By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Getting ready for the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four, previews stemming from Real Madrid stretch to Mario Hezonja and Alberto Abalde.
“We’re playing at a high level going into the Final Four,” noted the Croatian forward via the official website of the Madrid club behind the confidence of seven wins in a row across EuroLeague and Spain’s Liga Endesa, “We had that series, which was really tough for us and we managed to come through and keep the levels up in the last three Endesa League games. You all saw the playoff with Partizan, but I think we’ll need even more if we’re going to lift the trophy.”
From becoming the first team to complete a comeback from a 2-0 deficit in the EuroLeague Playoffs, the Whites will face archrival FC Barcelona in Zalgirio Arena Friday. Contributing 10.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.2 blocks per game, Hezonja emerged as a key part of the 2022-23 run to the Final Four.
“They are two top-level games. As is the case in any Final Four, anything can happen because you only have two games but you have to be at your best,” said Hezonja on the championship-crowning stage of the season, “We’ve been saying that all season long but now it’s more important than ever because the trophies are being handed out.”
“You work hard all year to get to this amazing event, such an important moment. We’re hugely excited about the game against Barcelona,” added Abalde. The 27-year-old Spanish forward chipped in 2.6 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 0.3 steals per game over the 2022-23 continental campaign.
On to Kaunas for the Final Four, Guerschon Yabusele (suspension), Vincent Poirier (calf), Carlos Alocen (left knee), and Gabriel Deck (left knee) will not be available for the team coached by Chus Mateo.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net