By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
It’s obvious, as you can see in our GameCenter, that even against opponents that have missed the playoffs train you should be alert, or else you may lose as CSKA Moscow did against Valencia.
On the other hand, the “Army Team” remains safe on top of the standings and Olympiacos is the big winner of last night after beating Real in Madrid. And that brings us to our MVP.
MVP
Giorgos Printezis
While by the numbers there were better performances than his, the fact that Printezis led Olympiacos to a much-needed road win and scored 21 points while missing two shots (4/5 2p. 2/3 3p. 7/7 FT) is simply amazing. With Spanoulis being scoreless, Printezis stepped up and led Olympiacos to a result that almost guarantees the home court advantage in the playoffs.
BEST FIVE
- Pierre Jackson: After the coaching change, FC Barcelona Lassa was a dangerous opponent by Jackson led Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv to the win with 18 points on 5/7 threes.
- Alberto Abalde: Not only he made the biggest shot of the game in Valencia‘s win over CSKA Moscow but he also had 17 points, three made threes, four rebounds and six assists – albeit also four turnovers – in his coming out party.
- Adam Waczynski: His efficiency in Unicaja Malaga’s win over Anadolu Efes, can’t be overlooked since he had 20 points and just one missed shot (2/2 2p. 3/4 3p. 7/7 FT).
- Giorgos Printezis: Just look at the title – MVPri
- Jan Vesely: He registered a career-high with a 36 PIR after 26 points and 11 rebounds in Fenerbahce Dogus’ triumph over Brose Bamberg. By the numbers, he is the MVP.
Coach of the week: Giannis Sfairopoulos
It may surprise you if you are leaving outside the Greek borders, but many Olympiacos fans a few days ago wanted Sfairopoulos’ head on a plate. The Reds had some bad games – and most importantly have lost so far three times to Panathinaikos – however, Sfairopoulos once again found the way to a big road win against Real Madrid and the second place in the league standings, while beating four times Fenerbahce Dogus and the “Whites”. Do you want more?
Last word: Green revolution
After two weeks of tension, finally, it seems that Panathinaikos Superfoods and the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague may have found the way to bury the hatchet. And while the Greens are still complaining and keep their options open, at this point their focused on returning to the Final Four for the first time after 2012. It’s going to be a bumpy ride and we can’t wait to see it.