By Antonis Stroggylakis/ info@eurohoops.net
Who would have thought that two powerhouses of the competition would be eliminated so early. While this was the end of the road for Valencia and Maccabi Tel Aviv 16 other teams pride themselves on making to the EighthFinals. Some of them actually made bombastic victories claiming their place in the playoffs in style.
You will not be surprised to see us hailing those who played a huge part in sending their teams in the next stage.
The MVP:
Dmitry Khvostov (Nizhny Novgorod)
The 26 year old Russian point guard rose in the ranks of Nizhny Novgorod as the official “floor general” in the beginning of the season. Now, against Maccabi Tel Aviv he accomplished a triumphant personal performance in one of the finest moments for his club, absolutely justifying coach Bagatskis’ trust on him. Khvostov finished the game with 19 points, 10 assists and 7 rebounds, having a crystal clear mindset on overtime when his playmaking mattered the most.
Best 5:
- Courtney Fortson (Banvit Bandirma):
While he generally likes being the maestro of Banvit by dishing assists to his teammates, this time he reminded us of his scoring talents more than anything else. Fortson tuned up the volume of his game in the second half of the game vs Bilbao, in a moment when his opponents started to become really dangerous. He began the counterattack by throwing 10 points in 2 minutes out of the 24 with which he finished his game, and was a constant threat for the Basques’ defense, ultimately leading his team to win and qualification.
- Dmitry Khvostov (Nizhny Novgorod):
Rightful MVP and a true leader for the Russians.
- Robert Lowery (Alba Berlin):
My, oh my, didn’t the Germans struck gold with him. The latest addition of the team was by far the best player in the win over Neptunas Klaipeda that brought Alba Berlin to the EighthFinals. He scored 24 points with 9/16 field goals. What is more, some of his baskets arrived in a timely manner to stop his opponents from any comeback attempts.
- Kenny Gabriel (Pinar Karsiyaka):
Sure, the game against Reggio Emilia was a complete blowout in favor of the team from Izmir, but this didn’t came out of the blue. Some specific players of the Turkish team were responsible for this and Kenny Gabriel perhaps more than others. Powerful on both ends of court, he finished the game with 25 points (with 4/6 from downtown) and 6 rebounds.
- Stephan Lasme (Galatasaray):
One seriously magnificent performance that arrived in a match where his team had no choice other than winning. Lasme dominated against the opposing big guys filling the basket (15 points) grabbing all boards (14) and of course stopping others from scoring (2 blocks). He had 35 ranking in one of the best games of his career and Galatasaray defeated Sassari to advance in the next stage.
Biggest Win: Nizhny Novgorod
Flash backward: Summer 2015 and one after the other, the four best players (Taylor Rochestie, Tarence Kinsey, Artsiom Parakhouski, Trey Thompkins) of the team leave for bigger clubs. Very few expect Nizhny to stay highly competitive, even in Eurocup.
Back at the present: Nizhny Novgorod doesn’t only advance to the EighthFinals by taking a superb road victory against a highly experienced and more expensive opponent, but keeps playing the attractive team basketball that fans have really appreciated last year in Euroleague. Coach Bagatskis’ team showed huge character, mental strength and strong focus that made the difference on overtime.
Coach Of The Week: Ainars Bagatskis:
The international Latvian coach led Nizhny Novgorod in one of the most stunning victories in club’s history, overpowering Maccabi in Tel Aviv in a “do or die” game and making it to the EighthFinals. Coach Bagatskis’ plans produce basketball that is beautiful watch and difficult to stop, something that Maccabi found out… in the worst possible way. The fact that this win came on overtime, makes this achievement even more impressive.
Best Losing Performance: Achille Polonara
His team traveled to Izmir in order to play a “do or die” game vs Pinar Karsiyaka battered and bruised from absences, yet the Italian power forward almost looked like he was ready to play for everyone else. His efforts were immense, since he had 24 points and 10 rebounds, but he was too alone and not enough to save Reggio Emilia from elimination.
The Disappointment: Maccabi Tel Aviv
Such a historic and glorious club deserves much much better. After the incredible upset with the elimination in Euroleague came another “black page” in the team’s recent history. Normally, Maccabi would have entered the game against Nizhny Novgorod with the aura and strength of the favorite team, the squad that knows what to do on court and how to get the needed result in such a battle. Alas, this is not the Maccabi we have known and admired. Bad basketball, superfluous shooting, lack of creativity and horrid defensive behavior. What is more, during overtime the team never took advantage of the free throw bonus, insisting of shooting one 3pointer after the other. This elimination was just.