By Stefanos Tatsios/ info@eurohoops.net
After a hard battle and an excellent second half, Olympiacos Piraeus defeated Fenerbahce Beko 79-68 in the first match of the EuroLeague playoff series.
Isaiah Canaan may have stolen the show for Giorgos Bartzokas’ team, and Sasha Vezenkov once again had an excellent performance, but Shaquille McKissic was the one who, in the fourth quarter, cleared the path for the Red and Whites.
The US forward scored 11 points in less than 14 minutes of action and had 3-3 from beyond the arc in the fourth period. He spoke to Eurohoops after the game, praising his teammates, and pointed out his team’s shooting ability as the key to the win against Fenerbahce in Game 1.
“We hit so many long shots. Isaiah took a step forward with his performance, but overall it was a tough game for us. Also that we found a rhythm played a role. Our defense didn’t change much, but the shots and that we turned the ball well were important,” McKissic said to Eurohoops.
Last season, Olympiacos also started the playoffs with a win but lost the second game at home to Monaco.
“We are not thinking about Monaco. We don’t want to suffer again the same as last year.”
Canaan made the difference in the third quarter and finished the match shooting 6-7 for three. All his points came from beyond the three-point line (18).
“I’m happy, really, really happy for him. I have been by his side since the beginning, and before the match, I said a few words to him, and he showed heart and made this appearance.”
Tyler Dorsey was a big part of Olympiacos‘ last season’s success, but this time, he’s on the other side of the court, playing for Fenerbahce.
“Tyler is my brother; that’s how I feel about him. Obviously, I want to win, but I wish him the best. We miss him here, but whatever happened. He used to be here, but now I can see him,” Shaquille McKissic concluded.