Players compete in a game of basketball. - Challenging match for Alba: thrilling southern contest awaits Bayern.
In a rare break from their usual game schedule, Alba Berlin's basketball players were in for something different. After continuously playing in the Bundesliga and Euroleague every two days, they found themselves with a whole week of downtime. Having just emerged victorious in the quarterfinals against Telekom Baskets Bonn, the team's star players Johannes Thiemann and co. could now kick back on their couches and watch on as other teams advanced towards the semifinals, with the Bundesliga's top spot up for grabs.
Alba coach Israel Gonzalez was impressed with how the week took shape for his injured talents. Not only did they recuperate and get themselves back in shape, but those already tired players could also relax. According to Gonzalez, "everyone is more or less in the same condition," as they shift their focus to the semifinals against the Niners Chemnitz on Tuesday (8:30 pm/Dyn). The Chemnitz team had just won the Fiba Europe Cup by overcoming Rasta Vechta in four intense encounters.
With time off to recharge, the Berliners are entering the semifinals with renewed vigor and self-belief. Despite their disappointing performance in the Euroleague's final standings and injuries along the way, they've come through it all, Gonzalez emphasized. "Those difficulties we faced in the season have helped us grow as a team," he said. Thiemann, the center fielder, is even more confident: "We're the superior team."
Looking back at their two earlier meetings against the Niners Chemnitz, Thiemann is well aware that although the Chemnitz team could be somewhat 'physical', they can still play some competitive basketball. "It's good to know we can win against a team that plays as physical as they do," he said. Although their past experiences have taught them not to take anything for granted, he believes they're fully capable of handling the challenge.
On the other hand, Bayern enters the semifinals as favorites, taking on the surprise team of the Würzburg Baskets. Featuring their own lineup with players like Andreas Obst, Bayern appeared to have stumbled in their first game against MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg before ultimately powering through to the semis. Obst maintains a positive outlook about their slight hiccup in the earlier rounds, considering it a timely wake-up call. Bayern's head coach Pablo Laso, too, encourages his team to keep sharp. Reflecting on a successful first season filled with a cup victory, Laso aims for the championship to truly complete a perfect year.
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Alba Berlin's downtime in the Bundesliga allowed them to rest and recuperate, ensuring they were in tip-top shape for the playoffs. Their Semifinals opponent, BV Chemnitz 99, had recently won the Fiba Europe Cup against SC Rasta Vechta. This was a formidable challenge, especially considering Israel Gonzalez's belief that their past difficulties had helped them grow as a team.
Meanwhile, Bayern was preparing for their semifinals match against Würzburg Baskets, having survived a slight hiccup in their earlier rounds. Andreas Obst, a key player, saw this as a timely wake-up call, while head coach Pablo Laso aimed to complete a perfect year by securing the championship.
Interestingly, ALBA Berlin's Johannes Thiemann pointed out that they had already demonstrated their ability to overcome physical opponents, even defeating teams who played with an aggressive style like the Niners Chemnitz.
Furthermore, this edition of the Bundesliga playoffs displayed a rich tapestry of talent from all corners of Germany, with teams like Telekom Baskets Bonn and MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg demonstrating their prowess.
In fact, the enthusiasm for basketball in Germany extended beyond the Bundesliga, with fans in Bavaria and Berlin alike eagerly anticipating the thrilling matchups that awaited them in the playoffs.
Lastly, it's worth noting that Germany's rich basketball tradition had many notable names, including prominent Israeli coach Israel Gonzalez who was currently guiding Alba Berlin towards glory.
Source: www.stern.de
