The biggest stories from around the League this week.
Trend
Three overtimes, an incredible game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer, a combined winning margin of 27 points across five games on Sunday–this was the most competitive week yet of the season.
Nerves
At the end of regulation between Astana and Enisey, the Siberians picked up a one-point lead thanks to two free throws from Tony Taylor. Astana only had three seconds to respond, but Leonidas Kaselakis drew a foul on Alexey Vzdykhalkin during a 3-point attempt. The 26-year-old Greek had missed two free throws a minute earlier. With the game on the line, he struggled once more with nerves, hitting only one of three attempts to give Enisey another chance in overtime.
Shot
Guard Rob Lowery gave Astana the win vs. Enisey, knocking down a ridiculous buzzer-beater in double OT.
Debut
Lokomotiv-Kuban’s new boss Sasa Obradovic made his League coaching debut over the weekend. It wasn’t easy, but Krasnodar managed to give him a win in Saratov. After opening the season 0-2, Loko has won four in a row and rejoined the League’s top five in the standings.
Series
Avtodor has lost five in a row for the first time since joining the League in 2014. On December, Saratov will try to snap out of its funk in Khimki, no easy task.
Record
Kostas Kaimakoglou set a new personal record in the League, scoring 24 points, to go with eight rebounds and six assists. The Greek veteran picked a good time for his heroics, with UNICS needing all 40 minutes to put away visiting VEF.
Statement
Ivan Strebkov of Nizhny Novgorod very nearly posted a triple-double in the game vs. Khimki: 15 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists. Just like his team, Strebkov came up a little short. Nizhny competed hard, but Moscow Region was a little too good down the stretch.
Dunk Show
Khimki signing Jeremy Evans is getting ready for the Dunk Contest in Sochi this February.
Accomplishment
CSKA captain Viktor Khryapa played his 520th game for the club against Darussafaka in the Euroleague. The forward now leads the club in appearances, edging past J.R. Holden, who played 519 games for CSKA from 2002-11.
Of the 520 games, 115 were played in the VTB United League.
Loss
Last season’s MVP, CSKA guard Nando De Colo, is expected to miss several games because of an injury to his left leg. The Army Men don’t have De Colo on the VTB United League roster, giving his spot to another foreigner on the verge of returning, big man Joel Freeland.
Meme
The Mannequin Challenge is sweeping social media and Nizhny Novgorod didn’t want to miss out on the fun. Check it out.
Logo
The logo for the 1st-ever VTB United League All-Star Game was revealed last week. The game will be played in Sochi in February 2017.
Stat
17 – number of points scored by Parma and Tsmoki-Minsk in the 2nd quarter. The 11-6 tally was representative of a well-played, hard-fought game. Despite a terrific defensive effort, particularly in the first half, Perm was unable to record its first win in the League, falling to Minsk at home.
Quote
Kalev head coach Alar Varrak:
– Even though we usually lose to CSKA by an even bigger margin, I’m not satisfied with the quality of play. Maybe I would have been okay with it five years ago, but not today. We have resources to compete even with the favorites.
Stars
Rob Lowery (Astana)
During the second half and first overtime of the Astana – Enisey thriller, Lowery missed seven straight shot attempts. But he didn’t quit, erupting for nine of Astana’s 13 points in the second overtime, including the game-winner.
Quino Colom (UNICS)
UNICS is in a tough spot with injuries. But despite a brutal calendar, the Spaniard played all but five seconds of Sunday’s game, complementing Kaimakoglou’s big game with 24 points, seven rebounds, and five assists.
Mardy Collins (Lokomotiv-Kuban)
Mardy has been outstanding in Loko’s most recent outings. Against Avtodor, the swingman had a big impact on the course of the game without stuffing the boxscore. He made several clutch plays in overtime, helping Loko pick up the win. It’s no surprise Krasnodar was pursuing him since last season.
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