Unicaja - CSKA scouting notes

Matchups:

Stefan Marcovic potentially could be the biggest problem for CSKA again. His main stopper predictably turned to be Nando De Colo, switched by Vitaly Fridzon in some situations.  As the result Marcovich was shortened of his playing time and cut from the point share basket (23 minutes, 2 points, 4 assists)

Jackson-Nedovic – Thomas (36 group points) individually overplayed their defenders, shooting, driving and feeling superior, using their speed and ultimate technique skills. CSKA failed to limit this trio and deprive them of the ball.  All of the three created and executed super shots, while CSKA could not stand it up to the whistle.

The BIG guys battle showed the reverse picture where Freeland and Hines dominated in the paint.   Joel Freeland  seemed to get adapted in the team and was very agile inside spacing himself, scoring 10 points, grabbing 6 rebounds with great back to the basket skills and FT points.

As for Richard Hendrix he felt unusually uncomfortable being unable to rebuild his game and didn’t contribute much. He could use his physical strength against Hines and Freeland. His fouls in the paint turned into CSKA FT points.

Mindaugaz Kuzminskas and Vazquez tried to balance the fight for the rim balls scoring 2nd chance points and winning several offensive rebounds, but their initiative was not enough to brake CSKA defense.

Offense

CSKA consistently forced the opponent to group all the defenders in the mid lane threatening with drives and passing back to 3point shooters. 1st half didn’t show any result and confidence of Moscow team snipers, but after 2 quarters this tactic turned to be successful. As the result SCKA profited from perimeter almost all the way long creating 21 assists (mostly to spot up and corner positions).

Due to the fact that mid -range and long range CSKA  shots percentage raised in the second half they obtained more assist vs Malaga as the shooters

Rosters

Unicaja actually was stuck at the 3 -point line in its offense offering nothing of great surprise – no penetration, no unexpected moves or decisions.

CSKA used actually 9 players (not 10) as Kulagin played 34 seconds VS full 12 people roster of Unicaja.

After Joel Freeland joined the team Pavel Korobkov is a rare guest on the floor. And he is not alone watching the games from the bench,  - Kulagin brothers didn’t smell real Euroleague level and can lose some motivational mood.

Unnoticeable were Alberto Diaz, Carlos Suarez and Jack Cooley who were rotation injections but in reality they stole playing time from their more effective partners.

Unicaja again showed no ability in breaking the game and coming back after tough minutes. This is speculated to be a trend and  a psychological obstacle which may pop up and mislead as a global barrier in playoff.

Despite Unicaja defeat Kuzminskas flashed with wise NBA level game being at the right place in the right moment.  We will keep following this free agent from Lithuania as this season is bound to be the blossom of his career.

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