A third and fourth place that is more of a punishment than a prize, an obligatory penance for those who fell in the semifinals, which leaves Barça with a very bitter taste despite the victory against Olympiacos (84-74). A victory that is the best way to close the Final Four, but it is still proof that there will be no revenge against Efes. That there will be no Euroleague this season. A failure that, however, is also a success: what is seen today as a very tough defeat, being the third best team in Europe, not so long ago was seen as a joy. And that is to the credit of Jasikevicius’ Barça.
The match started well for the azulgranas, with a small advantage, but above all because players who did not appear in the semi-final did contribute against Olympiacos. The first Calathes, much more comfortable, who connected with Mirotic. And the second Sanli. Hitting three and defending Fall, all that he couldn’t do with either Tavares or Poirier. And this was great news for Barça, not because of the game itself, but because both point guard and center have to be important in the Endesa league playoffs.
Without nerves or pressure, the defensive performance of both teams was lower. So much so that they allowed the outsiders to shoot almost at will, but with rather poor results. Before the break, Barça had 4/13 in triples to Olympiacos’ 2/9 without this being a determining factor in the future of the clash. The Greeks, supported by the vast majority of the public, lived off the robberies (and Barça’s losses) when Jokubaitis was at the controls of the Barça ship. Without Mirotic on court, he received a blow to the face, between Sanli and Davies they kept Barça ahead. Two triples by Abrines were also decisive (45-38).
Against Real Madrid, Barça fell because it was inferior on the floor, but above all because it was mentally inferior. All the faith that Real Madrid did have was lacking for Barça, who neither knew nor could kill the game. A lack of “killer instinct”, as Jasikevicius defined it, which they did not show against Olympiacos either. They came to have a great advantage (57-42)but instead of killing the party they allowed the Greeks to return to it. Vezenkov, also much more successful than in the semifinal, led his team (64-60).
To make matters worse, in addition, Abrines was injured. It was not serious, a sprained ankle that did not prevent him from having a few more minutes, but it did nip the Mallorcan’s good moment in the bud. Successful from three and very active in defense, he showed all the intensity and dedication that the coach demands of him.
Quick transitions brought Olympiacos closer again (68-65) in a game that was clearly destined to be decided in the last minutes. Though he didn’t really have any emotion. Mirotic returned to the track and launched a Barça who entered the last minute seven up to achieve the most bitter of victories.