By Antigoni Zachari / info@eurohoops.net
The final round of the year has come to an end! Fenerbahce outstood Real Madrid and still stands alone on top of the standings, while after beating third-place CSKA, Panathinaikos sets sights for the Top 8 of the competition.
We still have half a season ahead and we expect it to be challenging as ever!
As for this round’s results…
MVP
Maccabi Tel Aviv will say goodbye to a peculiar 2018 on a high note, all thanks to John O’Bryant’s 32-point impressive performance against Olimpia Milano on Thursday. The American point guard finished with an astounding 44 PIR (five rebounds, three assists, three steals) and placed his team a little higher in the standings with this much-needed victory
Best Five
- Toney Douglas: He executed Olympiacos with 19 points, 9 assists and five steals in Darussafaka’s second win of the season.
- Xavier Rabaseda: Gran Canaria outlasted Zalgiris thanks to his efforts, as he finished with 15 points, eight boards and 27 PIR
- Derrick Williams: Another big night for Bayern’s star, who posted 21 points in the victory over Buducnost
- Luigi Datome: The Italian forward stepped in with the clutch game-winning shot vs. Real Madrid, adding up to 17 points.
- John O’Bryant: He did everything for Maccabi vs. Olimpia Milano
Coach of the week: Rick Pitino
His first EuroLeague game turned into a huge success for Panathinaikos, that managed to shock CSKA Moscow in a homecourt triumph. In a short period of time, coach Pitino managed to bring the Greens together and boost their morale while headed to such a challenging game. We tell you, the Pitino effect is real.
Last word: From one game-winner to another
Bogdan Bogdanovic killed the Lakers with his game-winner and sat down to watch his former team Fenerbahce take down Real Madrid at home, while he raised a toast to ex-teammate Gigi Datome that… followed his steps in crunch time.
@GigiDatome with his ?
— Bogdan Bogdanovic (@LeaderOfHorde) 28 Δεκεμβρίου 2018
The former EuroLeague champ earned praise from Zeljko Obradovic tonight, as the Serbian coach knows that “Bogdan loves big shots”.