BarcelonaBarça did the job and gave themselves a boost to extend the season in Europe. The Catalan team, who didn’t want to depend on the Dubai result, effectively neutralized Bayern Munich (95-69) and will play the play-in to access the play-offs. Their first opponent will be Estrella Roja. If they overcome the challenge, they will still need to beat Panathinaikòs or Mónaco to enter the title race, where Olympiacos is already calmly waiting.
Will Clyburn, who scored 22 points with 4/6 in threes, Darío Brizuela and Youssoupha Fall were the most outstanding players on a Friday that served to restore the self-esteem of the culés.
The game served to honor Svetislav Pesic, who is leaving the sidelines after a successful career of almost 45 years. The Serbian coach received a tribute as well-intentioned as it was modest. President Rafael Yuste gifted him a framed photograph with the message “Thank you, Sveti!”. Coincidentally, he faced Xavi Pascual, the other coach who has managed to win a EuroLeague with Barça.
Barça welcomed back Tomas Satoransky, who received medical clearance. The point guard suffered an indisposition and significant exhaustion during the game against Zalgiris, which is why it was decided that the player would rest and undergo medical tests. Alarms were raised, but the results ruled out any serious adversity, and the Czech player reappeared in the match that closed the regular season. Juan Núñez, on the other hand, was left out of the squad.
Pascual surprised by opting for Kevin Punter, Will Clyburn, Joel Parra, Toko Shengelia, and Jan Vesely, an atypical choice, in the starting five. Bayern Munich had a better start at the Palau Blaugrana, where the home team took time to play at their usual level (7-12). Two three-pointers from Darío Brizuela helped turn the score around between the end of the first period and the beginning of the second (23-19).
Barça took advantage of the passing minutes to grow against an opponent who had nothing to play for. A 15-4 run boosted the chances of a highly focused Barça team (32-21). Unlike in other games, Pascual was able to extend his rotation with quality minutes from players like Youssoupha Fall. The Catalan defense hampered the scoring of a Bayern Munich team that went into halftime in an unfavorable situation (42-31).
Bayern Munich, who did not attempt any free throws during the first 27 minutes, lacked the character to make things difficult for Barça. The home team’s lead continued to grow during a third period that sealed the game (61-38). The shooting percentages of the Barça team, which found many open shots, remained stable (68-48).
Sato’s return, key
Satoransky’s return allowed Barça to regain some of their automatisms and find a greater balance in rotations. Pesic’s approach, that of a specialist when competing against opponents with more resources, fell short at the Palau Blaugrana, where the Barça fans rediscovered a competitive version of the local team.
Juani Marcos played the last four minutes when the game was already decided, while Willy Hernangómez ran out of time in a Barça that will resume the Liga Endesa on Sunday by visiting the court of Hiopos Lleida.
