On the official website of CSKA last week posted a "training manual on debt recovery." Kazan slap in it was listed as the last "credit" given by the Muscovites to their eternal rivals. The payment time was confidently set for the next meeting. It turned out like in a bank ... no, "like in a pharmacy" - with these words the UNICS trainer Antanas Sireika began his speech at a press conference. Perhaps the difference in points will not play any role in the final arrangement of the teams according to the results of the “regular season”. But making “+19” - 7 days before the siren, Theodoras Papaloukas established such an important gap, CSKA secured itself in case of equal victories with a neighbor in the standings.
In fact, both of them convinced future observers of the super match that they were absolutely ready, motivated and intend to fight for victory. The words on duty in the mouth of the guests after the match turned out differently. “To beat CSKA in Moscow, you need to jump above your head,” admitted Sireika. “But to keep the difference in the score was possible. When our gap remained at 15 points, it was necessary to act a little calmer. Alas, the team has not learned to think, no matter how we try to teach her. "
Note that the level of motivation of Muscovites was higher by an order of magnitude. CSKA probably showed the best defense of the season. As Sireika noted, she was tough enough to unbalance her rivals. Too often, they turned to the referees, lost their control over the game, at least until Trajan Langdon, with a throw from the shield, provided CSKA with a 20-point advantage.
Further, to admit, it was not interesting to watch the meeting. Although Ettore Messina noted that rivals, fans and judges were quite adequate to the specifics of the situation, focusing on the magical “+18”. From time to time, UNICS even got close to a 13-point distance, so that again, getting a three-pointer from Langdon (a total of 6 out of 8!) Or Matyazha Smodish (3 out of 5!), To be on the edge. By the way, Smodis found strength and health to take part in such an important meeting. But David Vanterpool was spared, although he assured the author of these words in readiness: "I'm OK!"
Messina believes the loss of Vanterpool is very serious. This is undeniable. But the lack of a partner made Papaloukas behave completely differently. Even in last year’s most brilliant MVP matches, the Euroleague Final Four did not have such stunning control over the game. 15 assists - the indicator is fantastic, and his last ball was thus the “pharmacy”.
Another hero of the meeting is David Andersen. “David and I seriously talked after the fight in Treviso,” Messina revealed the “secret” for the team. “And he changed his attitude. Now, unlike the early matches, Andersen’s appearance instead of Smodis doesn’t weaken our team game.”
Finally, Nikita Kurbanov, who once again worked out discreetly, but reliably, received special praise. 26 minutes for the young striker in such a significant match is a serious proof of the trust on the part of the coaches. That same trust, for which Anton Ponkrashov, who was still much better fought and fought, did not appear on Saturday at the site. “Anton played well against Zalgiris? And so?” Messina asked. “I saw his readiness in the following days. Ponkrashov’s level did not reach today's meeting.”
Nikolai TSYNKEVICH