Girona’s Interior Struggles Costly in Breogán Defeat
The Bàsquet Girona started strong against Breogán on Saturday night, fueled by notable three-point shooting. players like Marcos,Iroegbu,Susinkas,and Sibande connected from beyond the arc,propelling Girona to a promising 16-24 lead at the end of the first quarter. However, their momentum stalled in the second quarter, and despite a valiant effort to close the gap, girona ultimately fell short, losing 77-74.
While Girona’s three-point percentage remained respectable at 37% (11 of 30), their interior presence proved woefully inadequate. Apic, Sakho, and Nakic combined for 27 points and 12 rebounds, showcasing the effectiveness of Breogán’s frontcourt. In stark contrast, Girona’s pivots – Cáffaro, Nnaji, Juan Fernández, and Sorolla – mustered a meager five points and six rebounds.This lack of production from the paint significantly hampered Girona’s chances of securing a victory.
The offensive output of Girona’s four pivots fell far short of expectations. Cáffaro and Sorolla each contributed a mere two points, while Fernández managed one and Nnaji failed to score. This paltry total of five points highlights the team’s struggles in the paint. Rebounding was equally dismal, with Cáffaro, Nnaji, and Fernández grabbing two rebounds apiece, and Sorolla failing to secure any. this resulted in a total of six rebounds, a figure dwarfed by Breogán’s twelve.
Sakho’s physical presence was a key factor for Breogán, as he dominated the boards with seven rebounds. Apic added three rebounds, and Nakic contributed two. The underwhelming performance of Girona’s pivots underscores the need for the team’s management to address this weakness and potentially seek reinforcements in the paint.
Bilbao’s Victory Tightens the Race
Girona’s loss was compounded by Bilbao’s impressive 88-73 victory over Manresa. This win propelled Bilbao to four victories, tying them with Breogán, Corunya, and Granada. Girona, now with only two victories, finds itself further adrift in the standings.
The race for playoff contention is heating up, and Girona’s recent struggles have made their path to the postseason more challenging. The team’s reliance on perimeter shooting and the lack of consistent production from their interior players are areas that require immediate attention if they hope to climb the standings.
Girona’s Paint problems: A Conversation with Coach Pau Gasol
The Bàsquet Girona’s recent loss to Breogán has left fans and analysts alike scratching their heads. A strong start, fueled by hot three-point shooting, quickly evaporated as Girona’s interior weakness was cruelly exposed. To unpack this disappointing performance and discuss the team’s path forward, I’m joined by legendary Spanish basketball player and current Girona assistant coach, Pau Gasol.
Welcome, Pau. It seemed like Girona was firing on all cylinders early on, but the momentum shifted drastically in the second quarter. What do you see as the key factors behind this shift?
Pau gasol: Absolutely, the first quarter was promising. We were hitting shots, moving the ball well, and playing with a lot of energy. But Breogán adjusted their defense,started doubling our perimeter threats,and we struggled to find answers inside.Their frontcourt really outmuscled us, controlling the boards and limiting our second-chance opportunities.
It’s evident that Girona’s frontcourt struggled mightily, contributing a paltry five points and six rebounds as a unit. Is this a recurring issue for the team, and what are some potential solutions?
Pau Gasol: you’re right, the lack of production from our pivots was a major concern. It’s not just about scoring; we need our big men to be impactful on both ends of the floor, rebounding, protecting the rim, and creating space for our guards. It’s an area we’re actively working on in practice. We’re focusing on improving individual post moves, developing better spacing in our offensive sets, and emphasizing physicality in the paint.
Considering the tight playoff race, do you think Girona needs to seek external reinforcements, perhaps adding another strong presence in the paint?
Pau gasol: It’s certainly a possibility. The transfer window is still open, and we’re always looking for ways to improve the roster. But we also have to be patient and trust in the growth of our current players. Cáffaro, Nnaji, and Fernandez are young talents with potential. with hard work and the right guidance, they can make meaningful strides.
Girona’s loss is made even more painful considering Bilbao’s notable victory over Manresa, further intensifying the race for playoff spots.What do you sense is the overall mood and outlook within the team after this setback?
Pau Gasol: Naturally,there’s disappointment after a loss,especially one where we believe we could have performed better. Though, the mood remains positive.We know this is a marathon, not a sprint. There’s still a lot of basketball to be played, and we’re confident in our ability to make adjustments and bounce back.
**
Pau, thanks for your time and insight. It’s clear there are challenges ahead, but Girona’s ambition and fighting spirit continue to shine.
Readers, what are your thoughts on Girona’s interior struggles and their chances of making the playoffs?
Could coaching adjustments, internal development, or the addition of new players be the key to their success? Join the conversation below.
