The incredible transformation of Olympiakos in the second half against Zalgiris

Another great victory was won by Olympic passing me 92-85 from Kaunas against Zalgiris. The “red and whites” came back from -12 in the first half and turned it around based on their amazing defense in the second half.

The numbers show it clearly defensive transformation of Giorgos Bartzokas’ team between the two halves. In the first half, Olympiacos conceded 52 points, with Zalgiris making 11/17 three-pointers, 7/10 two-pointers and 5/5 shots. The dominance of the Lithuanians translates into 144.4 points per 100 possessions, with a corresponding passive of 111.1 points per 100 possessions.

In the second part, Olympiacos held the hosts to 33 pointswith 1/12 three-pointers, 8/10 two-pointers and 2/3 shots. During this period, the Piraeus reached 160 points per 100 possessions, while they kept Andrea Trinchieri’s team to 84 points per 100 possessions. In fact, in the third and fourth quarters, Giorgos Bartzokas’ team led the opponents to mistakes in 32% of their possessions! The only blemish for the “red and whites” in the second half was that they got seven defensive rebounds against Zalgiris’ six attackers.

The defensive presence of Olympiakos in the second half of yesterday’s match acquires even greater value if one considers that Piraeus, who last year were the best defense in the Euroleague, this year are eighth best with a passive 116 points per 100 possessions.