CSKA defeated UNICS in the Finals Game 1 in Kazan – 96:95 (26:29, 25:20, 25:24, 20:22).
Game progress
Nenad Dimitrijevic and Louis Labeyrie responded to Amath M’Baye’s 10-point run at the start of the game. In the first quarter, all of UNICS’ starting five players scored points, giving Velimir Perasovic team the lead for most of the opening quarter. The Army team was able to make long-range shots and get the initiative. Several three-pointers and a 10-2 run in the second quarter allowed the guests to get the lead by the halftime – 51:49.
CSKA started the second half with 3 long-range shots that led to a 15-5 run. For the first time, the guests had a double-digit lead, and the Kazan team coaching staff had to respond with a timeout. And this brought the hosts back. UNICS scored 10 points and closed the gap by the final quarter – 76:73.
Key moment
The first part of the fourth quarter was equal and tight. 2 minutes before the end of regulation, the score was tied – 90:90. Dimitrijevic accurate three-pointer put the Kazan team ahead, and then Jalen Reynolds solidified the hosts lead – 5-point difference with 49 seconds left.
However, there was a player who changed the game in the end. Melo Trimble first had a lay-up and then made 4 free throws, giving CSKA its first win of the Final Series – 96:95.
X-factor
The game was equal, so free throws became the key to win. CSKA didn’t miss a single shot and made 18 of 18 free throws, including in the final 30 seconds. UNICS missed one, which ultimately determined the final score difference.
Fact
CSKA has never started a VTB United League Final Series with a loss. For the Army team, the win over UNICS was the 8th in the opening games of the Finals.
Leaders
UNICS: Nenad Dimitrijevic (22 + 6 assists), Andrey Vorontsevich (18 + 6 rebounds), Jalen Reynolds (16), Marcos Knight (13 + 8 rebounds + 6 assists), Dmitriy Kulagin (12).
CSKA: Melo Trimble (28), Amat M’Baye (16), Livio Jean-Charles (12 + 7 rebounds).
What’s next
May 28 in Kazan.
