Mario Hezonja’s starting small forward stretch, which has reached nine games, has been what you’d least expect — all defense, no offense.
“Super Mario can pass, defend, rebound, too,’’ Hezonzja cracked. “Super Mario’s not just, ‘Hey, damn he scored, he’s so good,’ or, ‘Oh he didn’t score, he’s so bad.’”
It’s been a slight mystery how Hezonja, averaging 5.3 points in the nine straight games as a starter, has kept his starting role. Does he have pictures?
Fizdale, since last week, has raved about his length, spirited defense and veteran savvy at the 3.
Hezonja, thrilled to be starting, has embraced the notion he doesn’t have to be a scorer hunting for shots as his reputation suggests.