MADRID ARE REAL DEAL
Real Madrid lifted their first European title in 20 years with a 78-59 destruction of Olympiacos in this season’s Euroleague final.
With home advantage, and a MVP showing from Andres Nocioni, Pablo Laso’s side made it a third time lucky after losing in the previous two championship games, led by 16 points from Jaycee Carroll.
“I may be the MVP, but everyone played well,” said Nocioni, the one-time Chicago Bulls forward. “We all prepared for this season and said it would be a different one. We wouldn’t start so strong and would have a slower start. We did that and are where we wanted to be. It is a good moment to think about retirement! No, no, no way. I think it wasn’t an easy decision for me.
“I was really comfortable with my team [Laboral Kutxa] and I am a person who is fond of people, and it was very difficult for me to take this decision. It wasn’t easy for me. So arriving here and doing this is just unbelievable. I put my body and mind into something that was completely different to what I was doing, just for one goal – today. What do I feel now? Your heart explodes and feelings get out of your body. You feel satisfied because there are many hours of work behind this and a lot of knee and ankle pain, every day, just to do this. What can I say? I am satisfied with myself, my family and my people, with everyone.”
Belgium international Matt Lojeski came off the bench to lead the Greek outfit with 17 points.
Main pic: Gettty
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