In a commanding performance, Kazan UNICS triumphed over Saratov Avtodor with a decisive 99-70 victory in the opening match of the VTB United League playoffs. The game, held in Kazan, showcased UNICS's dominance as they quickly recovered from an early deficit to secure a significant lead by halftime.
The first quarter saw Avtodor take a slight edge, finishing 26-23 in their favor. However, the Kazan team responded vigorously, outscoring their opponents 29-15 in the second quarter to head into halftime with a comfortable 52-41 lead. UNICS continued to extend their advantage throughout the game, doubling their lead to 77-55 by the end of the third quarter. The final quarter saw the hosts maintain their control, ultimately finishing the game with a 29-point margin.
"The first game is ours. Laid a foundation!" exclaimed the club's press service, reflecting the team's satisfaction with their performance and the groundwork laid for the series.
This quarter-final series is structured as a best-of-five, meaning that the first team to secure three victories will advance. The next matchup is set to take place at the Basket Hall in Kazan at 10:00 AM on April 25, 2025, before the teams head to Samara for subsequent games.
UNICS entered the playoffs as one of the top contenders, having finished the regular season in a strong third place with 36 wins out of 44 matches. Under the leadership of coach Velimir Perasovic, the team displayed a pragmatic style of basketball throughout the season, which they seamlessly translated into their playoff performance.
In their playoff opener, UNICS demonstrated their offensive potential, coming close to scoring 100 points, a clear indication that they are ready to ramp up their attack as the stakes rise. A standout performer was Ismael Bako, who has been in excellent form, recording two double-doubles in his last four regular-season games. In the playoff game, he contributed 6 points and 8 rebounds.
The newcomers to the squad, Derryl Hilliard and John Keane, also made a significant impact, combining for 17 points and fitting well into the team's strategies. Meanwhile, veteran Marcos Knight, while not always a starter, proved invaluable, averaging 16 points per game and providing essential depth to the roster.
Despite their loss, Avtodor showed resilience and competitive spirit. The team entered the playoffs with a 20-24 record, which is less than ideal, but their recent form and a strong core of players suggest they are not to be underestimated. Caleb Agada led Avtodor with an impressive 21 points and 7 rebounds, while Kerem Kanter added 14 points and 6 rebounds, both playing crucial roles in keeping their team competitive.
The emotional intensity of this Volga derby added another layer to the matchup, with both teams eager to assert their dominance. Historically, UNICS has had the upper hand against Avtodor, winning five consecutive matchups leading into this playoff series. The rivalry is known for its high-scoring games, and the average total in their last five encounters has been 162.4 points.
As the series progresses, both teams will be looking to adapt and exploit each other's weaknesses. UNICS's ability to start strong has been evident, as they have won the first quarter in four of their last five games. Their high-energy approach, especially at home, typically sets the tone for their matches.
Looking ahead, the playoff series promises more thrilling basketball action. With the next game just hours away, fans can expect both teams to bring their best efforts to the court. Will UNICS continue their dominance, or will Avtodor find a way to bounce back and even the series? The excitement is palpable as the teams prepare for another battle in this highly competitive playoff.
