Baskonia took down the reigning champions

The record of the EuroLeague’s season on highest scoring was made yesterday in Fernando Buesa Arena. At the end of a thriller, Baskonia stole the win from Anadolu Efes with 114-111. The Basque team proved strength to come back from 7 points down in the last stanza and force the overtime. The American division of Baskonia was brilliant, with Matt Costello who made his career high (33 points), Darius Thompson (19), Markus Howard (16) and Steven Enoch (14).
On the other side, Shane Larkin showed us that he is close to his former days before the injury and he can be again a true “killer” in offense. He finished with 21 points, helped by Micic and Beaubois with 19 a piece and Clyburn with 16.
It was an intense game, especially in the fourth quarter and overtime when each team had their chance to seal the victory. The show was complete and I think the basketball fans (except Ataman) were delighted with the game. One of the interesting stats is that both teams managed very well the turnovers chapter. Baskonia had only 8 turnovers, while the visitors only 6!
Baskonia proved they have the power and determination to beat any team in the EuroLeague. If they can be more constant they could easily reach the playoffs. The reigning champions are in a transition mood, they have to make some adjustments and adapt their style. Efes’s roster is simply amazing, only some chemistry issues should be solved. With Shane Larkin back they will be extremely dangerous, aiming again for the title.
The article was written by Gratian Cormos, a Romanian journalist, book writer, life coach and mentor currently living in Barcelona, Spain.
If you are interested in collaborating with his website brainbasketball.net, in order to publish articles, interviews or other features related to basketball, feel free to contact Gratian Cormos by Whatsapp or Telegram at this Spanish number: +34 612414486.
Photo credit: EuroLeague