He basically wins the game, with 3 triples in overtime (but also 11 points in the 29-15 third quarter), Napier with 21 points and the equalizing triple in the final (but 0 assists…), Melli with his usual presence, Nikola Mirotic with a couple of blocks (Mirotic? Yes), and Kyle Hines, grabbing an offensive rebound that ices the result.
Having said that, the writer’s perception was pro-Milan even in the first half. Not a sparkling game, not a CSKA-style ball circulation of the Teodosic-De Colo era, but many open shots, many “Melli-style” shots missed by Nicolò Melli, and a very ruffled Virtus in the offensive transition phase. Vu could have escaped there and directed the match, but she didn’t succeed.
Obviously, Luca Banchi’s team could also have managed the final better, once they regained command of the operations, and herein lies the red and white’s faults: the last 5 minutes of nightmare in the fourth quarter, a defense that concedes three times out of three the rim to Isaiah Cordinier.
Scattered observations. Olimpia Milano disappointed by the missed foul on Napier in the red and white’s last possession of regulation time. Virtus not satisfied for two “collected balls” not recognized on Pajola and Shengelia. And a few too many controversial images on the scoreboard of the Segafredo Arena in contravention of media regulations.
A fundamental fact. In Italy there is no sporting culture regarding playoff series. The field factor has a relative value. Olimpia took that relative value, but a series is not decided in one match. We are only at the beginning. We will talk more about things. And many…
