25/26 European basketball discussion: Euroleague/BBL/ACB/LegaA/LNB/TBL..

[AHOYBRAUSE]

Monaco and Barcelona finished regular season close to each other. However we clearly see in playoffs that Monaco are in much better condition. They won both games comfortably so far. It wouldn't be surprising to see the series ending 3-0 to be honest.

Real Madrid looked a little better this time. But still they were losing balls so many times. They were impressive in the 1st quarter but Olympiacos led all the remaining quarters. I can say I have pretty much lost my faith in Real Madrid to get past them.

It's amazing how deep and well structured this Monaco team is. Yes they beat Barca fairly easy, but there is one thing that stands out most for me. Big contributors for Monaco totally had a cold day. Mike James only had 5 points in 30 minutes, Theis also just with 6 points. Those numbers would be a dream result if you told the Barcelona team before the game. They would have thought they have this game in the bag.

[ajanwalker]

Monaco and Barcelona finished regular season close to each other. However we clearly see in playoffs that Monaco are in much better condition. They won both games comfortably so far. It wouldn't be surprising to see the series ending 3-0 to be honest.

Real Madrid looked a little better this time. But still they were losing balls so many times. They were impressive in the 1st quarter but Olympiacos led all the remaining quarters. I can say I have pretty much lost my faith in Real Madrid to get past them.

It's amazing how deep and well structured this Monaco team is. Yes they beat Barca fairly easy, but there is one thing that stands out most for me. Big contributors for Monaco totally had a cold day. Mike James only had 5 points in 30 minutes, Theis also just with 6 points. Those numbers would be a dream result if you told the Barcelona team before the game. They would have thought they have this game in the bag.

I wouldn't be exaggerating if I said that a big part of this success belongs to Spanoulis. Monaco started the season with Sasa Obradovic at the beginning of the season but when things didn't go well, they parted ways with the coach and Spanoulis came and the chemistry of the team changed after he came. Monaco is in great shape right now and has a big advantage on the way to the final four. Even Mike James, who was a problem in every team he went to, got better after he came. If Monaco achieves a good success, I can say that this success belongs to Vassilis first. I am sure that Vassilis will be a very quality coach in the future.

[LTU_btc]

I wouldn't be exaggerating if I said that a big part of this success belongs to Spanoulis. Monaco started the season with Sasa Obradovic at the beginning of the season but when things didn't go well, they parted ways with the coach and Spanoulis came and the chemistry of the team changed after he came. Monaco is in great shape right now and has a big advantage on the way to the final four. Even Mike James, who was a problem in every team he went to, got better after he came. If Monaco achieves a good success, I can say that this success belongs to Vassilis first. I am sure that Vassilis will be a very quality coach in the future.

Yeah, Spanoulis is doing great job with Monaco. And 2nd game in series showed Monaco squad depth. It wasn't night of leaders like James or Theiss, but it's not a problem - Diallo and Jaiteh took leader role. I'm sure that Monaco will close series on Wednesday.
Speaking about tomorrow's games, I expect that Fenerbahche will finish their job, while Real maybe will make it 1:2. Not that I support them, but it will be just more interesting if they will win.

[Joca97]

I wouldn't be exaggerating if I said that a big part of this success belongs to Spanoulis. Monaco started the season with Sasa Obradovic at the beginning of the season but when things didn't go well, they parted ways with the coach and Spanoulis came and the chemistry of the team changed after he came. Monaco is in great shape right now and has a big advantage on the way to the final four. Even Mike James, who was a problem in every team he went to, got better after he came. If Monaco achieves a good success, I can say that this success belongs to Vassilis first. I am sure that Vassilis will be a very quality coach in the future.

Yeah, Spanoulis is doing great job with Monaco. And 2nd game in series showed Monaco squad depth. It wasn't night of leaders like James or Theiss, but it's not a problem - Diallo and Jaiteh took leader role. I'm sure that Monaco will close series on Wednesday.
Speaking about tomorrow's games, I expect that Fenerbahche will finish their job, while Real maybe will make it 1:2. Not that I support them, but it will be just more interesting if they will win.

Diallo and Jaiteh were really good in these matches and carryed Monaco. With how Barcelona is playing it will be 3-0 and i agree with that with you. I dont see a way that Barcelona can comeback from this,even with playing next two matches at home. Monaco is currently a better team and Barcelona isnt on that level currently.

[yenerbatmaz]

The first final four teams in the Euroleague may be determined tonight. Fenerbahçe previously defeated Paris Basket in France and is currently the psychologically superior side. They may win again tonight and become the first finalist. I am only suspicious of Real Madrid's match, but Olympiakos is in better form, but I don't think Real Madrid will give up early. I am thinking of taking a risk for both matches and betting on the away teams.

[LTU_btc]

Fenerbahche is first team to reach Final 4. It's already 5th in a row Final 4 for Jasikevicius, though, he haven't got much success so far. Paris gave great fight, but their unforgetable season is over. A bit sad, next season thewy won't be same.
Don't know why exactly, but I had much confidence that Real will win tonight. And they did it. For neutral spectator like me it's great, I want to see longer playoff series, not some 3:0.

[Joca97]

The first final four teams in the Euroleague may be determined tonight. Fenerbahçe previously defeated Paris Basket in France and is currently the psychologically superior side. They may win again tonight and become the first finalist. I am only suspicious of Real Madrid's match, but Olympiakos is in better form, but I don't think Real Madrid will give up early. I am thinking of taking a risk for both matches and betting on the away teams.

Fenerbahce just eliminated Paris in overtime and we have the first team that will play in the final 4 this season. Real Madrid was also able to win against Olympiacos at home so that series will continue. Really good game by Real Madrid especially in the second half,they dominated and got their first win in the playoffs

[AHOYBRAUSE]

Fenerbahche is first team to reach Final 4. It's already 5th in a row Final 4 for Jasikevicius, though, he haven't got much success so far. Paris gave great fight, but their unforgetable season is over. A bit sad, next season thewy won't be same.
Don't know why exactly, but I had much confidence that Real will win tonight. And they did it. For neutral spectator like me it's great, I want to see longer playoff series, not some 3:0.

Same here, I for some reason expected Real do deliver a good fight, and they did. Maybe that's the heart of a champion or something. After a solid start but a TERRIBLE 2nd quarter they had to get the momentum back somehow and they managed to do that.
About Paris, I also think it's quite sad this magical run came to an end so quick. Obviously many EL team will snatch away some players from them now so they will be a different team next season. Hope they can bounce back though!

[ajanwalker]

Anadolu Efes lost the home advantage they had gained tonight.
They played a very bad second quarter and could not be a part of the game again.
Kendrick Nunn played very good basketball in Panathinaikos and was the highest scorer of the game. If Efes had stopped Nunn, they could have won today. They played very well especially in the last quarter but the second quarter of the game was bad. Anadolu Efes must definitely win the game to be played on Friday so that the series can be carried to the last game.

[LTU_btc]

Damn, didn't expected that Barca will fight back. Don't know what has changed, but we saw different face of Barca today, much more energy. And it's great, that makes playoff more interesting.
Efes - Panathinaikos. Not going deep into details, but for me it ws strange Efes decision not to foul on last Pao attack. That was extremely risk, even if Pao wouldn't have scored, there would be very little time for Efes remaining. Mitoglou scored 3 pointer and closed the game.

[Joca97]

Damn, didn't expected that Barca will fight back. Don't know what has changed, but we saw different face of Barca today, much more energy. And it's great, that makes playoff more interesting.
Efes - Panathinaikos. Not going deep into details, but for me it ws strange Efes decision not to foul on last Pao attack. That was extremely risk, even if Pao wouldn't have scored, there would be very little time for Efes remaining. Mitoglou scored 3 pointer and closed the game.

Yeah,Barcelona really looked really well today,they were much different then in first two matches. If they continue like this i think they might able to tie the series. I dont know if they can win the series but can make it intresting. Panathanikos won away and returned a break that they lost in the second match

[CLS63]

Efes - Panathinaikos. Not going deep into details, but for me it ws strange Efes decision not to foul on last Pao attack. That was extremely risk, even if Pao wouldn't have scored, there would be very little time for Efes remaining. Mitoglou scored 3 pointer and closed the game.

Today Anadolu Efes were much worse than Game 2. Their defending was terrible. The offense was also really bad most of the time. So many loose balls, simple mistakes and this result is inevitable after that.

The last quarter gave me some hope but they once again threw the game. By the way Mitoglou was unbelievable. He doesn't score this many points in Euroleague regularly. He played really extra. I hope Anadolu Efes win the next game home to carry their hopes to Game 5.

[AHOYBRAUSE]

Damn, didn't expected that Barca will fight back. Don't know what has changed, but we saw different face of Barca today, much more energy. And it's great, that makes playoff more interesting.
Efes - Panathinaikos. Not going deep into details, but for me it ws strange Efes decision not to foul on last Pao attack. That was extremely risk, even if Pao wouldn't have scored, there would be very little time for Efes remaining. Mitoglou scored 3 pointer and closed the game.

To be fair, I actually expected Barca to go allin and they did. While their defense was not the big part they had a great game offense wise. Shooting splits were great, pretty much what you want to see in a do or die game for them. The fans and the arena of course also played their part, which made it even harder for Monaco in this one.
Still I think Monaco will adjust for game 4 and will win this one. Sure it's not easy but we have often seen a team winning game 3 but then getting schooled in game 4 just to lose the series.

[Joca97]

Olympiacos is the second team in the final four. Finally Real Madrid wasnt able to qualify for the next round and they had their chance tonight but Olymipacos was just too good for Real Madrid. Real Madrid had their chance to score and tie the game and just couldnt hit the three points. It will be really intresting what will happen next on the final four

[yenerbatmaz]

Real Madrid started the game well, they were the dominant side in the first period. There was a balance in the second period but in the third period Oly closed the gap and took the lead. With the score 84-86 Real used the last ball but I don't understand why they risked the game by trying a three pointer. If they had attacked the basket and made a two pointer they could have taken the game to extra time and won from there. This is the reflection of the regular season so far. Both teams that finished in the top 4 advanced to the Final Four. Monaco and Panathinaikos have a 2-1 advantage in the series, if they also make it to the Final Four the top four teams will advance to the Final Four without a single exception.

[condoras]

Real Madrid started the game well, they were the dominant side in the first period. There was a balance in the second period but in the third period Oly closed the gap and took the lead. With the score 84-86 Real used the last ball but I don't understand why they risked the game by trying a three pointer. If they had attacked the basket and made a two pointer they could have taken the game to extra time and won from there.

Won in extra time? Why are you so sure about it? The depth of the Real team has a significant problem and without Tavares, I seriously doubt that they will manage to win Olympiakos in extra time.

This is the reflection of the regular season so far. Both teams that finished in the top 4 advanced to the Final Four. Monaco and Panathinaikos have a 2-1 advantage in the series, if they also make it to the Final Four the top four teams will advance to the Final Four without a single exception.

I don't see any reason why Monaco and Panathinaikos won't be in the Final Four. Neither Barca nor Efes looks capable of taking them out and most likely they will be eliminated in today's matches.

[ajanwalker]

Anadolu Efes tied the series 2-2.
Shane Larkin had a hard time scoring today. He contributed to the score with his assists but scored a total of 9 points.
The next match will be played in Greece. I hope Shane Larkin performs very well there. Because Efes needs him very much.
Sometimes there were reactions to the referees of the match. I even read comments on social media that Olympiakos and Panathinaikos are wanted to face each other in the Euroleague Final, but I think these comments are lies.
Cedi played very well in Pana and scored 22 points. Cedi is a former Efes player.

[LTU_btc]

We will have Game 5 in Efes - Panathinaikos series. What Luca Banchi did with this team is unbeleavable, no matter how Game 5 will end. From that run to make into playoffs to this series with reigning champions, it's amazing.
In other game Monaco is leading by few points against Barca, very likely that it will be few points game in the end. Want to see Game 5 there too, what looked impossible after first two games in Monaco

With the score 84-86 Real used the last ball but I don't understand why they risked the game by trying a three pointer. If they had attacked the basket and made a two pointer they could have taken the game to extra time and won from there.

Yeah, it also looked a bit strange decision And that 3point attempt was made by worst possible option that they had on court - Abalde. On the same time when they had Musa, Hezonja and now I can't remember there was Llull or Campazzo. Anyway, as you say, this series was reflection of whole season and it ended with logical outcome

[CLS63]

We will have Game 5 in Efes - Panathinaikos series. What Luca Banchi did with this team is unbeleavable, no matter how Game 5 will end. From that run to make into playoffs to this series with reigning champions, it's amazing.

My hopes came true and we are going to watch Game 5. But it wasn't easy at all. Anadolu Efes were still having the same issues. They were horrible about collecting rebounds. They wasted some really easy shots as well. The defense was bad as usual.

But thankfully they were better in offense this time. Bryant was in good shape which was a huge help in the win. At Panathinaikos Cedi Osman must have played his best game in the recent times. Him and Sloukas made me worried in the last moments of the game.

[yenerbatmaz]

Real Madrid started the game well, they were the dominant side in the first period. There was a balance in the second period but in the third period Oly closed the gap and took the lead. With the score 84-86 Real used the last ball but I don't understand why they risked the game by trying a three pointer. If they had attacked the basket and made a two pointer they could have taken the game to extra time and won from there.

Won in extra time? Why are you so sure about it? The depth of the Real team has a significant problem and without Tavares, I seriously doubt that they will manage to win Olympiakos in extra time.

This is the reflection of the regular season so far. Both teams that finished in the top 4 advanced to the Final Four. Monaco and Panathinaikos have a 2-1 advantage in the series, if they also make it to the Final Four the top four teams will advance to the Final Four without a single exception.

I don't see any reason why Monaco and Panathinaikos won't be in the Final Four. Neither Barca nor Efes looks capable of taking them out and most likely they will be eliminated in today's matches.

I didn't say they won in overtime, read carefully. I said they could have won the match if they had gone to overtime. Efes and Barcelona took the series to a 5th game. The excitement is at its peak in the last games. Barcelona and Efes' job is not easy.

Also, Ergin Ataman and Efes fans didn't experience anything good today.

Efes fans chanted "Take a timeout, take a timeout, Ergin Ataman, take a timeout" to Ergin Ataman and Ergin got very angry in the last moments of the match and went to the locker room.