European Champions!
22-05-2023
Real Madrid lifted its 11th European trophy yesterday in Kaunas after a long road, full of obstacles and hurdles that the Whites have overcome with an enormous will to win.
With Yabusele, Deck and Poirier sidelined for different reasons, the Spanish team has had to play small ball plus Tavares many times, adapting to the circumstances and changing defenses and adjustments, and yesterday's final game was no different.
The first quarter was for the Greeks: Canaan was the resource as Vezenkov missed some threes. The guard scored 3 long distance shots in the first period in which Olympiakos dominated for as much as 12. A 2+1 from Rudy and basket from Hezonja carried Real to the end of the first 10 minutes with a 24-17 score.
The second period was for Real with a much better defense and team work, and great performances by Causeur, Hezonja and Sergio Rodríguez. Real was able to turn around the score (40-45) but two baskets from Vezenkov and McKissic got the teams to the locker room with a tied score, 45-45.
It was a new game after halftime and both squads showed their best. Good minutes from Olympiakos' best men, Canaan and Vezenkov, as Real was more collective, and both teams faced the definitive period with Bartzokas' team leading 63-59.
The Greek team was off to a better start and seemed to find its momentum: Vezenkov scored 8 points in the first 4 minutes and McKissic, Sloukas and Canaan made a good job as well.
On Real's side Causeur and el Chacho sustained Real (14 points between both). The guard scored and assisted, and his team mates made a great defensive job in the last 3 minutes allowing only one basket from the rival.
It was once more, Sergio Llull's time. After a 3 from Sergio Rodriguez Real was trailing by 1 point (78-77) and the Whites had one possession with 12 seconds to play. Mateo's board was for Llull taking the last shot and the shooting guard made an amazing shot, in front of Fall, for the final 78-79.
Sloukas took a very complicated last shot that he missed, as Real won the game and the championship. Eleventh European title for Real Madrid, a team that has showcased an unmatched will to win.
With Yabusele, Deck and Poirier sidelined for different reasons, the Spanish team has had to play small ball plus Tavares many times, adapting to the circumstances and changing defenses and adjustments, and yesterday's final game was no different.
The first quarter was for the Greeks: Canaan was the resource as Vezenkov missed some threes. The guard scored 3 long distance shots in the first period in which Olympiakos dominated for as much as 12. A 2+1 from Rudy and basket from Hezonja carried Real to the end of the first 10 minutes with a 24-17 score.
The second period was for Real with a much better defense and team work, and great performances by Causeur, Hezonja and Sergio Rodríguez. Real was able to turn around the score (40-45) but two baskets from Vezenkov and McKissic got the teams to the locker room with a tied score, 45-45.
It was a new game after halftime and both squads showed their best. Good minutes from Olympiakos' best men, Canaan and Vezenkov, as Real was more collective, and both teams faced the definitive period with Bartzokas' team leading 63-59.
The Greek team was off to a better start and seemed to find its momentum: Vezenkov scored 8 points in the first 4 minutes and McKissic, Sloukas and Canaan made a good job as well.
On Real's side Causeur and el Chacho sustained Real (14 points between both). The guard scored and assisted, and his team mates made a great defensive job in the last 3 minutes allowing only one basket from the rival.
It was once more, Sergio Llull's time. After a 3 from Sergio Rodriguez Real was trailing by 1 point (78-77) and the Whites had one possession with 12 seconds to play. Mateo's board was for Llull taking the last shot and the shooting guard made an amazing shot, in front of Fall, for the final 78-79.
Sloukas took a very complicated last shot that he missed, as Real won the game and the championship. Eleventh European title for Real Madrid, a team that has showcased an unmatched will to win.
