By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
As you can see in the standings and as you can read in the last week scenarios at this point only Real Madrid knows almost for sure that they will face the winner of the duel between Darussafaka Dogus and Crvena Zvezda.
Everything else about the playoffs match ups is still undecided and that brings us to the MVP.
MVP
Bradley Wanamaker
He did everything possible in order to keep Darussafaka Dogus alive in the playoffs race. He finished the game with 30 points, shooting better than 50%, making four threes, 8/12 free throws and he also had 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Against his old team, Brose Bamberg, he proved once again that he is a real leader and the true MVP of this week.
Best Five
- Brad Wanamaker: He kept Darussafaka alive for one more round.
- Thomas Heurtel: He is getting back into shape the right moment, leading Anadolu Efes against Olympiacos with 18 points, shooting almost 70% (7/11) from the field, and he also had 5 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals.
- KC Rivers: He was the top scorer of Panathinaikos with 17 points in the crucial win over CSKA Moscow, that was the key step for the Greens in order to get the home court advantage in the playoffs.
- Milko Bjelica: One more asset of Crvena Zvezda which got the job done against Unics Kazan with 19 points, 6/9 shots, 5/7 free throws and 4 rebounds.
- Ilimane Diop: He finally had his break-out game on the road against Galatasaray as the young center of Baskonia scored 18 points on 8/10 shots and also had 5 rebounds and 3 assists.
Best losing performance: Daniel Theis
Brose Bamberg gave a hell of a fight but in the end couldn’t make it. Still Theis was amazing with 13 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 blocks and no turnovers. He never gave up, but it was not enough.
Coach of the week: Xavi Pascual
After beating CSKA Moscow, Panathinaikos gave to Real Madrid the home court advantage and also has high hopes for the fourth position. Pascual once more proved that he needed just half a season in Athens in order to make Panathinaikos a real contender and the best is yet to come.
Biggest win: Darussafaka Dogus
At this point the result is what count and if Darussafaka couldn’t get the road win in Bamberg, then the playoffs race would be over. It’s as simple as that, which brings us to the last word.
Last word: Embrace for impact
In many cases during the past, the final round of EuroLeague was full of scenarios and possibilities. This time the last spot will be decided in one game as the two contenders will face each other and they just need the win. No point margin, no triple tie, no nothing. It’s an old fashion duel and we can’t wait for it.