Barcelona wins despite inconsistency

Barcelona decimated Delteco Gipuzkoa from San Sebastian on the road yesterday (71-104) and now has a two-game winning streak. However, the team is still inconsistent both in the EuroLeague and the ACB.

Adam Hanga (16 points) and Thomas Heurtel (14 points) led the way for Barcelona. The Catalans improved to an 11-2 record and remained on top of the standings in the ACB. On the other hand, Delteco lost for the 10th time this season (3-10).

This was the second straight win for Barcelona in all competitions. They had also defeated Baskonia on the road on Friday (70-77) in a crucial Euroleague game for both sides.

The problem with the “Blaugrana” is that they still have too many ups and downs. Above all in the EuroLeague, and not so much in the domestic ACB.

The Spanish giants won 11 of the 13 games in the Spanish League and seem to be the favorites to end the regular season with the best record.

Yet, things are completely different in the EuroLeague. After back-to-back defeats in the first two matches, the Catalans went on a five-game winning streak (5-2).

However, Since then they won only one in six games and dropped to 6-7. The victory over Baskonia last Friday (70-77) was crucial for the “Blaugrana”, as it kept them in the race for a Euroleague playoff spot.

They now are at 7-7, but their schedule is very difficult from late December to mid-March. More specifically, only the match against Darussafaka at home (04/01) is considered an easy one.

Aside from this, they will face the likes of almost all the elite clubs in the league. They will battle CSKA Moscow, Real Madrid, Fenerbahce, Olympiacos and Anadolu Efes (twice). The aforementioned clubs are the top-5 ones in the competition.

In addition, they will face Armani Milano, Zalgiris Kaunas, Panathinaikos, Maccabi Tel-Aviv and Baskonia. All five of them have the same goal as Barcelona; to advance to the playoffs.

The Calatans can’t afford to lose to these opponents. Otherwise, they will be in a vulnerable position. It seems like coach Svetislav Pesic is at a crossroads regarding the team’s tactics and roles.

His old-fashioned playing style prevents him from taking full advantage of his players’ quality and skills.

Players like Kevin Pangos and Chris Singleton came in during the summer to make the difference. However, they are both struggling to find their role in the team.

Barcelona can’t afford to deal with another losing streak. Starting from the match against Anadolu Efes on Thursday (27/12), they should start being consistent and earning consecutive wins.

Barcelona

If this doesn’t happen, then their qualification to the playoffs will be in serious jeopardy. And a third straight elimination from the playoffs will be a total failure for the Spanish giants.

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.