Basketball, Euroleague: Olimpia Milano hits the Olympiacos wall: defeat at Piraeus 67-58

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Sloukas’ machine gun crowns a great evening of the Greek legend (16 points, 4 assists), extraordinary in reviving, from the bench, a dull and hesitant Olympiacos for large sections of the match. Just as, always from the bench, the impact of Shaquielle McKissic (14 points, 3 assists). His penetrations of pure physical strength are the only wedge with which the Reds hit on the perimeter a defense very careful not to allow the slightest space on the arc after the machine-gun suffered in the debacle of the Forum. But the Reds also show their muscles in patent leather, where they alternate with great effectiveness the irrepressible size of Moustapha Fall (12 + 7 rebounds), also dominating in the defensive metacampo, and the plays of technique and tactical intelligence of a brilliant Sasha Vezenkov (16 + 5). Archery, this time, is not a factor (only 4/20). But the great ability to conquer trips to the line to score easy points in a purely defensive duel yes. And, in the long run, the 27 free hits make a difference, equal to 40% of turnover.

Milan, as always, it goes where its defense takes it. Sublime in the first three periods (39-43 at 30 ‘), even superlative in a first quarter from only 7 points granted. But the attack stagnates. And, in time of need, he has neither the strength nor the confidence to support the team. The danger on the perimeter is poor (3/19). The ability to go to the low bezel (9/11), as well as creating advantages from dribbling or game flow situations. Olimpia drowns under the weight of 17 turnovers and an attack forced to often seek forced conclusions in the final seconds of the actions. The circulation of the ball is asphyxiated. The overturns are rare and ineffective. The outputs on the blocks predictable and always marked. Entry into games and actions conducted with extreme slowness.