Baskonia- CSKA scouting notes

NBA point of Interest

 At least 7 players from both teams are on constant radar by NBA scouts making the top of free agency list. It was worth putting down the peculiarities of those individuals matching each other. Good thing to win on the New Year eve. So there was a reason to struggle.

Motivation to Win

It’s always harder to stay on top when you reach it, testing your psychology and faith.  Baskonia in their turn had optional resentment  to beat CSKA for all the derby history. They had a spectacular win over Barcelona Lassa several days ago and wished to develop the winning path.

Injuries

Khryapa damaged his calf a bit on the eve of the match during the practice having contact with Kyle Hines, Leo Vesterman is actually recovering working individually but is not ready for games.

Baskonia had 4 injured guys remaining out of roster: Luca Vildoza, Miguel Gonzaliez, Rinalds Malmanis, Jordan Mcrae

 

Rotation

Both team used 10 players in the game tight from the 1st quarter to keep game rhythm and save fouls. It was crucial to feel the pressure of the situation for the bench guys from the very beginning

Game Hero

Sergio Rodriguez became the best scorer with 25 points, but his decisions and actions showed MVP style and pace, he collected clutches though not buzzer sort . He executed the fire of confidence and teamwork, substituting the captain lead.

Baskonia put ahead Tornike Shengelia with double-double scoring 20, rebounding 13 with 2 assists.

He was powerful during the first minutes making back to the basket points, cutting inside and running the floor, but his physical conditions leaves much to be desired as he lost a bit of game focus being tired after the half/ He should improve his left hand finish otherwise it limits his offensive scope.

Rebound

CSKA lost rebound battle and managed to win which is a rare case meaning the importance of all other team components.

They lost Rebound in the 1st Quarter 5 vs 10. They had not a single offensive board won during until the last period losing 19 vs 30 in total before the last quarter.

Twin Towers

Tall ballers Poirier ( 2.13) and  Johannes Voigtmann  (2.14) looked impressive from time to time touching the above ring balls and slamming. But that is not only what PF/C guys should do on court.

 Long range

Again Moscow Ultra-range gun showed win consistently mode with 57% making 12 out of 21 3 -pointers.

Baskonia missed too much from the arc and they didn’t push to change it. Only Latvian sniper Janis Timma proved his shooting status nailing 5 o 11.

 

P.S. Vitoria Club has the great basketball culture,- you should have Fan Passport to have games access and stamp it every Euroleague games

 Player Pictures used taken from CSKA Team and Euroleague official pages