Am I…am I detecting some of that Croatian Swagger that Mario Hezonja was playing with at the end of last season while he was on the Magic? I think so! I think I am indeed detecting the Croatian Swagger once again manifesting itself in Hezonja’s play!
Perhaps all that was needed to get him back on track was an absolutely devastating block on LeBron James’ game-winning field goal attempt. Having decisively vanquished a player who is legitimately in the conversation for GOAT of all time status, Hezonja may have been able to shed that last little bit of hesitation, of unconfidence that was holding him back. Now we’re seeing him attack the rim fearlessly and shoot stepback three-pointers like he’s been taking master classes from Luka Doncic or something.
I suppose the additional motivation for Hezonja to be assertive with the minutes he gets is that he wants to be in the NBA next year. That means playing well enough as the season winds down to convince another NBA team to give him a shot. But it’s a way better storyline if the real impetus for Hezonja’s newfound aggression is his smothering defense on Jabroni Lames in the final posssession of a game. That’s just a good story. And DownToBuck is all about good stories.