Messina shares first impressions after Shabazz Napier's EuroLeague debut / News - Basketnews.com

"It looks like Shabazz has the fundamentals to hold the ball in his hands in the most important moments of the game," Messina said of Napier.

Credit: ZUMAPRESS.com-Scanpix Credit ZUMAPRESS.com-Scanpix

A collective sigh of relief came out of northern Italy on Tuesday night, as EA7 Emporio Armani Milan snapped their five-game losing streak, winning a game against Cazoo Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz, 89-83.

Player of the Game EFF 20 Johannes Voigtmann Points 16 Accuracy 6-9 Rebounds 8 Assists 1

The match had an additional flavor, with six-season NBA veteran Shabazz Napier debuting on the EuroLeague court.

The 31-year-old guard chipped in 10 points (3/4 2PT, 0/1 3PT, 4/4 FT), dished out 3 assists, and collected 11 PIR in 18 playing minutes.

"It looks like he [Shabazz Napier] has the fundamentals to hold the ball in his hands in the most important moments of the game. He tried to figure out what was going on during the first half, and then he grew up and even made some important baskets. He gave me the feeling of never being breathless," coach Ettore Messina said of the team's newcomer.

"His achievements are important, but let's give him time to understand what world he is in," the basketball professor added.

With this win, Milan improved to a 7-15 record and at least temporarily rose from the bottom of the EuroLeague standings.

Like what we are doing? You can express your gratitude here.