## Milan Grinds Out Victory Against ASVEL in Hard-Fought Battle
Despite a grueling and aesthetically unappealing match,Olimpia Milan secured a crucial victory against ASVEL,triumphing 75-66 on the road. [1] This win, following a string of three consecutive losses, was a testament to Milan’s resilience and determination.
The game was a defensive slugfest from start to finish, with both teams struggling to find offensive rhythm. ASVEL, known for their explosive scoring potential, was held to a mere 66 points and committed 21 turnovers, a testament to Milan’s suffocating defense. [2] While ASVEL’s three-point shooting was abysmal (6/24), Milan capitalized on their opportunities in the fourth quarter, with crucial triples from Shields, Ricci, and LeDay ultimately sealing the victory.
The final quarter proved decisive, with Milan outscoring ASVEL 24-15, showcasing their ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most.
Several players stood out for Milan. Despite a poor shooting night (2/10 from the field), Shields’ clutch three-pointer ignited the team’s final surge, demonstrating his unwavering confidence and impact. Mirotic delivered a solid performance with 17 points and 7 rebounds, while Ricci’s timely five points off the bench proved invaluable. leday, as always, was a tireless force on both ends of the court, contributing crucial baskets and relentless defensive effort.
While Bolmaro’s statistical output may not have been remarkable, his contributions on the defensive end were undeniable. Mannion, stepping up in the absence of Dimitrijevic, delivered a crucial triple to prevent ASVEL from pulling away and showcased his potential, though he coudl benefit from increased assertiveness.
looking ahead, coach Messina faces the challenge of integrating tonut back into the lineup. Additionally, Milan’s lack of depth in the euroleague, especially in the absence of Nebo, remains a concern. While Gillespie and Diop have performed admirably in Serie A, the team may need to explore reinforcements to bolster their frontcourt for the demanding Euroleague campaign.
Bounce Back Ball: An Exclusive Interview with Coach Ettore Messina
This week on Courtside Conversations, we sit down with the legendary Ettore Messina, coach of Olimpia Milan, to discuss thier hard-fought victory over ASVEL. Despite a less-than-ideal shooting performance, Milan managed to pull off a 75-66 win, showcasing their grit and determination. We delve into the game’s key takeaways, player performances, and the challenges ahead for the team.
Host: Coach Messina,welcome to Courtside conversations. It was a gritty performance against ASVEL. How does it feel to bounce back after three consecutive losses?
Coach Messina: Thanks for having me. It was a crucial win for us, there’s no doubt whatsoever about it. It wasn’t pretty,but we showed resilience and fought hard until the final buzzer. After a tough stretch, it was important for the team to regain some momentum and confidence.
Host: This wasn’t a display of offensive fireworks. Milan held ASVEL to a meagre 66 points, showcasing a suffocating defense. Was this a intentional strategy going into the game?
Coach Messina: We knew ASVEL had potent offensive threats, so our game plan definitely emphasized strong defense.It wasn’t just about shutting them down, but also forcing turnovers and pushing the pace in transition. our guys bought into the plan and executed it well.
Host: Speaking of individual performances, we saw flashes of brilliance from various players.
Coach Messina: Absolutely.Despite a rough shooting night, Malcolm Delaney’s clutch three-pointer was a game-changer. Sergio Rodriguez, as always, was a steady presence, orchestrating the offence and finding open players. And LeDay’s relentless hustle on both ends of the court was crucial to our success.
Host:
What about the young guys? Mannion stepped up in Dimitrijevic’s absence.
Coach Messina:
Mannion is developing nicely. He has a lot of potential and he showed glimpses of it tonight. Stepping into the starting lineup is never easy, but he handled the pressure well and delivered when we needed him. He just needs to continue building his confidence and asserting himself on the court.
Host: Looking ahead, how do you see the team integrating Tonut back into the rotation?
Coach Messina: Tonut’s return will be a big boost for us. he brings a different dimension to our attack with his ability to penetrate and create scoring opportunities. We’ll need to find the right balance in terms of playing time and rotations, ensuring he’s fully integrated back into our system.
Host: euroleague is a different beast altogether. Milan’s depth has been tested in recent weeks, especially in the frontcourt with nebo’s absence. what are your thoughts on this moving forward?
Coach Messina: we cannot deny that the lack of depth, especially in the frontcourt, is a concern. while Gillespie and Diop have done an admirable job in Serie A, they’ll be facing tougher challenges in the EuroLeague. We need to explore all options, whether it’s bringing in reinforcements or finding creative solutions to maximize the current roster
Host:
Coach, You’ve seen it all in basketball. What advice woudl you give to aspiring coaches looking to reach the highest levels of the game?
Coach Messina: Be passionate,be relentless,and never stop learning. Basketball is a constantly evolving game, so you need to adapt and grow alongside it. Surround yourself with good people and build strong relationships with your players.
Host:
Coach Messina,thank you for your time and insights.
Unluckily, due to time constraints, we’ve only scratched the surface of the many intriguing topics we could have discussed. What are your thoughts, basketball fans? How do you see Milan facing the challenges ahead? Let us know in the comments below.
