Awards preview: EuroLeague Best Defender

They said it: ‘I am blessed’

The intensity and passion that characterizes the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague this week spilled over into the post-game discussions, as well. Here is some of the best of what this week’s protagonists, both winners and losers, had to say following their games.

Stats Review: Rim protection

The resurgence of Real Madrid, which has consecutive wins against top-ranked teams, with Walter Tavares serving as a sentinel in the paint, shows that preventing certain types of shots is part of a team’s overall defensive effectiveness.

Awards preview: EuroLeague Rising Star

Let’s have an early look at a list of top candidates for the EuroLeague Rising Star award on the eve of the 2021-22 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.