m, Bogut was at his best in crunch time after the Bullets had closed the gap to four.
He made two pressure hook-shots with his left hand and underlined his status as the NBL’s most feared defender around the basket with a pair of defiant blocks. American playmaker Jerome Randle was instrumental with 14 points, while Kyle Adnam and Daniel Kickert combined for 22 off the bench after captain and two-time NBL MVP Kevin Lisch was held scoreless for what was believed to be the first time in his career.
Sydney’s win spoiled Brisbane guard Adam Gibson’s milestone 400th game and dropped the Bullets (8-8) into a tie for fifth spot with the Adelaide 36ers.
Bogut had six points and six rebounds in the opening period. The Bullets kept fighting in the final period before Bogut’s clutch plays sealed victory.