By John Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Anadolu Efes, CSKA Moscow, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid distanced themselves from the rest of the pack with the Turkish outlet retaining its three-win lead through EuroLeague Regular Season Round 22. Among the top four teams, the Whites got back on track with our MVP returning to action with a splash.
Eurohoops MVP
Anthony Randolph
Following three losses in a row, Real forced Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv to its first home loss of the 2019-20 season. The main difference was Anthony Randolph. Missed the previous five tilts, but picked up where he left off with a game-high 23 PIR outing at the Menora Mivtachim Arena. Coupled his team-high 19 points with seven rebounds in just over 21 minutes of action.
Eurohoops Best Five
1. Lukas Lekavicius: The Lithuanian floor general poured a game-high 21 points in France, a late playoffs run by Zalgiris Kaunas would not be its first.
2. Kostas Sloukas: Fenerbahce Beko is only one win out of the top eight with the Greek international packing a game-high 16 points in Germany.
3. Kyle Kuric: Five threes en route for his 21 points in FC Barcelona’s latest “W”.
4. Anthony Randolph: Our MVP sent Pablo Laso’s team to 16-6.
5. Bojan Dubljevic: The Montenegrin forward/center threw Valencia to 11-11 with 19 points and seven rebounds against Panathinaikos OPAP.
Coach of the week: Ergin Ataman
Shane Larkin could have extended his run in our best five, even another MVP nod would not be a stretch, but this time made room for Ergin Ataman to gain our coach of the week honors. Guiding his side to 19-3 in Europe’s premier competition is a spectacular achievement on its own. Positive mentality and energy displayed throughout every single game must be credited to the 54-year-old boss.
The big issue: Several playoffs bids
Anadolu Efes is looking strong for first place and the three following sides are well on their way for home-court advantage. However, the battle for lower playoffs seeds is far more intense. With 12 games to go, only four wins separate the bottom clubs from the top eight. Don’t count any team out just yet.