By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Most of the eight teams leading the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague standings look even better for a playoff berth following the conclusion of Regular Season Round 28. A lot can change with plenty of games remaining. However, FC Bayern Munich strengthened its bid in the bottom end of the double-game week. Our MVP ensured success.
MVP
Wade Baldwin IV
His latest solid performance added on improving his stats across the board compared to his debut EuroLeague season with Olympiacos. Wade Baldwin IV logged 27 points, six assists, four rebounds, and three steals versus Panathinaikos OPAP at Audi Dome. The former Vanderbilt standout went up to 15.4 points, 4.0 assists, 2.9 assists and 1.3 steals per contest presumably reserving a lot more entering crunch time in the Regular Season.
Best Five
1. Wade Baldwin IV: Our MVP led Bayern to its 18th win.
2. Nando De Colo: Back in France for a game-high 24 points, including a clutch three saving Fenerbahce Beko.
3. Marcus Eriksson: ALBA Berlin all but eliminated saw the Swedish sharpshooter hit ten threes and a career-high 36 points on the road versus Khimki Moscow Region.
4. Nikola Mirotic: His 18-point, 10-rebound double-double stood out in the latest W for FC Barcelona.
5. Ante Zizic: Our big guy needed just over 16 minutes for 13 points and six rebounds to help Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv past Valencia.
Coach of the round: Ergin Ataman
“We have not just found the same level as last year. We are better than last year,” said the Anadolu Efes head coach following the sixth win in a row. The Turkish club demolished CSKA Moscow at home making the case for Ergin Ataman. Canceling the previous season with his side riding high left a sour taste, as the Turkish boss himself has confirmed multiple times. He is definitely determined to guide his team all the way to the championship game this time around.
Real Madrid bounces back
Multiple injuries and just a couple of days after an unexpected loss to Khimki Moscow Region, the Whites moved on to edge Zenit Saint-Petersburg on the road. A massive W against a quality side providing some breathing space for the team coached by Pablo Laso. The Spanish powerhouse is currently three wins away from first place and two wins ahead of ninth sitting in the middle of a wide variety of possible outcomes. However, losing twice in Russia would have been devastating.