Best Game of 2016
April 11 vs. Bucks
19 pts., 7/11 FGs, 3/6 3FGs, 7 assts., 5 stls.
If there is one game that showed all of what Mario Hezonja could be it was that final home game against the Milwaukee Bucks. And yes Hezonja got his minutes that game with Aaron Gordon out with a concussion. Often, Hezonja’s breakout games came when he had minutes and little pressure behind him. He could play free.
This game just showed Hezonja’s versatility.
On offense, he cut hard to the basket, taking advantage of a sleeping defense. Often a good Hezonja game could be told by how hard Hezonja cut off the ball to receive the initial pass.
He was good moving the ball and in transition, showing off his playmaking. And he was opportunistic and sound defensively with the steals — although Scott Skiles probably had some quibbles with chances taken during the game.
This was a game, like his breakout game in New York in December, where Hezonja shows if you put the ball in his hands and he was confident, good things will happen. It should be a sign of things to come.
Next: 2017 Outlook