Milan picked up its first home win in more than a month.
Milan kept rolling ahead of a big clash versus Partizan
For the second game in a row, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan finished the game scoring in triple-digits, this time rolling to a 100-68 victory over visiting ALBA Berlin to register its third straight win.
The other two wins in the winning streak came on the road, as this was Milan’s first home game of the calendar year and snapped a two-game losing streak in the fashion capital after back-to-back 1-point defeats against Olympiacos Piraeus and FC Bayern Munich.
Even though ALBA was within 4 points at halftime, Milan did not leave anything to chance in this one, thanks to a big, 31-10 third quarter.
“I think we played a very very good quarter defensively”, head coach Ettore Messina said in a EuroLeague TV post-game interview. “Offensively we were much sharper, no turnovers, good ball movement. But defense stepped up in the second half.”
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During those 10 minutes, Milan held ALBA to 0-for-7 three-point shooting and limited the visitors to just 1 offensive rebound after allowing 9 in the first two quarters. On offense, Milan shot 5-of-8 from three-point land and dished 7 assists, which turned a 47-43 halftime lead into a 78-53 margin going into the fourth quarter.
Milan’s usual suspects managed to produce despite limited minutes on the floor.
Nikola Mirotic scored 21 points on 4-for-7 three-point shooting in 22 minutes, Zach LeDay netted 18 on 4-for-6 three-point shooting in 20 minutes, and Shavon Shields had 16 points on 2-for-5 three-point shooting in 24 minutes.
But when asked about his team’s performance, Mirotic unpromptedly singled out one guy.
“Some guys played an amazing defense. Stefano Tonut was terrific. I think he made the difference tonight. With his energy, his physicality”, Mirotic said, then continued.
“This is the team job. We need everybody. Everybody is playing better at this moment, and this is a way we are growing as a team because everyone is stepping up a little bit.”
What certainly is working, and has been playing all season long for Milan, is the duo of Mirotic and LeDay
“When you play with Zach LeDay, and those guys who open up your space who make you feel and play better on the court, it is always easier. It’s probably the best thing that has happened to me. We accomplish so much each day, not only playing, also in practice. It’s been amazing, I am very happy we are actually teammates”, Mirotic explained.
The next challenge for Milan will be Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade, the club where LeDay spent the last three years. Partizan is coming off a 31-point road win at ASVEL, its highest-ever EuroLeague road win. It’s set up to be must-watch TV on Thursday night in Milan.