What made possible the Rytas’ comeback?
Since the first minute of the Final, Rytas was visibly dominated by the physicality of AEK American players. Stronger, giving no change at the rebound, scoring very accurately, AEK make the impression of invincibility. On the other side, we saw a timid Lithuanian squad that couldn’t do anything: low scoring, poor defense. How and why did everything change in the 4th quarter? How was it possible for the Rytas to come back?
With the victory in their pocket, the Americans of AEK Athens started a selfish, disorganised game, fighting for their own stats, too confident about the victory. When AEK played with 2 Europeans and 3 Americans on the court, things worked perfectly for them. Even if Flionis, Charalampopoulos, Lekavicius or Katsivelis were not such great scorers, they keep a balance in the team, forcing a more collective game. This approach disappeared completely in the 4th quarter when AEK played with 4 Americans on the court. If you looked from afar, it seemed a tougher five, but in real basketball, it doesn’t work like this. Actually, those were the moments of relaxation, too early and too confident about the victory, when AEK itself allowed the comeback and gave wings to their opponents.
It was exactly what Rytas needed: to see that it is possible to turn the tables. Jerry Harding, who was scoreless til the mid-3rd quarter, woke up and finished with 16 points. The young Lukosius made an incredible fourth quarter, and the impossible turned into a miracle. Meanwhile, Bartley and Nunnally were competing for the MVP trophy, already seeing it in their hands; the old school of Lithuanian basketball delivered the results and proved that collective work is more important than individuality and selfishness. In overtime, even Gudaitis, almost absent till that moment, woke up and made some decisive plays.
Who thought that a 23-year-old Lithuanian could be the MVP of the Finals? How was it possible to come back from a 20-point deficit? Only applying till the end the fundamentals of basketball, playing together as a team, where everybody is cooperating for the common good.
Image credit: Basketball Champions League
