The Euroleague final is set. Real Madrid will face Anadolu Efes, who will try to make the first back-to-back since Olympiakos in 2012 and 2013.
Anadolu Efes defeated Olympiakos in the very last moment of the game, with a huge game-winning shot by Vasilije Micic from downtown. Anadolu Efes will play in the final for the third year in a row. The reigning champion will try to make the back-to-back against Real Madrid. Last time this achievement has been made ? In 2012-2013, when Olympiakos won the trophy for the second straight year…
Vasilije Micic, the Liberator
Driven by their duo Larkin-Micic, the Anadolu Efes took the lead early in the third quarter, and Olympiakos never took it back. Shane Larkin played a tremendous first half, with 16 points and 6 assists to keep the pace with Olympiakos. At halftime, Larkin’s teammates were down by one. During the third quarter, the team coached by Ergin Ataman will create of gap of nine points. Olympiakos came back late in the fourth quarter, and tied the game (74-74) before Vasilije Micic hit the dagger and dashed the hopes of Olympiakos, sending his team to the Euroleague final. Micic finished the game with 15 points, 6 rebounds and 9 assists.
Real Madrid saved by their Frenchmen
Led by as many as 13 points early in the second half, Real Madrid reversed the trend, and took the lead late in the third quarter, outscoring Barcelona 26-11, inflicting a 17-2 run. The French trio, Fabien Causeur, Vincent Poirier and Guerschon Yabusele scored or assisted in all those 17 points. They kept their advantage until the end of game. This victory overshadowed the huge performance of the reigning MVP, Nikola Mirotic, who finished the game with 26 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists. Four years after their last final, Real Madrid will have the opportunity to win their 11th Euroleague title.
Photo : Guerschon Yabusele (Euroleague)