Vezenkov and Bartzokas reflect on heartbreaking EuroLeague final loss / News - Basketnews.com

Olympiacos returned to Greece with a heavy heart after their narrow loss in the EuroLeague final. Sasha Vezenkov took pride in the team's achievements but acknowledged their mistakes and mismanagement in the final moments.

Credit: Rokas Snarskis Credit Rokas Snarskis

Olympiacos forward and EuroLeague MVP, Sasha Vezenkov, and his teammates returned to Greece after a heartbreaking championship game in Kaunas, where Real Madrid veteran Sergio Llull hit a dagger to shatter Piraeus' title hopes.

Player of the Game EFF 23 Sergio Rodriguez Points 15 Accuracy 6-11 Rebounds 4 Assists 9

Vezenkov tried to do everything that was in his power to carry his team to a victory, posting 29 points, nine rebounds, and a game-high 34 PIR. However, that did not prevent a one-point loss (78-79).

Reflecting on the team's journey and accomplishments throughout the EuroLeague season, Vezenkov expressed his pride in their chemistry, hard work, and resilience in the face of challenges.

Vezenkov shouldered the responsibility for their final upset, emphasizing that their mistakes and mismanagement in the final moments of the game cost them dearly.

"First of all, I'm very proud of this team, of what we've accomplished this year, of our chemistry, of our work, of all the hardships we've gone through and the good times," he said. "Unfortunately, we didn't make it. We controlled the game for a long period of time.

"But when you get to the last few possessions, luck definitely plays a role. The point is not to get there. I think we are solely responsible for the fact that we got there," Vezenkov continued.

"It's our fault. We made mistakes. We didn't manage well in the last few seconds. We were so close, but basketball is a fair sport. Congratulations to Real. We must continue. Fortunately, in 2-3 days, we have a game again, so we go for the last goal of the season -- to win all the domestic titles and finish the season on a high note."

Upon Olympiacos' return home, head coach Georgios Bartzokas also addressed the team's recent defeat, describing it as one of the most challenging experiences he has faced throughout his coaching career.

"I have been through such situations. Although I can admit that yesterday was one of the worst if not the worst [loss]. We created these expectations ourselves. The higher the group goes, the more intense the emotions, both negative and positive, get."

Inside Kaunas Final Four:

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