The J-Notes
Fansided

Utah Jazz: Three (over?)reactions from season-opening victory vs. OKC

By Jared Woodcox

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 23: Mike Conley #10 of the Utah Jazz celebrates a free throw during an opening night game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 23, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 23: Mike Conley #10 of the Utah Jazz celebrates a free throw during an opening night game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 23, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /
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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – OCTOBER 23: Bojan Bogdanovic #44 of the Utah Jazz celebrates a play during an opening night game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 23, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – OCTOBER 23: Bojan Bogdanovic #44 of the Utah Jazz celebrates a play during an opening night game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 23, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

Bojan Bogdanovic is a warrior

Even though Bojan Bogdanovic played a terrible preseason, it didn’t take him long to bounce back and redeem himself in the eyes of Jazz fans. He was aggressive right out of the gates in game one with early baskets as he looked to clearly assert himself.

Unfortunately, part of the way through the second quarter, Bogey rolled his ankle, and by his reaction and inability to put weight on his foot, it looked quite serious. Bogdanovic went to the locker room and at halftime he was reported as questionable to return.

Although his status was up in the air, return he indeed did, and he did so with swagger. Bogdanovic went at the rim with a malice and drained a key corner three in the fourth quarter that was critical in sparking the Jazz victory. He finished the game with 16 points, the second-most of any Jazzman.

If we learned anything from Bogey in this contest, it’s that he’s a tough player with a lot of heart that isn’t about to back down. Several players, including some that have played for the Jazz in seasons past, would not have had the competitiveness or determination to return to the game with a sprained ankle, but Bogdanovic gritted it out and may have very well sealed the Jazz victory as a result.

We all knew he was a key free agent acquisition, but the warrior spirit that he showed in game one set him apart as even more special of a player. His three-point stroke will come and his fit on both offense and defense will continue to improve. But when it comes to heart, Bogdanovic proved he’s already exactly what the Jazz need him to be.

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