The Golden State Warriors announced on Wednesday that their starting center, Andrew Bogut, has been ruled out for the rest of the NBA Finals with a left knee injury. Bogut went down clutching his left leg early in the third quarter of Game 5, exiting the game and not returning.
Golden State Warriors Center Andrew Bogut out for Finals
Bogut will miss a potential championship-clinching Game 6 for Golden State on Thursday night, along with a deciding Game 7 on Sunday, if the Dubs lose in Cleveland. Bogut was averaging 3.2 points, three rebounds, and two blocks per game through the first five games of the Finals.
Bogut underwent an MRI on Tuesday, revealing significant bone bruises in his left leg. While he will not require surgery, the injury is still expected to keep Bogut sidelined for a minimum of six to eight weeks. He’ll have time to heal and recover fully for next season.
While Bogut struggled mightily in each of the last three NBA Finals games, totaling just four points and averaging 10 minutes per game, he was still crucial to the Warriors’ blowout victories in their first two home games. He scored 10 points in Game 1, creating plays off the dribble when star point guard Steph Curry was double teamed. In Game 2, Bogut provided excellent rim protection and rebounding, especially early in the game, neutralizing the presence of Cavaliers big man Tristan Thompson.
This is far from the first time that Bogut has been hurt during his 11-year career. He has missed huge stretches of time in the past due to injuries to his back, legs, and elbow.
In Bogut’s absence, reserve big men such as Festus Ezeli, James Michael McAdoo, Anderson Varejao, or even Mareese Speights may be asked to step up for the Warriors. Additionally, star forward Draymond Green‘s return from a one-game suspension will aid Golden State’s interior defense and rebounding with Bogut out.
