By Antonis Stroggylakis / astroggylakis@eurohoops.net
Last season, Nigel Williams-Goss was part of a historic run by Real Madrid, overcoming a 0-2 deficit against Partizan Belgrade at home to go all the way to the EuroLeague Final Four in Kaunas, when they came out as champions.
It was the first time somebody won three games in a row to win a EuroLeague Playoffs series, and now Olympiacos has the opportunity to write the history books again, potentially becoming the first team to win a series in Game 5 on the road since the start of the competition.
The American playmaker knows it well. “Last year we knew it was going to be history when we [Real Madrid] were playing against Partizan, the first team to come back three games in a row, or the road team was gonna win. Made history last year winning three straight, looking to make history again this year”, he told Eurohoops after the win against the Catalan side.
How could they become the first ones to actually do it? “It’s our character, the mentality we bring to every game. Home or away, I feel we always compete at the highest level. We have the most confidence, a locker room full of experience, and I’ve got a lot of confidence we’re gonna go down there and handle business”, the former Real Madrid guard commented.
Speaking after a 34-point victory in Piraeus
Blowing out Roger Grimau’s team by 34 points (92-58) in one of the heaviest victories in the history of EuroLeague Playoffs, they bounced back after losing at Peace and Friendship Stadium in Game 3. “I’m so proud of the group, for showing our character”, he said.
“I think we could have easily come out here with a lack of energy, being frustrated after Game 3. The way we responded from every single person on the team, I’m super proud of us man. Really excited for Game 5 now”, Nigel Williams-Goss added after ending with 11 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists.
But what made the difference? “Our overall pace and speed both defensively and offensively really put the pressure on them, on both ends of the floor. We took them out of their rhythm and got them in our own rhythm. It was our pace and our force, that set the tone for the game after that”, the American guard said.
“I just wanted to come out here and force Game 5. All of us were heartbroken after Game 3, we wanted to respond and have a chance for Game 5. Super proud of the way we competed”, he also commented before touching on Olympiacos’ captain’s return to action.
“It was huge, everyone knows the impact he brings to us, not only with his play but also with his attitude and spirit. It was great to have him back, he played amazing tonight. It was huge for us”, he said on Kostas Papanikolaou, who contributed with 9 points (3/6 from three) and 6 rebounds.
Despite getting a crazy victory at home, Game 5 is gonna be a different story. “I don’t think that’s gonna translate. We sent the message we were coming ready to compete. Game 5 is not until next Tuesday or Wednesday, it’s gonna be a completely different game. It’s gonna be one game to go to the Final Four”, the 29-year-old ended.
So far in the series against Barcelona, Nigel Williams-Goss is averaging 11.2 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game for Olympiacos, shooting 43.5% from two-point range and 50.0% from beyond the arc. He has also been committing 2.2 turnovers and shooting 57.1% at the line.
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