Baskonia facing hectic schedule: between frustration and determination / News - Basketnews.com

Baskonia players highlight the need to push through fatigue and maintain focus on their competitive goals.

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

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteizkicked off the 2024 EuroLeague Playoffs with a90-74loss to Real Madrid on Tuesday night. Their struggles were evident, particularly in their three-point shooting, where they managed to convert only 29.3% of their attempts, going 12 for 41.

The decline in shooting percentage could be attributed to fatigue, and Baskonia have reasons to feel not at their best. Not only arethey dealing with Chima Moneke's injury, but they have also been through a grueling stretch of games. Within 11 days, they played six matches, with no respite in sight.

Baskonia will play on Thursday and Saturday, as well, extending a marathon to eight matches in just 15 days.

While Baskonia have experienced tight scheduling throughout the season, the current situation feels particularly demanding. Each game now feels crucial, almost like a final.

Their journey has been relentless, from striving to finish the EuroLeague regular season on a high note to battling through the Play-In rounds and now facing the intensity of the playoffs.

And it's not just the EuroLeague where they are feeling the pressure; Baskonia are also in danger of missing out on the ACB League playoffs, currently trailing Manresa by one win and sitting ninth in the standings.

"Maybe we're a little tired, maybe something else, but I won't look for excuses," Tadas Sedekerskis told BasketNews after Game 1. "If we sit and cry now,

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