Shortened rotation carried Bayern past ALBA in thriller
Edwards, Obst shined as Bayern’s double-edged sword in German derby
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Carsen Edwards could hardly believe the final score when he was told it after FC Bayern Munich’s hard-fought victory at ALBA Berlin – a game in which he and Andreas Obst shined offensively for a shortened rotation late in the game.
“Was it 15 points? Playing against them, it never feels like that. It felt like a three-point game the way they can get up and down,” Edwards said following Bayern’s 84-99 win in the German capital.
“When they get momentum, they can make shots. It’s good for us to get a win. Any win means a lot. We’re just happy to get the win and everybody come out healthy.”
Edwards ended up playing 34 minutes and poured in a career-high 34 points, including 5 three-pointers. He also picked up 6 rebounds and 6 assists for a career-best PIR of 34.
“He told us before the game he was tired. He didn’t play tired,” Bayern head coach Gordie Herbert said afterward about Edwards.
"We played him the whole second half. We shortened the rotation. Guys really fought through it. And he made some huge plays. I think his overall game was better tonight. Obviously he scored points and made plays, but his defense was good. He was engaged, he was intense. He really did a good job on [ALBA’s Matt] Thomas. We challenged him by putting him on Thomas. And I thought he responded well.”
Helping out carrying the offense was Obst, who knocked down 6-of-7 three-pointers for 21 points.
“Obst shot the ball well and Edwards made some big plays. It’s a double-edged sword when those two are going,” Herbert said.
The difference in the game was the first 5 minutes of the fourth quarter, as Bayern started the final frame with a 4-18 run. Niels Giffey had two three-pointers, Obst hit once from deep, and Edwards poured in 9 points.
“It was a back and forth game for 30 minutes. We started well, they responded. But we had a great response in the first 5 minutes of the fourth quarter,” Coach Herbert said.
The victory was very important for Bayern, which improved to 13-10 after having lost four of its last five games. Bayern also grabbed its 10th win in 11 EuroLeague games against ALBA.
“In a season like this, tough stretches are completely normal. You just have to find a way out of the tough stretch. We need to stay together, we need to work hard and look ahead,” said Obst.
Thanks to Obst and Edwards, Bayern can at least head back home with their heads held high.