The two combined for 48 points in the victory
Larkin, Clyburn shined in Efes’s first road win of 2024
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Regular Season
Round 32 of 34
Group Regular Season
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Anadolu Efes Istanbul’s veteran duo of Shane Larkin and Will Clyburn stepped up as the two-time champion rolled past Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz 76-97 for its first road win of 2024 to stay in contention for a spot in the Play-In Showdown.
Larkin drained 5 three-pointers in scoring 28 points and Clyburn poured in 20 points to help Efes improve to 15-17 with its fourth win in the last five games. The win also upped the team’s road mark to 3-13, snapping an eight-game losing streak going back to December 7 at ALBA Berlin.
“We know what we are fighting for. Everybody is locked in, everybody is on the same page. We know what our ultimate goal is,” said Clyburn, who started strong in the game.
Larkin eventually took over the offensive responsibility.
“We have a veteran group. We have a lot of new guys but they have all grown during the season. We all understood the importance of this game from the very beginning. We came out intense on the defensive end and stayed focused and didn’t let their shooters get going, and got a big win,” said Larkin.
25-year-old forward Ercan Osmani chipped in a career-high 15 points; EuroLeague rookie Tyrique Jones scored 8 points on breathtaking dunks and 4 rebounds; and fellow EuroLeague newcomer Justus Hollatz contributed 4 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists.
The offense stood strong for Efes, but the team’s third-quarter defense really changed the game, conceding just 8 points in the frame.
“We had to play really well on the offensive end because this team can get out in transition and use their speed, quickness, athleticism and shot-making ability. They’re pretty hard to guard. We had to control the ball on the offensive end,” said Larkin, who also had 2 of Efes’s 10 steals.
“We got a lot of steals on the defensive end. We were active with our hands and helping each other. And that is what will have to do. It will be about us coming out with intensity on the defensive end. If we can do that. Then we can do something special.”
With the likes of veteran leaders Larkin and Clyburn, Efes fans can still dream about the Play-In Showdown.