Serie A 2012-2013 - PLAYOFFS

[boyd20]

SEMIFINALS

Game 3

Cantù-Roma 81-73 - P.Aradori 19 pts + 8 rebs + 1 ast (5/7 2p, 1/6 3p, 6/6 ft), A.Tyus 18 pts + 10 rebs + 2 blks + 1 stl + 1 ast (8/15 2p, 2/4 ft), J.Ragland 11 pts + 9 rebs + 1 stl + 1 ast (4/8 2p, 1/4 3p, 0/1 ft) ; P.Goss 19 pts + 4 rebs + 1 stl + 1 ast (5/8 2p, 3/8 3p), L.Datome 15 pts + 5 rebs + 1 blk + 1 stl + 3 asts (4/10 2p, 0/4 3p, 7/8 ft), B.Jones 13 pts + 5 rebs + 2 stls + 1 ast (2/6 2p, 2/4 3p, 3/5 ft)

Roma leads 2-1


Siena-Varese 72-59 - D.Moss 17 pts + 3 rebs + 1 blk + 2 stls +3 asts (1/6 2p, 4/6 3p, 3/4 ft), Bo.Brown 15 pts + 2 rebs + 2 stls + 5 asts (3/5 2p, 2/4 3p, 3/3 ft), D.Hackett 13 pts + 6 rebs + 2 asts (5/13 2p, 1/4 3p), K.Kangur 10 pts + 6 rebs + 2 stls (0/2 2p, 2/3 3p, 0/1 ft) ; B.Dunston 17 pts + 8 rebs + 1 blk + 3 stls (8/9 2p, 1/1 ft)

Siena leads 2-1


It will be interesting to see how and if Roma will handle their injuries, with Taylor, Datome, Lawal and D'Ercole all hurt, but still most of them should be available for tonight's game. Cantù has a great chance to tie the series and take the momentum...

On the other hand, Siena had an easy win and Varese is really disappointing, I didn't expect them to be so unprepared after such a big regular season.
Not only they're shooting with very poor %, they just seem to be in trouble dealing with Siena's defensive matchups.
Particularly, Moss is shutting Ere down brutally and leaving a mark on the offensive end, but Mike Green is also struggling too much to give Varese a real chance.

[boyd20]

SEMIFINALS

Game 4

Cantù-Roma 81-73 - N.Mazzarino 19 pts + 2 stls in 22 mins (0/1 2p, 3/5 3p, 10/10 ft), J.Ragland 14 pts + 2 rebs + 1 stl + 1 ast (4/5 2p, 0/1 3p, 6/6 ft), P.Aradori 13 pts + 5 rebs + 2 stls +2 asts (4/7 2p, 0/2 3p, 5/7 ft), J.Brooks 10 pts + 8 rebs + 1 blk + 2 asts (2/3 2p, 1/1 3p, 3/3 ft) ; P.Goss 24 pts + 4 rebs + 2 stls + 1 ast (7/13 2p, 2/3 3p, 4/5 ft), G.Lawal 20 pts + 7 rebs + 1 blk (7/12 2p, 6/9 ft), B.Jones 13 pts + 7 rebs + 1 blk + 2 stls + 1 ast (2/7 2p, 2/4 3p, 3/5 ft)


Game 5

Roma-Cantù 66-77 - J.Taylor 14 pts + 7 rebs + 2 blks + 1 stl + 1 ast (5/9 2p, 1/3 3p, 1/2 ft), P.Goss 14 pts + 4 rebs (4/11 2p, 2/4 3p), B.Jones 13 pts + 11 rebs + 3 stls (2/5 2p, 2/6 3p, 3/4 ft), G.Lawal 11 pts + 7 rebs + 2 blks + 1 stl + 1 ast (4/7 2p, 3/7 ft) ; P.Aradori 18 pts + 2 rebs + 1 stl + 5 asts (2/10 2p, 3/4 3p, 5/6 ft), M.Leunen 13 pts + 2 rebs + 1 stl + 1 ast (2/3 2p, 3/4 3p), A.Tyus 10 pts + 5 rebs + 1 blk + 1 stl + 1 ast in 15 mins (4/8 2p, 2/2 ft)


Cantù leads 3-2


Game 4

Siena-Varese 78-77 - Bo.Brown 27 pts + 3 rebs + 1 stl + 1 ast (4/14 2p, 6/9 3p, 1/1 ft), D.Hackett 16 pts + 4 rebs + 1 stl + 2 asts (4/7 2p, 8/9 ft), D.Moss 11 pts + 4 rebs + 4 asts (2/4 2p, 0/4 3p, 7/8 ft) ; E.Ere 22 pts + 1 reb (6/9 2p, 2/7 3p, 4/4 ft), Mi.Green 12 pts + 10 rebs + 4 asts (4/7 2p, 0/3 3p, 4/4 ft), A.Banks 11 pts + 3 rebs + 1 stl + 2 asts (3/5 2p, 0/1 3p, 5/5 ft)


Game 5

Varese-Siena 71-67 - A.Banks 18 pts + 6 rebs + 3 stls + 2 asts (2/8 2p, 2/4 3p, 8/8 ft), E.Ere 15 pts + 4 rebs + 1 ast (6/9 2p, 1/2 3p), D.Sakota 11 pts + 4 rebs + 2 stls (3/6 2p, 1/4 3p, 2/2 ft), J.Talts 11 pts + 5 rebs + 1 blk + 1 stl (4/8 2p, 1/3 3p), Mi.Green 10 pts + 5 rebs + 4 stls + 5 asts (1/5 2p, 1/4 3p, 5/6 ft) ; Bo.Brown 25 pts + 3 rebs + 2 asts (4/4 2p, 2/7 3p, 11/12 ft), V.Sanikidze 10 pts + 11 rebs + 3 stls (3/3 2p, 1/2 3p, 1/3 ft)

Siena leads 3-2


Well, both series appear to be flowed on their path, with Cantù and Siena capable to "steal" the homecourt advantage and now they're one step away from the finals.
Roma seems to be on its knees, the rotation is not that deep and is affected by too many injuries (Datome, Taylor, Lawal, D'Ercole are all hurt and limited by their injuries), so the team came fading as the series went on and Cantù rallied back from the initial 0-2 to be now ahead 3-2.
Datome is playing even if he shouldn't, he's very hurt and also due to that Jeff Brooks is doing a very good job defending on him and Phil Goss can't always carry all of the offensive burden, since he's the only other pure scorer in the roster...
Cantù has a golden chance to finish the job tonight in game 6 at home.


The other day Varese, which was down 2-1 after losing the homecourt advantage in game 1, was really shutting down Siena on the road and went ahead by 19 in the 3rd quarter, before suddenly falling apart in the 4th period to let the opponents come back and win the game with a free throw by Hackett with 1 second left. Yesterday, down 3-1 and with their back against the wall, they managed to stay alive, defeating Siena at home in a very similar game that they almost dominated for about 3 quarters before allowing Siena to come back and even go ahead in the score but somehow they were able to win the game in the final stretch, when the difference was made by a couple of free throws missed (by Moss and Brown) by Siena while Varese was very accurate from the ft line with Banks and Green sealing the deal in the latest seconds. The problem is: Dunston and Polonara got hurt and did not come back in the 2nd half, they both are doubtful for game 6 and Varese just can't afford to play without them to have a chance to survive on the road and take the series to game 7...

[Peace]

Montepaschi 70 : 72 Cimberio VA

I watched Cimberio VA coach showed mid*** finger to the fan after game.(TV/Internet Broadcasting)

[boyd20]

Wow, both Roma and Varese won on the road in game 6 and brought the series to game 7.
Varese won with a buzzer beater by Sakota with 0.62 seconds left.

These playoffs are amazing.

[radallo]

LegaA is having such amazing playoff series.
Not only all but one series going to game7, but every single game is fun to watch, open until the final minutes, with big comebacks and unexpected upsets.

My predictions
Both home teams will win game7 , despite the away teams are the most experienced ones.

I see Roma with a lot of energy, fresh legs. I hope they stay focused to have a big game tonight.

I see Varese with a lot of self confidence, well coached. They are really sure they are the best this year.

BTW I slightly disagree with boyd20 opinion on Siena: maybe now it's like that, with Hackett having much ball in the clutch... but I think Hackett became pivotal since Ress injury (before Italian cup finals); from there on, Siena changed the way they play, and lost a dimension that was helpfull do have minor responsability on BB and Dannyboy... finally Hackett's pivotal role is a consequence. During game7 if Ress, or Sanikidze or Kangur will find a good outside game... they will have a chance. Just my two cents.

About EL material:
Datome had a monster season for sure.
Tyus must play EL next season, despite his low size and poor FT pct, he has great impact, can play against big centre, can run the field and wow.. he jumps!
Polonara with great potential, not ready yet IMO, I like Dunston so much.. would like to see him at higher level competition.
I also liked latest performance from Drew Gordon, I think he deserve another EL chance.


...I just noticed I didn't mention anyone from MPS for next EL... ups ...but eveyone know them

[boyd20]

Semifinals

Game 6

Cantù-Roma 69-74 - A.Tyus 12 pts + 4 rebs + 1 blk (6/8 2p, 0/2 ft), M.Leunen 10 pts + 4 rebs + 5 asts (1/1 2p, 2/4 3p, 2/2 ft) ; P.Goss 17 pts + 3 rebs + 1 stl + 4 asts (5/8 2p, 1/6 3p, 4/5 ft), G.Lawal 16 pts + 8 rebs + 1 blk (7/14 2p, 2/2 ft), L.Datome 11 pts + 7 rebs + 1 blk + 1 stl (3/4 2p, 1/2 3p, 2/2 ft), B.Jones 10 pts + 7 rebs + 2 stls (4/8 2p, 0/2 3p, 2/5 ft)

Series tied 3-3


Siena-Varese 80-82 - D.Moss 17 pts + 9 rebs + 1 stl + 1 ast in 40 mins (1/3 2p, 5/7 3p), B.Ortner 17 pts + 5 rebs + 3 blks, ranking = 21 in 20 mins (6/8 2p, 5/6 ft), Bo.Brown 17 pts + 3 rebs + 1 stl + 3 asts (4/12 2p, 2/3 3p, 3/4 ft), K.Kangur 14 pts + 5 rebs + 1 blk + 1 stl + 2 asts (1/1 2p, 3/8 3p, 3/4 ft) ; Mi.Green 20 pts + 10 rebs + 5 asts (2/7 2p, 3/6 3p, 7/8 ft), A.Banks 16 pts + 3 rebs (5/10 2p, 0/1 3p, 6/6 ft), B.Dunston 10 pts + 2 rebs + 3 blks in 11 mins (4/7 2p, 2/2 ft)

Series tied 3-3


Time to stop with my predictions...LOL...
I'd never expected such results, given that both Cantù and Siena are usually very steady at home, I was sure they were going to kill the series.

After the bad home loss in game 5, Roma somehow managed to recover the energies and the mental strength to win in a difficult court, but let's say that Cantù had a disappointing performance, almost as if they were sure that Roma would have gave up sooner or later.
Anyway, a very balanced game with both teams unable to really take the lead and the momentum for about 37 minutes, but in the final stretch Goss went on fire with 10 pts - including a three-pointer and the very decisive drive, a beautiful bucket despite Tyus' efforts to block his shot - that led Roma to the win.

The other game was even more an upset to me, considering Siena's last home loss in the playoffs came in 2007 and looking at how badly Varese managed to lose the previous games there (a blowout in game 3 and an incredibly wasted chance in game 4).
Also, Varese had to deal with a depleted frontcourt, since Dunston and Polonara were hurt and barely had playing time (well, Dunston was terrific until he was able to play, but then he was hurt and forced to leave the court), while Ivanov and Talts came into foul trouble early and had to stay on the court despite they both made their 4th foul. It seemed that Siena could take advantage of that in the 2nd half, especially with Ortner and when they went ahead by 5 pts in the final stretch they looked close to seal the deal. But they somehow lacked killer-instinct and Varese found a way to stay alive, particularly with a 3-pt play by Talts, who was clutch and cold (and he's not a ft specialist) hitting the game-tying free throw in the final minute.
With the teams tied at 80, Varese had the final possession, but Green couldn't beat Moss off the dribble and was forced to take a difficult 3-pointer. He missed it, but Siena couldn't grab the rebound and Varese had one last chance with 0.62 seconds left, it was enough to let Sakota sink the game-winning bucket.

IMHO it was the only way Varese could win that game, I really don't think they could make it went to the OT.

[Peace]

IMHO it was the only way Varese could win that game, I really don't think they could make it went to the OT.

Look at youtube 3:23~3:27

Varese coach showed midd** finger???

Was I wrong?

[boyd20]

Look at youtube 3:23~3:27

Varese coach showed midd** finger???

Was I wrong?

Yes, you're right.
He showed his finger to Siena's fans, that definitely was a bad gesture. There was a lot of tension at the end of the game, between home fans and the opponents.

[Peace]

Cimberio Varese - Montepaschi Siena Gara7 1st half

Cimberio Varese - Montepaschi Siena gara7 2nd half

Cimberio Varese Arena banned for two games after an accident last night. Dusan Sakota suspended for three Serie A Games after the ejection in Game 7.

http://basketball.eurobasket.com/Italy/news/Cimberio_Varese_Arena_banned_for_two_games/319420

[Roy M]

Cimberio Varese - Montepaschi Siena Gara7 1st half

Cimberio Varese - Montepaschi Siena gara7 2nd half

Cimberio Varese Arena banned for two games after an accident last night. Dusan Sakota suspended for three Serie A Games after the ejection in Game 7.

http://basketball.eurobasket.com/Ita...o_games/319420

I read about the accident, but I wander why did it happen? it was 10 points to Siena with no way back to Varese.
Has M Green a contract with Varese for next season?

[boyd20]

SEMIFINALS

Game 7

Roma-Cantù 89-70 - J.Taylor 18 pts + 3 rebs + 5 asts (6/9 2p, 2/3 3p, 0/1 ft), P.Goss 16 pts + 4 rebs + 1 stl (5/9 2p, 2/5 3p), G.Lawal 15 pts + 11 rebs + 3 blks (7/9 2p, 2/4 ft), B.Jones 14 pts + 6 rebs + 1 blk (4/4 2p, 1/4 3p, 3/4 ft) ; P.Aradori 20 pts + 7 rebs + 4 stls + 1 ast (10/13 2p, 0/4 3p), J.Ragland 16 pts + 3 rebs + 2 stls + 1 ast (6/10 2p, 1/5 3p, 1/1 ft)

Roma won the series 4-3


Varese-Siena 69-82 - Mi.Green 20 pts + 2 rebs + 4 stls + 6 asts (5/10 2p, 3/5 3p, 1/1 ft), D.Sakota 12 pts + 2 rebs + 1 stl + 1 ast (4/4 2p, 1/4 3p, 1/1 ft), E.Ere 11 pts + 5 rebs + 1 blk + 2 asts (1/4 2p, 3/5 3p) ; D.Hackett 23 pts + 5 rebs + 4 stls + 9 asts (5/10 2p, 1/3 3p, 10/12 ft), D.Moss 19 pts + 6 rebs + 2 stls + 2 asts (4/7 2p, 3/4 3p, 2/2 ft), Bo.Brown 14 pts + 1 reb (3/6 2p, 1/6 3p, 5/6 ft)

Siena won the series 4-3


Roma's game was quite a no-contest. Home crowd was a factor and a major boost for the hosts that displayed much more aggressiveness and focus since the tip off. Roma kept a comfortable lead and found a solid contribution from most of its players and didn't even need Datome at his own usual level.
Funny how Roma managed to have such a great season just when the club's future seemed to be in jeopardy last summer, as the owner (Claudio Toti) wanted to leave and no one was interested in acquiring the team. For a while things became very cloudy as there was the risk that Roma couldn't even take part to the current season but in the end Toti changed his mind and decided to continue providing the lowest budget since he acquired the club back in 2000.
For years, with Toti Roma had one of the biggest budgets in the league, looking to being competitive in Euroleague and winning domestically, but they were a perennial disappointment, as the only trophy they managed to win in 13 years is an Italian SuperCup in the far away 2000.
Here's the proof that money is not enough to win and you can be successful with low finances if your choices are right and fair.
Their coach, Marco Calvani is from Roma and grew up in the team serving mainly as an assistant coach to eventually get small-term jobs in LegaDue and lower divisions. After so many years, he finally got a chance to prove his skills in Serie A, in his hometown's team coaching the team he always supported.
He did a terrific job, not only on the court but also in the locker room, boosting all of his players and contributed to create a perfect chemistry among the guys. Most players are living together like in a college dorm, sharing time together even when they're not playing or practicing.
And I think Calvani played a major role in Datome's breakout season too.
Roma has won only one title (in 1983; in the following season they won their only Euroleague) and that is the third time the team advances to the league's finals.

As for Siena, it looks like there's no way to stop their dominance. Once again, with their back against the wall, they managed to survive winning a game 7 on the road. Unfortunately for Varese, Bryant Dunston didn't recover and couldn't play and Polonara was too hurt too and could play only 6 minutes.
With such a depleted frontcourt Varese couldn't do it again, they fought hard and kept the lead for most of the first half but when Siena started to push they just didn't have enough depth and weapons to lean on. Moss and Hackett showed the way in the 2nd half, Varese went trailing in double-digits, they tried to react and they even had a chance to tie the game up but Talts missed a 3-pointer and that basically was the only chance they had to get back on track as eventually Siena re-gained the momentum and kept the lead till the end. In the final minutes Varese's fans and players were really nervous (especially Sakota, who was ejected) and through fouls technical fouls and free throws Siena managed to extend the lead till the buzzer.
Siena is always there, somehow they are back in the finals even without dominating as in the previous years and even if they don't have homecourt advantage they really appear to be the favorite team, looking to win their 8th consecutive title.

[each way]

I wrote off Siena when they were 0-2 down to Milano in the first round.

This team whilst nowhere near as talented as in prior years clearly have a lot of fighting qualities about them this season

[boyd20]

FINALS

Game 1

Roma-Siena 76-85 - G.Lawal 17 pts + 8 rebs + 2 blks (7/10 2p, 3/4 ft), P.Goss 16 pts + 4 rebs + 1 stl + 4 asts (2/9 2p, 4/7 3p), J.Taylor 15 pts + 5 rebs + 3 asts (6/9 2p, 0/3 3p, 3/4 ft) ; D.Moss 20 pts + 4 rebs + 2 blks + 1 stl + 2 asts (1/4 2p, 6/11 3p), D.Hackett 18 pts + 2 rebs + 3 stls + 10 asts, ranking = 30 (4/7 2p, 1/2 3p, 7/10 ft), Bo.Brown 17 pts + 1 reb + 1 stl + 3 asts (2/4 2p, 4/8 3p, 1/2 ft)

Game 2

Roma-Siena 67-62 - G.Lawal 19 pts + 13 rebs + 2 blks (8/13 2p, 3/6 ft), L.Datome 17 pts + 6 rebs + 2 stls + 1 ast (7/11 2p, 1/7 3p), J.Taylor 10 pts + 2 rebs + 1 stl + 6 asts (1/4 2p, 1/4 3p, 5/7 ft) ; B.Ortner 19 pts + 8 rebs + 2 stls in 22 mins (9/11 2p, 1/4 ft), D.Hackett 12 pts + 7 rebs + 1 stl + 4 asts (5/8 2p, 0/1 3p, 2/4 ft)

Series tied 1-1

After the first two games, this series is much like the semifinal clash between Siena and Varese. Once again, Siena has been immediately able to win on the road stealing the homecourt advantage. In game 2, Roma reacted and won, but it was a very difficult win despite Siena's overall poor performance.
The feeling is Siena has the edge, not only because of the homecourt advantage, but the fact is that Roma appears to be proud but tired and they're struggling against the opponents' defense. To this point, % are very poor for Roma and their only productive weapon is Lawal.
Should Roma find a way to win a game in Siena, this series is open to any outcome, otherwise with Siena ahead 3-1, I think we can consider it over.
I guess Siena winning 4-2 is the most probable scenario.

[maccabeo]

the more i see siena ,the more i consider banchi a great coach. with such a roster he builted a team perfectly organized for the lonely kind of bball they can play. siena ball moviment for shooters is really perfect and confirm how banchi studied basket in last decade traelling a lot

[Italian Pride]

siena won the 7h title in a row...

4-1 against roma,that no longer had enough energy to fight the phisicality of siena's players..

mvp playoff: daniel hackett

mvp regular season : luigi datome

so good news for our NT...