Won both Efes and home court advantage
Two days before the end of the Euroleague Regular season, Olympiacos bested Anadolu Efes 89-82 and secured home court advantage for the play-offs.
The 'reds' made a strong beginning… Good defense and with Vassilis Spanoulis, Nikola Milutinov and Giorgos Printezis leading the offense, gave them control of the tempo and they hence built a difference of +16 (28-12 at 9'). A three by Kim Tillie sent the margin to +17 (36-19), and Olympiacos was steadily ahead (45-30, at 16'). However, bad choices and continuous turnovers, allowed the Turkish team to become aggressive and run a 10-0 streak, thus closing in to -5 (45-40, at 19').
Olympiacos went to the locker rooms after completing the first half leading by 7 (49-42), however, Efes went on with its counter strike. The Turkish team played zone defense that caused a lot of problems to the 'reds' offense and helped the guests come to a two point game (51-49, at 23'). Pressing defense and a hot duet with Spanoulis and Milutinov, led out team to run a partial 19-6 which gave the 'reds' a +15 margin (70-55, at 29').
However, a new black out on both ends of the floor, resulted in a 13-0 run by Ataman's players, bringing their team as close as to four points (72-68, at 33'). The Turks remained 'alive' till 89', but a couple of good defensive plays and a crucial three by Vassilis Spanoulis (who got to write the final score) gave Olympiacos the victory.
The quarters: 30-15, 49-42, 70-57, 89-82.
Οlympiacos (Sfairopoulos): ΜcLean 2, Papapetrou 17 (1 3p., 7 reb), Spanoulis 17 (1 3p., 5 reb., 8 as.), Μilutinov 20 (8 reb.), Strelnieks 7 (1), Τillie 6 (2), Printezis 11 (8 reb.), Mantzaris 5 (1 3p., 5 reb., 5 as.), Roberts 4, Thompson.
Αnadolu Efes (Ataman): ΜcCollum 6, Balbay, Brown 10(1), Batuk, Demir, Motum 7(1), Weems 14, Stimac 10, Mustafa, Douglas 5, Dunston 10, Simon 18(1).
«If the gym is empty, home court advantage means nothing»
Our team coach, Giannis Sfairopoulos, commented: "Congratulations to our players for the victory and for winning home court advantage for the play-offs. We made a very good start in the game, we really focused and followed our plan. We were very good on both ends of the floor. We allowed some easy baskets to our opponent in the second quarter. We made six turnovers when attacking that allowe Efes to run and score easy points. That's how they closed in at half time. We were focused in the third quarter, played good defense and got a two digit lead once again. However, as you saw, Efes is talented and made some very tough shots. We showed our concentration and experience at the end and did what we had to do to win the game. I wish to thank the fans that supported the team tonight. Tonight was the most crucial game of the season. Should the result was different we would be in trouble. Unfortunately the gym wasn't full. We now have the home court advantage, but if the gym is empty, this will not mean anything".
He went on to say: "Home court is something, but it can also mean nothing. If your recall, we also had home court last year against Efes. We won the first game here easily, but lost the second one. And then we were in trouble. We were playing with our backs against the wall, but thankfully we won the fourth game and brought the series back home, where we won it 3-2. I say all that because I see there is a lot of enthusiasm around the team. We need to be very careful and ready because the play offs are not going to be easy. These games are totally different to those of the Regular season. All the teams have the chance to qualify to the Final Four and that's what they are going to fight for. That's why we need to remain very focused and work hard. We need to make one more step to go to the final four. Some of our fans think that we are already there. This is a huge mistake".
He then reminded that there are two more very important games for the Regular season to end. "We still have to games for the regular season. I don't want anyone forgetting about it. These games are going to determine our final ranking within the top 4 seeds. That's why we need to keep fighting. We have difficult games against Unicaja on the road and Zalgiris at home. I expect that all our players continue working hard and fighting before the quarter finals begin".
Asked about Kostas Papanikolaou, he replied: "Kostas has a problem with his knee. He' still in pain. I can't use him if he's hurting. We will never do that. We are waiting for him to get better. He's a player that we need. I hope that he gets better with every passing day. The whole medical staff is on him to do whatever it takes so that he comes back the soonest possible".
«Good luck»
Anadolu's coach, Ergin Ataman, pointed out: "It's tough to motivate players in such games when there is no apparent goal. That's why we began so aggressively in the first quarter and allowed thirty points to Olympiacos and especially with Spanoulis' pick n' roll offense. Our defense was soft. We came back into the game, we played like we use to, and we improved our defense and stopped Olympiacos 'pick n' rolk. The second half was similar. We had a chance at winning, but Olympiacos needed that game more than us. They made the right choices in the last minute and won the game. I wish Olympiacos good luck in the play-offs".
Νikola Milutinov: «Our defense was better in the last 5 minutes and that gave us the win. I don't care about my performance, I only care that the team wins».
Ιoannis Papapetrou: «It's the victory that counts. We secured home court advantage. We really wanted it. We fought hard in Moscow, we were worn out, but this is not an excuse. We wanted to give 100% for this game and we won. We lost rhythm at some point. Everyone should be coming on the floor focused on defense. When you received two or three back to back baskets, you’re your offense is impacted as well. We need to be consistent, without ups and downs. Home court is not that important. It's been proven that if you don't play well, you don't get to go to the Final Four».