On a night where Steph Curry shot 5-of-21 from the field, Nemanja Bjelica came to the rescue for the Golden State Warriors in the 2021-22 regular-season opener against LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.
In 26 minutes off the bench, Bjelica tallied 15 points on 6-of-7 shooting from the field with 11 rebounds. Known for his long-distance shooting ability, Bjelica made an impact on the contest while only hitting one triple on a single attempt from deep against the Lakers.
Bjelica served as a playmaker for Steve Kerr’s offense on Tuesday night, dropping four dimes, including an important pass to Andrew Wiggins during the final stretch of the contest. While trying to hold off the Lakers in the final minutes, the six-year veteran found Wiggins for an open triple. Wiggins answered the bell, drilling the 3-pointer to give the Warriors a 12 point lead.
Via @NBAonTNT on Twitter:
Behind Bjelica, the Warriors were able to secure a victory in Hollywood to open the season, 121-114. The former Sacramento Kings forward finished the contest with a game-best +20.
Bjelica’s performance caught the eye of the NBA fan community on social media. Here is a look at some of the best reactions on Twitter to Bjelica’s run against the Lakers.
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Nemanja Bjelica has been so, so, so, so, so good in this game. Doing all of the little things in addition to some loud/great plays
— Drew Shiller (@DrewShiller) October 20, 2021
Nemanja Bjelica was the MVP tonight.
15 PTS, 11 REB, 4 AST
6-7 FG, 1-1 3P, 2-2 FT
Game-high +20 +/-— Antonin (@antonin_org) October 20, 2021
Mega performance from Nemanja Bjelica in his Warriors debut: 15 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, a handful of huge fourth quarter plays, Kerr using him in the closing lineup next to Draymond Green.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) October 20, 2021
Nemanja Bjelica, best passer in the league?
— Marc Grandi (@MarcGrandi) October 20, 2021
This is Nemanja Bjelica’s team.
— Tommy Call III (@tommy_III) October 20, 2021
Impressive showing from Nemanja Bjelica — who fits nicely in Golden State, stretching the floor — in the Warriors’ season opener against the Lakers.
Looking forward to breaking down these games with @KendrickPerkins, @ZachLowe_NBA and @chiney on NBA Today.
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) October 20, 2021
NEMANJA BJELICA HAS FINALLY BEEN UNLEASHED!!
— Micah Adams (@MicahAdams13) October 20, 2021
Nemanja Bjelica is currently Top 5 in 2021-22 MVP race
— NBA in Depth (@NBAinDepth1) October 20, 2021
Who knew the Warriors had the next 6MOY and MIP? Nemanja Bjelica.
— Evan Zamir (@thecity2) October 20, 2021
WHEN IS GAVIN NEWSOM ANNOUNCING NEMANJA BJELICA DAY?!?
— Kevin V Nguyen (@KevinNguyen_89) October 20, 2021
nemanja bjelica: sixth man of the year
— mathketball (@Mathketball1) October 20, 2021
It’s one game in and I’ve decided I absolutely love Nemanja Bjelica.
— CoreySA (@CoreySA) October 20, 2021
Wow. Bjelica is destroying the Lakers
— Marcus Thompson (@ThompsonScribe) October 20, 2021
Where can one purchase a Bjelica jersey?
— TheWarriorsTalk (@TheWarriorsTalk) October 20, 2021
Where can one purchase a Bjelica jersey?
— TheWarriorsTalk (@TheWarriorsTalk) October 20, 2021
Bjelica has been quite a steal for the Warriors and fits in very well from an offensive standpoint. Much better than Warriors probably even expected.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) October 20, 2021
Bjelica and Poole jerseys in the cart…
— Dr. Nirav Pandya, M.D. (@DrNiravPandya) October 20, 2021
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