Today marks 17 years since the death of the great Andrés Montes. Let this chronicle serve as a small tribute. As Montes used to say, life can be wonderful, and both Barcelona and Olympiacos took that to heart, offering us an enormous spectacle tonight. The victory, including overtime, went to the Greeks 100-105, confirming why they are among the title favorites, led by an accurate Sasha Vezenkov (25 points). For their part, Barcelona played their best game of the season and showed character and pride, putting the Piraeus side in serious trouble, but it was not enough. Despite the loss, today's game is undoubtedly the path the Blaugrana team should follow.
The start of the game was a delight for the spectator. The Palau smelled like a big EuroLeague game and the beginning of both teams confirmed it. Olympiacos, led by an excellent Codi Miller-McIntyre (8 points), took the early lead (7-13 at minute 3). However, the reaction from Alexander Sekulic's side was swift. With a run of eight straight points capped by a layup from Josh Nebo, Barcelona tied the game (15-15 at minute 5). A great spectacle was unfolding at the Blaugrana.
Past the midpoint of this first quarter, the intensity of Barcelona's play increased. Gibson's electricity, Brizuela's three-pointers, and Nebo's work in the paint (6 points and 3 rebounds) put Barcelona ahead. An accurate Sasha Vezenkov (11 points) prevented the Blaugrana from pulling away on the scoreboard. The first quarter went to the home team and the Palau enjoyed their team's play (30-26 at minute 10).
The game was a constant back-and-forth. Olympiacos, far from getting nervous, continued attacking in an organized manner. Bartzokas' arsenal of resources is among the best in Europe and that was evident on the Palau floor. Codi Miller-McIntyre was already at twelve points and the Greek team regained control of the game (44-49 at minute 18).
In the final stretch of the second quarter we saw the show of Sasha Vezenkov (16 points) and it brought to mind the great Andrés Montes with that phrase about how great players smile the same way. His final minute was unforgettable, confirmed with a three-pointer from beyond eight meters at the buzzer. Olympiacos achieved the largest lead of the game (47-57 at minute 20) ending with a stratospheric 84 rating. A harsh lesson for a Barcelona team that had played really well in this first half.
After halftime we continued to enjoy an authentic thriller. The exchange of blows was formidable. Barcelona showed pride and with an accurate Tyrese Martin (8 points and 6 rebounds), along with a three-pointer from Stanley Umude, the Blaugrana got within two (60-62 at minute 16). Sekulic's team was playing their best game of the season.
Just when Barcelona was playing their best, the Piraeus side struck back. Sasha Vezenkov (22 points) took charge again and with a run of six to fifteen, he gave wings back to Bartzokas' team. Olympiacos closed the third quarter with a comfortable lead (66-77 at minute 30).
The final period did not disappoint. Barcelona, trailing, continued fighting with everything they had. A three-pointer from Gibson (9 points) kept them in the game (77-84 at minute 35). The effort and fight from Sekulic's team was worthy of mention.
A layup from Tosan Evbuomwan added spice to the game with two minutes left (81-84 at minute 38) and a three-pointer from Justin Robinson (11 points) tightened it even more (88-90 at minute 39). The Palau went wild with their team. With 1.7 seconds remaining came the Blaugrana ecstasy. A three-pointer from Justin Robinson tied the game at 92. Olympiacos failed to score on the final possession and we went to overtime.
In the extra period Barcelona ran out of energy and ideas. They hit a three-pointer to go ahead (95-92), but then suffered a devastating 0-11 run that proved decisive. Jean Montero (13 points), who had been invisible throughout the game, was key for Olympiacos to win 100-105. Despite the loss, the Barcelona fans appreciated the effort put in by their players.