Vasilije Micic on his game-winner: 'That moment was so long for me' / News - Basketnews.com

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Vasilije Micic was clearly in pain after every shot he made during the EuroLeague semifinal against Olympiacos.

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He wasn't 100% ready for the final due to an ankle injury, and Shaquille McKissic hit early in the game didn't help either.

But that was Micic who left all Olympiacos family in pain with his game-winner 77-74.

Micic finished the game with 15 points, 6 rebounds, 9 assists and boosted Anadolu Efes Istanbul to the third consecutive EuroLeague final.

"I repeat many times the same story, and I'm pleased to repeat it once again. In this case, it is a beautiful story that we won today in front of an amazing atmosphere. An amazing achievement for us considering all the problems that we had, including injuries," the hero of the game said.

"I'm very happy for my teammates because we didn't give up until the last second, we stayed calm and finished the game," Micic added.

Was it the coach's decision for you to take that last shot?Yes. He felt that I'm in a good rhythm. I always mention that Shane and I have that great open relationship and that whoever takes the last shot is very good for us.

Although I missed previous shots, I stayed calm. I stayed positive to take that last shot. And I made it.

How do you remember that situation and shot over Sasha Vezenkov?Honestly, I wasn't sure who was in front of me. The moment was so long for me.

Vezenkov played really good defense today. Unfortunately, he jumped on my fake shot. I moved a little bit and took a shot.

We saw you missing two free throws in the end. You were limping and playing through pain as well. How did you feel energy-wise before that last shot?I felt injured when McKissic hit me in the fast break. The good thing about this injury is that it forced me to make smarter plays. I played patient and calm.

Although I missed these free throws, I still felt okay. I felt good enough to finish the game. This step back was strong enough to finish it.

Another final. Do you keep dreaming?This is not a dream. This is reality.We won the semifinal, and now we have to stay focused, recover our bodies, and prepare for the final.

Do you prefer Real or Barcelona in the final?It doesn't matter. If you want to win, you have to win.

Both teams are good. Whoever wins, we'll be ready.

The third consecutive EuroLeague final for Efes. What does it say about Efes legacy looking at EuroLeague history?It's great. I'm very happy we together brought Efes on a winning streak primarily after they weren't known as a winner mentality team.

I think it starts with the character of the players. Individually, we were ready to be ourselves.

Each season we did well, and this year we showed once again. The job is not finished, and we have to stay focused. But it's great for the club's history.

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