New EuroLeague anti-record: Facts and figures behind ALBA Berlin's losing streak / News - Basketnews.com

ALBA Berlin have recorded seven straight losses in the EuroLeague, the worst streak any team has ever suffered after starting the season with a 3-0 record.

Credit: IMAGO/Contrast Credit IMAGO/Contrast

If someone were to listen to or read through what Giorgos Bartzokas said in his postgame presser following Olympiacos Piraeus' game against ALBA Berlin, they would probably get the impression that the German team was the one to have come out with the win.

Player of the Game EFF 34 Aleksandr Vezenkov Points 24 Accuracy 8-13 Rebounds 6 Assists 2

The Greek coach had nothing but praise for the squad coached by Israel Gonzalez- and for some good reasons.

"Unfortunately, we had to face one of the toughest teams in the EuroLeague. I can explain that.

They're first in assists, play at a high tempo, pass a lot, create open shots, and play with the same efficiency on both fast-break and 5-5," Bartzokas said.

Despite losing to Olympiacos on Thursday night, ALBA still lead the EuroLeague in assists (22.0), defensive rebounds (26.9), and total rebounds (37.2) while being in the TOP 5 in three-pointers made and attempted (2nd, 3rd respectively), as well as in blocks (2nd). They also don't lag far behind in PIR (7th).

All these stats point to a team whose offensive flow is as precise and accurate as a Swiss watch.

"For anyone who has doubts, ALBA have 7 straight losses, and play the way we saw," Bartzokas continued.

"The way ALBA move the ball, and the speed of their execution show what the opponent team is capable of," he pointed out.

"And we have to respect them. Congratulations to ALBA and my players," the 2022 EuroLeague Coach of the Year concluded.

Where do all this praise and excellent numbers come down to? The answer is surprising.

After an impressive 3-0 start, the Germans were plunged into a black hole of seven straight losses, plummeting to 3-7. Their last win was recorded on October 19, while four games were lost by less than seven points.

However, in hindsight, by having a close look at ALBA's early results in the season, it's not too hard to figure out that their three wins came at the expense of teams that were either weak on the road (Partizan, Panathinaikos), or in their worst shape in years (Armani Milan).

ALBA Berlin / Schedule

ALBA Berlin Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade84-88 Olympiacos Piraeus ALBA Berlin86-76 ALBA Berlin FC Barcelona12-0119:00

To be fair, the German champs have already played five of their last seven outings on the road. Some of them were against undoubtedly superior teams (Anadolu Efes, Real Madrid, Olympiacos), and others were vs. more 'beatable' opponents, like Bayern Munich and Crvena Zvezda.

On the other side of the scale, they allow the 5th-most points (81.9), and the 2nd-most offensive rebounds (11.7), whilst committing the 2nd-most turnovers (15.1) in the league.

Of course, just because there's nothing bad enough that can't get any worse, ALBA are faced with another negative record in case they don't turn the tide. Their seven-game losing streak has tied their longest one (0-7) in the EuroLeague for the third time.

Since their next games are against very tough opponents, the slump can reach unprecedented depths and lows. ALBA will be hosting Barcelona and league leaders Fenerbahce before locking horns with Virtus in Bologna and AS Monaco in the Principality.

No one can really say where the downfall will end. Nevertheless, everyone - Israel Gonzalez included- cannot help but appreciate the level of basketball IQ this team brings to the table, regardless of results.

They might end up losing many more games down the road, but the last thing they're likely to lose is hope and their label as one of the league's most fun-to-watch squads.

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