Is it finally the year for Barcelona? / News - Basketnews.com

Nikola Mirotic talks about Barcelona's successful series against Zalgiris compared to the two previous seasons, Jan Vesely, Tomas Satoransky's, and other new signings' impact on the team, his return from Achilles injury, and answers whether it will be a year for Barca.

Credit: Alius Koroliovas/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Alius Koroliovas/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

FC Barcelonacruised pastZalgiris Kaunas, becoming the only team to sweep their opponents in this season's EuroLeague playoffs.

Player of the Game EFF 20 Jan Vesely Points 14 Accuracy 5-11 Rebounds 3 Assists 2

Barca made the Final Four for the third time in a row, but this time it was different. The Spanish powerhouse finished 1st in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 regular season campaigns but had to play a decisive Game 5 on both occasions.

First, it was Zenit St. Petersburg, and last year Barcelona was struggling against FC Bayern Munich. On both of these occasions,Sarunas Jasikevicius' squad also didn't lift the EuroLeague trophy.

This time it was a completely different story. After a blowout 91-69 win in Game 1, Zalgiris presented a bigger challenge in Game 2, but Barcelona still prevailed by winning 89-81.

After being reminded about the struggles in the past two years, Nikola Mirotic praised Barcelona's growth throughout the season.

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