Sergio Rodriguez stunned by Madrid's win, offers advice to Olympiacos / News - Basketnews.com

Sergio Rodriguez won the third EuroLeague title in his 8th Final Four.

Credit: Reuters - Scanpix Credit Reuters - Scanpix

In rephrasing a famous saying, basketball is a simple game. Ten individuals chase the ball for 40 minutes, and Spain always comes out victorious.

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

Just as no one expected Spain's triumph at the 2022 EuroBasket, no one (except Kyle Hines) saw their celebration of an 11th EuroLeague title in the club's history this season.

Especially considering they started the playoff series against Partizan Belgrade down 0-2.

However, Real Madrid once again proved that you should never count out the champions.

The royal club showcased their championship character in the decisive stage of the season, carving their name in history with a 3-2 victory in the quarterfinals, beating the odds and defeating Barcelona, followed by the title game victory over Olympiacos.

"We're an incredible club. We believe in achieving great things. We work every day to reach this point. And we have to be fully prepared. Because we know that in the end, we will have the moment to take advantage," Sergio Rodriguez told BasketNews.

The 36-year-old veteran played like he did in his prime.

His impressive performance in the fourth quarter crushed Barcelona. Once again, he emerged as Real's top scorer in the fourth quarter with 8 points, and his contribution sealed the 79-78 victory over Olympiacos.

Although Edy Tavares received the Final Four MVP award, the giant would probably not have been upset if it had gone to his teammate.

In the final, Chacho recorded 15 points, nine assists, and a 23-performance index rating.

In the Final Four in Kaunas, the veteran averaged 13.5 points (54.5% 2FG, 50% 3FG), 7.0 assists, 1.5 steals, and an 18.0 efficiency rating.

He also became the all-time Final Four leader in total assists.

Olympiacos Piraeus / Schedule

Olympiacos Piraeus AS Monaco76-62 Olympiacos Piraeus Real Madrid78-79

"I feel tired. It was truly difficult. But we're extremely happy to have achieved such an incredible moment," Chacho exclaimed after the win. "I'm enjoying playing basketball. I'll watch the game again because I'm not sure how we pulled off the win," he grinned.

Both teams deserved to lift the trophy. Olympiacos Piraeus displayed a masterclass performance throughout the year, reaffirming their quality again in the title game.

Sasha Vezenkov fell just one shot shy of setting a scoring record in the EuroLeague final with 29 points.

Isaiah Canaan celebrated his birthday match with five three-pointers out of 6 attempts and 21 points.

Shaq McKissic lived up to his reputation as one of the best sixth men with 14 points.

However, as Real coach Chus Mateo called it, the Olympiacos machine stumbon a last-second shot led for the second consecutive shot.

What advice would a three-time EuroLeague champion give to Olympiacos leaders, the team, and the organization?

"I won the title in my fourth Final Four. I lost two finals before winning. It's not easy," emphasized Rodriguez. "I'm proud to have won twice with Real Madrid and once with CSKA. And also to have been here eight times. I believe the most important thing is the experience you gain by being here."

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