Olimpia entered the semifinal series with the same energy used in the quarterfinal opener against Pesaro. Back then Olimpia had won by 26, this time the margin was 23. In Game 1, for the third time in five games, Milan exceeded 90 points, sharing – after Johannes Voigtmann’s amazing performance, 22 points, 5-for-5 from three, seven boards, over 19 minutes – responsibilities, shots, and points among all the players involved (Shabazz Napier had a season-high nine assists). Sassari has an explosive offense that was showed when in the final period came back from 33 points behind to 20 in the only stretch of prolonged defensive letdown for Olimpia. This is what Coach Ettore Messina was referring to at the end of the game, indicating the areas where the team could do better than in Game 1.

In any case, the margin and energy with which Milan won Game 1 will count for nothing tomorrow night at the Mediolanum Forum when Game 2 will start, and everything will have to be rebuilt again to consolidate the lead. Olimpia proved once again that it is capable to play at a faster pace during the post-season. “It happened last year during the playoffs: when the tension is high as always in these games, you can’t afford to play only a half-court offense, you have to pick up the pace a bit. We always try to do it but in the EuroLeague it’s more difficult to do it effectively”, the Coach pointed out in the press conference following the first game. Unfortunately, Paul Biligha will not be available in Game 2: he had to leave the court in the fourth period of Game 1 with a big hit to his right shoulder and a broken tooth. His recovery for the next games will be defined shortly. Shavon Shields, who felt pain in his right knee during the third quarter, should be available. Tip-off time on Monday night is 21:00.