Mario Hezonja talks final approach, reveals key to Real's EuroLeague comeback / News - Basketnews.com

Despite previously playing for Olympiacos' rivals, Panathinaikos Athens, in 2021, Hezonja downplayed any extra motivation for the upcoming final. He expressed that facing PAO would have made the game more special, but since that is not the case, he views Olympiacos as just another opponent.

Credit: Rokas Snarskis Credit Rokas Snarskis

Real Madrid forward Mario Hezonja delivered when it mattered the most, posting 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 18 PIR and making a solid contribution for his team in an El Clasico win in the EuroLeague semis over FC Barcelona.

Just 23 days ago, Real were on the verge of being eliminated from the EuroLeague competition when being 0-2 down against Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade. However, Los Blancos won four finals in a row and have the last one left on Sunday at Zalgirio Arena.

Konstantinos Melayes of Gazzetta.gr asked Hezonja whether he believed in Real's chances to make an incredible turnaround.

"Just because we believed, we are here," the 28-year-old responded. "It's true we were up and down the entire year. We didn't play so well through some challenges during the season, but I think what is special about this team is [Sergio] Rodriguez, [Rudy] Fernandez, [Sergio] Llull, [Adam] Hanga. Those guys are proven winners, they really elevated our level of basketball, and all the younger guys, including me, just started to follow suit. Obviously, when you mix the energy of the youth and the experience of the veteran players, this is how it looks."

Real will meet the regular-season winners Olympiacos Piraeus in the EuroLeague final after the Reds became just the second first-seeded team in the round-robin era to qualify for the ultimate match (after Barca in 2020-21).

"Great team. It finished first for a reason," Hezonja praised their upcoming opponents. "We know how good they are. They beat us two times [during the regular season]. Even more tougher, even more mentally prepared because it's going to be a war in the final."

Hezonja played for Olympiacos' rivals, Panathinaikos Athens, in 2021. Is it going to be a special game for him with some extra motivation?

"No," Hezonja answered. "When I play in Panathinaikos, of course. I want to see Panathinaikos in Final Four, then it's going to be special. But like this, just another opponent."

The Real-Olympiacos final is scheduled for Sunday at 19:00 CEST.

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