Theodoros Papaloukas, exclusively for the days of the final four, writes on his Blog about the Euroleague for The Insider, which is hosted by Eurohoops. The Greek Euroleague legend, who is the ambassador and the face of the tournament in this final four, shares his feelings and the way he experienced the two big semifinals.
The whole world will remember mostly the first semifinal, because it’s always the games that are decided in the end that linger in our memory the longest and generate the greatest emotions. CSKA was better for 37 minutes and without ever finding their best rhythm, they had control and led in the score. They took advantage of their height and their athletic qualities, put an emphasis on defense and looked like they were taking the game where they wanted to, to win it.
At that point, as the clock was ticking and this started to put pressure on them, the classic Olympiacos of all the past final fours made their appearance. When you do it again and again, it’s definitely not a coincidence and becomes of even greater value. Printezis has had a very complete game in all areas. Giorgos’s performance in defense, offense and rebounds that were an indication of Olympiacos’s determination and commitment, were top class. Papapetrou was impressive in his first final four. The kid showed that he has class and not only did he not hesitate, but played Kirilenko straight up, and in many instances won battles against him.
These guys together with Sloukas who was key in making the overthrow, gave Olympiacos the right to stay alive. In the end, showed up whom else? Spanoulis. There aren’t many players who can finish a big game in such a way, without having any rhythm in the whole previous period. He decided the game. He did exactly what he’s been doing all these years. He was once again, the leader. Vassilis is the biggest, the absolute master in European basketball in all these past years.
In terms of basketball, there are things to say, but in last minute situations character and spirit play a bigger role. Olympiacos shortened their line-up, CSKA couldn’t adjust, tried to win by relying on a lot of mismatches, but it didn’t work. The psychology and the situation changed abruptly and before they could deal with it, they lost.
In the other semifinal, the second quarter I think decided everything. Real played amazing basketball, had an impressive rhythm, were accurate and didn’t give any space to Fenerbahce. When you play at home, take the point difference to +20 and have more experience, the game is hard to turn. Experience in final fours is for every team – organization the main asset in order at some point to come back with the trophy. Fenerbahce have to build on this year’s season and trust the choices they’ve made. They don’t miss anything in order to have a leading role in the coming years.
Now, we are all waiting for the final. Real has a multifaceted offensive talent, the home court, the great hunger to win the Euroleague after so many years in front of their people. My view on this game is clear. If Laso’s team find rhythm, feel comfortable and are able to play their game based on their instincts, they will have the edge.
But if Olympiacos can control them and most of all puzzle them and get them thinking, instincts will be put on the back burner and the situation will change. In this scenario, I believe Olympiacos will really have a lot of chances to win it once again.
#F4Glory!