Andrew

Bogut

The Mavericks have been off since Wednesday and Bogut was rested in that one, so he will return to his normal role tonight.

“I had NBA offers right before the COVID-19 pandemic, where I was potentially going to go back after the NBL season,” he said. "[E]specially halfway through the season when the buyout and trade season comes up. It saves me having to spend the whole season over there and I can kind of join someone late, like I did with the Warriors last time. [I] can try to make a playoff run and then let that phase into the Olympics. I still think I’ve got a little bit of fuel left in the tank.” It’s certainly possible the 35-year-old Bogut might earn a spot on a playoff roster.

Bogut tweaked his ankle in Australia’s final preseason contest but is on track to suit up on Sunday vs. Canada. Interestingly, Warriors coach Steve Kerr said earlier this week that he’d be open to bringing back Bogut next year once his season with the Sydney Kings concludes.

“We loved having [Bogut with] the Warriors last year,” Kerr said. “I think it was really good for him to play in Sydney. Part of that was just being home. It’s a better lifestyle than the NBA. But yeah, [Bogut returning to the Warriors] is something that I’d be into again.” Bogut is currently under contract with the Kings in Australia, but the NBL season wraps up in February, so Bogut could technically join the Warriors after the break if they need some frontcourt depth.

Cousins was a huge part of Golden State’s Game 2 victory, after which Steve Kerr heaped praise on the big man. “His rebounding, his toughness, his physical presence, getting the ball in the paint, and just playing big like he does – we needed all of that,” Kerr said. “So I thought he was fantastic.” He may not be as thrilled with Wednesday’s performance, especially since Cousins was exposed in pick-and-rolls defensively. Kevon Looney (fractured collarbone) is out for the remainder of the Finals, however, so no matter what we’ll see plenty of Cousins, as well as backups Andrew Bogut and Jordan Bell.

Looney had X-rays after getting hit and taking an awkward fall defending Kawhi Leonard. He was initially listed as ‘questionable’ with a bruised left chest, which was later called a sprained collarbone, and it remains to be seen if this impacts him for Game 3. He’s scheduled for an MRI and CT scan on Monday. In his absence, the Warriors will rely more on DeMarcus Cousins and they also deployed Andrew Bogut for the first time in the series.

Cousins was rusty in Game 1 of the Finals, understandably, and he was again sluggish to begin this game. It didn’t take long for him to make his presence felt as a rebounder and passer, though, rewarding coach Steve Kerr’s willingness to play him 28 minutes. That’s after a 45-day rehab from a torn quad, and a mere eight minutes of action in Game 1. Cousins’ re-emergence is huge for a banged-up Warriors squad that also lost Klay Thompson (hamstring) and Kevon Looney (chest, collarbone) tonight. Andrew Bogut also gave the Warriors good minutes with six points on 3-of-3 shooting and strong defense, and it looks like Cousins and Bogut will share the middle if Looney can’t play in Game 3.

Jones picked up three quick fouls in the first three minutes of the game and never got back in. Andrew Bogut also saw just three minutes, while Kevon Looney (27 minutes) and Jordan Bell (15 minutes) got the bulk of the center minutes. Looney and Draymond Green have been the best center options for the Warriors so far this postseason.

Damian Jones will get the start, pushing Bogut to the bench. Jones has barely played since returning from a pectoral injury, so Bogut should still see some time off the bench. Neither player will make much of a fantasy impact, though.

With Kevin Durant sidelined for at least a week, Bogut will join Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andre Iguodala and Draymond Green in the starting unit. We’re going to see a lot of small ball tonight with Houston having so much success with P.J. Tucker at the five, so we’re not expecting Bogut to play much.