Mirza Teletovic’s recent scoring outbursts are no fluke.
Ten days after shattering a career high with 34 points in 27 minutes against the Mavericks, the Nets forward went for 20 points over 28 minutes in a 108-102 victory against the 76ers on Monday night.
The second-year pro is averaging 8.9 points in 19.4 minutes per game this season, coming off the bench in 33 of 39 contests. But a deeper look at the numbers shows that Teletovic may be ready to become the Nets’ full-fledged sixth man.
In the 13 games Teletovic has seen 24 minutes of action — half a game — or more, his scoring jumps to 15.7 ppg.
Not only that, the Bosnian’s shooting percentages are markedly better. When he plays at least half of a game, his field goal percentage is up to .507, and his 3-point shooting percentage sits at .495 on 7.2 attempts per game. For the season, Teletovic is shooting .445 and .420, respectively.
The 28-year-old forward admits he wished he could have receiving more opportunities last season.
“I had to have a lot of patience,” Teletovic said yesterday on WFAN’s “Joe and Evan” radio show.
Teletovic’s improved shooting accuracy in expanded minutes — 28.8 mpg in the 13 games — suggests a shooter who is more effective when given the time to get into a rhythm. Perhaps he’ll see significant time again when the Nets face the Spurs at home tomorrow night.
