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CSKA Moscow defeated Khimki Moscow Region in Game 2 of the playoff finals, 94-81. The visitors led briefly in the opening minutes before CSKA took over and built a double-digit first half advantage. Despite its best efforts, Khimki never managed to get closer than 10 points in the second half as CSKA picked up an important win and moved within a game of the championship.
Intro
Prior to tip-off, VTB United League president emeritus Sergey Ivanov gave Andrey Vorontsevich the prize for the regular season's Top Russian Player. Khimki also had some news to celebrate: center James Augustine was available after missing Game 1.
The game got off to a hot start. Nando de Colo and Sergey Monia did most of the scoring as CSKA went in front, though Khimki kept the score close. Both teams emphasized perimeter offense. Manuchar Markoishvili drilled a three to close the opening period and give CSKA a 29-24 advantage.
The 2nd quarter started in similar fashion. The Army Men tried to add to the lead, while Marko Popovic worked to keep Khimki in the game. Despite his best efforts, CSAK gradually pulled away, feeding Alexander Kaun in the paint. The Muscovites enjoyed a 10-point advantage at halftime, 47-37.
Milos Teodosic owned the 3rd quarter. The CSKA point guard buried Khimki from beyond the arc and cut Khimki's defense open with his passing. The Serb's brilliant offense and team defense gave the home team a 62-39 lead midway through the period. Led by Victor Claver, Rimas Kurtinaitis's men did manage to cut the deficit to 10 points by the end of the period, 71-61.
Turning Point
Khimki was unable to finish the comeback. With three minutes left to play, Tyrese Rice had a chance to make it an eight-point game, but he missed a contested layup and Kaun scored on the other end, putting the lead out of reach. The Army Men are one win from capturing another championship, though it's not going to be easy. Khimki will be very tough to beat in front of its rabid home fans.
Star of the Game
Alexander Kaun. The Russian center was terrific on defense, shutting down the paint, while attacking Khimki's weak spot – the frontcourt – to score 17 points.
Stat of the Game
57% – CSKA's three-point field-goal percentage (12-21).
Top Performers
CSKA: Milos Teodosic – 18 points, six assists; Alexander Kaun – 17 points; Andrey Vorontsevich – 13 points, seven rebounds; Nando de Colo – 12 points, six rebounds; Andrei Kirilenko – 11 points, eight rebounds; Aaron Jackson – eight points, six assists.
Khimki: Paul Davis – 14 points; Petteri Koponen – 13 points; Sergey Monia – 10 points, nine rebounds; Victor Claver – 10 points, five rebounds; Tyrese Rice – nine points, five assists; Marko Popovic – nine points, five assists.
vtb-league.com