By Antigoni Zachari / info@eurohoops.net
With two rounds left to go, the situation gets even more complicated in the EuroLeague standings after Round 28’s results.
So far we know that Bayern’s season is still alive (provided they keep up the momentum), and that Barcelona lost its playoffs homecourt advantage, one sealed by Anadolu Efes who will finish in the fourth position of the standings. At the same time, both Zalgiris and Maccabi grabbed respective wins, heating things up ahead of the final two games in the regular season. What a week!
MVP
The Greens are on a roll and ready to turn the tide this season with yet another huge victory on the road, this time against Olimpia Milano. Calathes set the mood for Panathinaikos while closely flirting with a triple-double performance. The experienced guard hit 27 points, along with 14 assists and eight rebounds, for a total PIR of 35 across 39 (!) minutes on the court.
Best five:
- Vasilije Micic: Efes sealed the homecourt advantage thanks to his big contribution of 18 points, six assists, three rebounds for a total 23 PIR.
- Nick Calathes: A superb performance by Panathinaikos’ leader.
- Will Clyburn: In a derby to be remembered, the American posted 16 points and eight rebounds.
- Johnny O’Bryant: Maccabi used a useful breather victory over Khimki, led by his 16 points and 11 boards.
- Vincent Poirier: His huge double-double of 19 points and 16 rebounds over fellow Spanish competitor Real led the way for Baskonia.
Coach of the round: Dejan Radonjic
Bayern got a huge win in Munich thanks to the incredible Petteri Koponen and Vladimir Lucic, who both contributed a lot into the team’s comeback. Dejan Radonjic perfectly used the time left in Bayern’s hands in the final seconds and with this win, the Germans could even hop on the playoffs train. It remains to be seen!
Final word: Sports are not for the ill-minded
One thing we would like to stress out once again is that games, especially big derbies between the campaign’s leaders (Fenerbahce and CSKA Moscow), are a celebration for the European basketball world and fans. The absurd, enraging threats sent to Will Clyburn’s spouse through social media have no place in our little sports community, and we should all take action so that these people stay as far away from sports as possible. In a world full of hatred, be the one that takes action to change the ill-minded.