Warriors' Bogut returns from knee injury Wednesday
Andrew Bogut made a surprising return to the Golden State Warriors' lineup Wednesday against the Indiana Pacers, finishing with four points and eight rebounds in 15 minutes off the bench.
Bogut had missed the last 12 games with a right knee injury that required platelet-rich plasma therapy. The former All-Star center hadn't played since Dec. 8 due to the injury that was first reported as tendinitis and later revealed to be cartilage damage and fluid in the knee.
The Warriors went 9-3 over the 12 games without Bogut, including winning the last four, but a healthy Bogut is essential to the team on both ends.
Bogut's rim protection and defensive presence are key components of the NBA's top-rated defense, and his greater involvement within Steve Kerr's system is a big reason why Golden State's offense improved this season.
Bogut is averaging 7.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, three assists and 2.2 blocks in 20 games for the 27-5 Warriors.