Bayern Munich had to surpass many obstacles this season as the German giants faced several struggles in the road to make their second consecutive appearance in the EuroLeague postseason.
Bayern had to overcome a tough stretch of injuries and COVID-related issues to make the 2022 postseason. The German lost four of their last five games, but, they kept their composure to win the most important game to the season vs Crvena Zvezda.
Once ALBA Berlin lost in Istanbul earlier in the evening, Bayern needed a four-point win without overtime to make it to the next round. Things did not look good for Bayern at the beginning of the game, as Zvezda led 15-18.
Bayern showcased its best basketball at the right time, outscoring Zvezda by 38-18 in the next 16 minutes, up to the end of the third quarter.
“Last year we had an incredible run into the playoffs. This year is different, but to be able to sit here and comment on the second playoff entry is great for this organization,” Bayern coach Andrea Trinchieri said.
“It was very difficult this year because the road was very rocky this time. But today we showed the best possible team play, that helped the team.”
Last year, Bayern became the first German team to reach the EuroLeague playoffs in the history of the competition. They played a best-of-five series vs Milan and were one win way from making the Final-Four.
Augustine Rubit was the top performer of the team helping the team to dominate the paint against their opponents. Rubit buried 7 of 10 shots inside the arc on his way to 22 points.
“All that hard work, it’s always been a goal of mine to make the playoffs. We set our goals at the beginning of the season and have now achieved one of them. […] You always want to prove yourself at the highest level and that is the highest level in Europe,” Rubit said on his first playoff appearance.
The Bavarians still has three regular season games to play, all of them on the road. Also, the Bundesliga league leaders have to play in Oldenburg just 19 hours after the end of the game, although it will only be clarified on the day of the game which players will be available to play.
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