Alba Berlin, after a period of intense scheduling in the Bundesliga and Euroleague, found themselves with a rare week off following their three quarterfinal victories against Telekom Baskets Bonn. Coach Israel Gonzalez expressed that the break was beneficial for players recovering from injuries and fatigue, allowing the team to regroup before their semifinal match against Niners Chemnitz. Alba, despite facing challenges in the Euroleague and numerous injuries, remains confident and united as they head into the matchup.
Having triumphed in two regular-season clashes against Chemnitz, Alba enters the series with a strong track record against their opponents. World champion Johannes Thiemann acknowledged Chemnitz’s physical style of play and expects a tough battle. The Chemnitz team, which led the league for an extended period, poses a formidable challenge for Alba and Bayern, suggesting that the playoffs will be fiercely contested.
As Bayern Munich prepares to face Würzburg Baskets in the semis, the possibility of a final showdown between Bayern and Alba looms large. The Bavarians overcame MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg in the quarterfinals, securing their spot in the next round. Despite facing setbacks with player injuries, Würzburg demonstrated resilience in defeating titleholders ratiopharm Ulm, showcasing their determination to compete at a high level.
Head coach Pablo Laso recognizes the threat posed by Würzburg, emphasizing the need for Bayern to maintain focus and adapt to the challenges presented. The absence of Otis Livingston II, Würzburg’s MVP, due to a knee injury does not diminish the team’s competitive spirit. Bayern aims to capitalize on their successful season by adding a league title to their collection, acknowledging Würzburg’s strength in overcoming adversity without their key player. The upcoming matches promise intense competition and high stakes for both teams.