CSKA beat UNICS in Finals Game 2 at home – 102:89 (31:30, 32:21, 23:17, 16:21).
Game Progress
The opening quarter was high-scoring from both teams. Three-point shooting was on fire – 50% for CSKA and 60% for UNICS – and both teams topped 30 points in the first 10 minutes. The teams made 15 consecutive free throws, with the first miss coming late in the quarter. Casper Ware scored 11 points and drew 5 fouls.
After the first break, Melo Trimble took over and scored 14 points in 7 minutes. This gave the hosts a comfortable double-digit lead that they held through halftime. Paris Lee stood out for UNICS with 15 points, hitting 5 of 5 three-pointers.
The third quarter was more competitive. The Kazan team cut the deficit to 10 points, but the hosts stopped the comeback. A strong finish to the quarter gave CSKA an 18-point lead heading into the fourth.
Key Moment
The fourth quarter was the only one that was won by guests. Jalen Reynolds led UNICS with 10 points, but it was not enough to mount a real comeback. CSKA head to Kazan with 2 convincing home wins.
X-Factor
The game was relatively equal. The difference came down to turnovers – 10 by CSKA against 17 for UNICS. The Kazan team center Jalen Reynolds was responsible for 7 of those turnovers.
Facts
CSKA set new VTB League Playoffs record with 20 three-pointers.
The Moscow team reached 100+ points for the 4th time this Playoffs.
Melo Trimble tied the League record for three-pointers in a game (8) and scored 25+ points for the third game in a row.
Paris Lee set UNICS career-high 20 points and 6 three-pointers.
Leaders
CSKA: Melo Trimble (28), Casper Ware (21 + 5 assists), Anton Astapkovich (13)
UNICS: Paris Lee (20 + 5 assists), Jalen Reynolds (20 + 8 rebounds + 7 turnovers), Marcus Bingham (12 + 5 rebounds), Alexey Shved (12 + 6 rebounds + 5 assists)
What’s Next
Game 3 on June 8 in Kazan.
