UNICS will face PARMA-PARI in the Quarterfinals up to 3 wins.
Series Schedule
Game 1 – April 1, 18:00 (Moscow time) in Kazan
Game 2 – April 3, 19:00 (Moscow time) in Kazan
Game 3: April 6, 17:30 (Moscow time) in Perm
Game 4 – April 8, 16:00 (Moscow time) in Perm (*)
Game 5 – April 11, 19:00 (Msocow time) in Kazan (*)
* – if necessary
Regular Season
UNICS: 2nd place (24 wins, 7 losses)
PARMA PARI: 7th place (16 wins, 16 losses)
Rivalry
UNICS and PARMA-PARI played 2 games in the regular season first stage, then played in separate groups. The first game took place on November 14 in Kazan and was debut for Daryl Macon, who missed the start of the season due to injury. The American guard became one of the most noticeable players of the whole season, and the start was made in this game. Daryl scored 12 points, although UNICS’s biggest strength on the day was its depth: all 12 players scored. PARMA-PARI fought on until the third quarter, after which the Kazan team tokk the game control and got the win – 93:74.
The second game was on January 8 in Perm and had a tenser pace. The tie led to a dramatic ending, with Isaiah Reese had a chance to score 2 free-throws with 14 seconds left, but made only 1. The Perm team lacked energy for overtime. UNICS began the quarter with Jalen Reynolds made shots, took control and never allowing the opponent to regain – 89:82. At the press conference, Velimir Perasovic said the gamewas playoff-worthy. Now the opponents have a great opportunity to continue this interesting series.
The rivalry history score is 11:2, UNICS led. The last time PARMA-PARI took the lead against the Kazan team was more than 3 years ago, on 18 April 2019.
Key factor of the Series
UNICS decrease and PARMA-PARI good shape
UNICS defeated CSKA in mid-February, but after that the team had a difficult schedule. The Kazan team lost 3 games, ending the regular-season with a 1-6 record. In early March, when the Army team took revenge, Velimir Perasovic said that his team’s shape was far from optimal. It’s worse than at the beginning of the season. We’ll find out soon if UNICS has found its rhythm and regained its best shape for the playoffs, but the team’s fans certainly have some concerns.
PARMA PARI, by contrast, made a good run at the end of the regular season. The Perm team had no other option, since they made the Playoffs in a difficult regular season ending. The key moment was a 5-game winning streak that allowed Evgeny Pashutin team to take the first place in the Group B.
Heroes
UNICS
Daryl Macon holds a respectable place on the League’s most scoring players. His 17.6 points were the second of the season in scoring. In addition to his high efficiency, the American guard enjoyed a respectable shooting percentage: 52-45-90. UNICS has been one of the best defensive teams. Macon is responsible for their creativity and scoring. That combination has consistently delivered results.
Jalen Reynolds is traditionally ranked high among the most charismatic players, but is also seen as the League’s most efficient player. In just 20 minutes, the bigman has 14.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.1 steals. Jalen has not only upgraded his shooting, but also worked on his character. He can be recognise as one of the Kazan club leaders.
UNICS is an athletic and well-balanced team, focused on solid defense. Louis Labeyrie defends the paint, makes screens to his teammates and responsible for the rebounding. The French forward is equally efficient. Among players, who played in over 20 games this season, Labyrie has the best 2-point shot percentage.
PARMA PARI
Justin Roberson is a key player for PARMA-PARI offense. The American guard has been consistently assisting to his teammates, while always looking for socoring. Justin’s averages are 15.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.9 steals with 43.8%of three-pointers. Defending Roberson and limiting his pick-n-roll plays are the most important task for all opponents.
In the second game against the Kazan team, Evgeny Pashutin emphasized defense and ball control, which brought his team closest to win. Aleksandr Platunov helped with that. Platunov played in all 32 games in the regular season and ranks 4th in average game time. Discipline and control in the Perm team game will depend a lot on the Russian guard.
Perm fans should play an important role. Since making their League debut in 2016, the Perm team have made the Playoffs twice, both times losing in the Quarterfinals and have yet to get a single win (0-5). The best chance to break that streak will be in Molot, where the League’s most visited team will be supported with traditionally fierce support.
Changes on the way
In the final days of the regular season, UNICS made some serious upgrades. Marcos Knight and Ivan Lazarev moved from Samara to Velimir Perasovic’s team. The American guard was one of Samara leaders averaging 16.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.5 steals. He was noticeable in his debut game for the Kazan team: 8 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist and 3 steals in 26 minutes.
In that regard, PARMA-PARI are at least equal to the Kazan team bigmen. The Perm team parted ways with Bryon Allen in late December, but announced the signing of Isaiah Reese, who became one of the team leaders (15.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 7.1 assists, 2.3 steals in 13 games). As Pashutin noted, Isaiah made a significant contribution not only on the court, but also in creating the right atmosphere in the locker room.
In early February, Ryan Boatwright made his debut for PARMA. The American guard made a big impact in his new team’s win over Samara, making a winning 3-pointer with 2.5 seconds left. Ryan ended up being extremely useful in PARMA-PARI rotation.
