Alba Berlin took advantage of the tiredness of opponent Bayern Munich in the first playoff final of the basketball Bundesliga.
The Berliners, who had been resting for a week, defeated their eternal rival, who was exhausted by five semi-final games against Bonn, 86:73 (40:43). “That was a kick in the butt,” said Bayern coach Andrea Trinchieri 48 hours after the last semi-final game on “Magentasport”.
In a fast-paced game in the Mercedes-Benz Arena that was balanced over three quarters with many goals beyond the three-point line, the most successful shooters were Yovel Zoosman with 14 points for Alba and Andreas Obst from Munich with 17 points.
A three-pointed first playoff final
In a chaotic early phase with many turnovers, the hosts were able to keep Bayern in check until three minutes before the end of the first quarter, before Bayern coach Andrea Trinchieri’s team was able to take the lead 15:13 for the first time. But the Berliners quickly countered through Zoosman, who regained the lead with two three-point shots, so that Alba went into the first quarter break after ten minutes at 22:20.
The guests managed a quick start with five points in a row. But Alba recovered just as quickly and went in front again with two three-pointers with 30:27 (13th minute). Two and a half minutes before the change of sides, however, Bayern managed a lead of five points for the first time at 40:35, which they took with them into the dressing room with a lead of three points. “We made some stupid mistakes,” said Alba center Johannes Thiemann, who praised the entire squad. “It’s been like this all season, we’re balanced as a team. That’s why we manage to win.”
Alba decides the game in the final section
So the Berliners started to catch up in the third quarter and went into the final section only one point behind (62:61). In the 33rd minute Christ Koumadje managed to equalize for Berlin at 65:65, a minute later Tamir Blatt scored the first Berlin lead in a long time with a successful three pointer to 68:65.
Bayern were feeling tired after five semi-final games against Bonn, while Alba was able to muster strength after a week’s rest after the 3-0 sweep against Ludwigsburg.
An 11-0 series ensured a preliminary decision in the final, which will be continued next Tuesday with the second game in Munich. At 79:68, 2:21 minutes before the end, the game was finally decided. “We have to defend better than in the first half,” said Zoosmann, looking ahead to the second game. “We are ready.”