Bogut starts well but Shaq and co. have final say

In a much anticipated game, Australia’s Andrew Bogut finally got to play against the player he once labelled as the player he most looked forward to facing, Shaquille O’Neal of the Miami Heat – the most dominant player in the NBA.

The Bucks entered the game with a superior 12-7 record and looking to add to their three game winning streak, but it was the Heat, 12-10 before the game, who limited their opponents to three three-pointers to claim a 100-83 and jump to a three-game win streak of their own.

Coming off a season-high 30 points in Tuesday’s win at Chicago, O’Neal showed the effects of playing for the third time in four nights since his return from a sprained ankle.

In just his third game back from injury, the 7’1” O’Neal managed 13 points and six rebounds in just 25 minutes, reflecting the caution of new Heat coach Pat Riley in overplaying his star player.

Bogut’s stat-line consisted of six points, five rebounds and three assists in 28 on-court minutes.

It was in the third minute of the opening quarter where Bogut made his presence felt most on both ends of the court.

Bogut came from the weak side to block O’Neal, sprinted up Milwaukee’s offensive end to receive a pass from teammate T.J. Ford, and finished the play with a left-handed lay-up.

In fact, all of Bogut’s six points came in the first five minutes of the game with three from three left-handed short-range lay-ins.

With this impressive start, it appeared that the Australian was in for one of his bigger scoring nights, but it wasn’t to be as Dwayne Wade, with some assistance from O’Neal and veteran point-guard Gary Payton, took over the game.

But it was Wade, another of the Heat’s superstars and one of the most promising players in the NBA, who was a key factor in determining the victor of Wednesday night’s game.

Wade’s all-around game was transparent as he racked up 27 points, seven assists and four boards in a fine display of talent and leadership from a young player in just his third-year in the league.

Bogut’s lack of bulk was again exposed as it has been when matched up against the stronger power forwards in the league, but the Australian’s 21-year-old’s physique can only develop with more time in the NBA.

Despite another quiet game, Bogut showed enough to prove that he has made a difference to the Bucks this season, giving them greater depth, an inside presence, impressive passing ability for a big man, and the ability to run up and down the floor with the best big-men in the NBA.

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