Final Games In KML. What To Expect?
Pärnu knocked out Kalev Cramo once again. Was it a surprise? Some may say it was, others are used to it because it wasn’t the first time this season. Starting this week, we are facing final and third place series. Which teams have the better form? What to expect from the series?
Third place series between TalTech/Optibet and BC Kalev/Cramo
The last time TalTech won the title in KML, Kristjan Kitsing nor Martin Dorbek was born. The year when TalTech last time won a medal in KML, Shaquille O'Neal retired and Estonia replaced kroon with euro as the official currency. Hard to say whether TalTech (previously TTÜ) caused actions as such but time flies and this season they have the possibility to win something again.
Playing against Tartu in the semi-finals, TalTech showed that they have their own playing style and it’s effective. In the last game, they had everything in their hands as 30 sec before the end, being behind with only one point, Brandon Childress made a turnover and destroyed the hopes of TalTech. If we take a look into the statistics, we see that Tartu was clearly better in free throws. For example, TalTech’s free throw percentage in the last game was 59%! They lost 13 points for missing free throws. That’s a lot! Is it because of too high pressure on winning a medal after 11 years? In the second game against Tartu they didn’t use Raadik enough under the basket. In the first game they also were lacking under the basket as they took only 29 rebounds compared to Tartu’s 41. It also affected scoring second chance points which were possible to score from hitting only 29% of the 3-pointers.
TalTech is missing a pure center and it affects their performance a lot. If they can compensate it with easy points from the free throws, are aggressive enough and are hitting three pointers with the percentage around 35%, they can have a chance against Cramo.
Every local basketball fan knows that BC Kalev/Cramo isn’t in a good shape. After losing the third game against Pärnu in the semi-finals, it was clear that they won’t make it to the finals. Throughout the season, they have had some problems with mentality. On the paper they are definitely the strongest team but they haven’t been convincing on the court. Only the players, the staff and the Kalev/Cramo’s organisation knows a reason behind it.
What happened after the second game? They won the second game 99:84 and seemed confident about reaching to the final. Being dominant, almost half the points came from under the basket. Finding the net with 63% of the shots made from the field, it was clear who’s the better side between the two.
Yet, the third game… Pärnu started with great energy and scored 24 points in the first quarter. Leading the first half by 5 points, it seemed like Cramo will push the next gear on and will take the ticket to the finals. Again, deja vu. Not this time! Pärnu scored 30 points (!) during the third quarter and it was decided. Cramo shooting 3-pointers with 21%, free throws with 68% and making 15 turnovers which allowed Pärnu to score 17 points from fast brakes… How?
The other two games were decided. Pärnu had the energy, the flow, the mentality that they will make it to the finals. Huge praise to Pärnu but Cramo… what’s wrong in the dressing room? Is it the lack of motivation to play KML or how is it possible?
Again, on the paper we can’t see a chance for TalTech to win the series but Cramo has shown that everything is possible. Best of luck to the teams and we hope to see Cramo shine bright again!
Grande finale: Pärnu, The Summer City of Estonia vs Tartu, The University City of Estonia
Who will win? Two underdogs before the season, now competing for the title. Let’s compare the two sides!
Märt Rosenthal (Tartu) vs Robert Valge (Pärnu)
Tartu Ülikool Maks&Moorits has been relying on Rosenthal this season as he is the key player in the team. When Märt has a great day, Tartu will shine. We still remember that night in December when Rosenthal took the responsibility and brought the Estonian Cup title to Tartu. Being a regular national team player after that performance, is a huge praise for Rosenthal.
On the other hand, Robert Valge has shown that Pärnu Sadam can rely on him when they need him the most. He can shoot threes, he can dribble, he can pass and score two pointers. What he did in Paf Estonian-Latvian league was amazing to see. First, being the key player to knock title holders BC Kalev/Cramo out in the quarter finals. Secondly, showing a great level against Viimsi and Ogre in decisive games.
Whilst playing on different positions, is understandable that their playing style is different. Robert scores ca 50% 2-pointers whilst Märt scores ca 38%. Märt clearly takes more two pointers as his playing style requires it. Märt scores 57% of his 3-pointers, Robert scores 63%. Märt gives 3.5 assists per game, Robert 1.57. Rosenthal scores 4 more points per average but has played 5 games less in KML this season so it’s hard to compare this metric.
Both players are vital for their team. Who will take the responsibility between the two friends and bring the title home?
Emmanuel Wembi (Tartu) vs Arturas Valeika (Pärnu)
Two foreigners, two centers, two leaders.
Valeika stands out with his 2-pointer percentage of 68%. Wembi takes more rebounds and gives more assists. Yet, Arturas shines with his blocks and lack of turnovers. Emmanuel is definitely more powerful but Arturas hits the threes if needed.
Probably this series will feature an interesting battle between these two. How mobile is Wembi? How well is Valeika positioning himself under the basket? We will see it already this Friday in Pärnu.
Mazurs, Sokk, Narits and Talts vs Rannula and Kullamäe
Both teams have great staff members. Estonian basketball legends Sokk, Talts and Kullamäe. Experienced Narits and Rannula. Mazurs, the only foreigner adding the excitement.
When Talts became Tartu’s Director of Sports, results followed. Being a Tartu’s player for a long time, he has the DNA that was missing from the club. Experienced Tiit Sokk was handed the job of being the head coach with the task to build a bridge between Tartu’s homegrown players and the first team. Firstly, it seemed like he won’t succeed but now looking at the results and the likes of Eelmäe, Suurorg and Saal getting gametime, he proved to be the right man for the job. Now, having Mazurs in the staff, he made foreigners play. Tartu is not only strong on the court but on the bench as well.
Pärnu’s success is very much related with Heiko Rannula. He built the team and the culture that Pärnu Sadam didn’t have before. Rannula is tactically bright and gets well along with the players. The job that he has done with Pärnu is exceptional. Gert Kullamäe is an ex Tartu’s player that brought them many titles with his stunning 3-pointers. Later, he has worked as a head coach in many Estonian clubs and performed on the bench as well as he did on the court.
Now, the tandem, with Kullamäe as an assistant coach to Rannula, have the right balance. Gert is experienced and reads the game very well whilst Heiko is making tactical decisions and communicates with Kullamäe about these.
Now it’s time to see which staff takes an advantage and will bring the long waited Estonian KML title home. Both clubs deserve it and we are going to witness very interesting series. Both teams are as equal as we last saw Tartu/Rock competing against Kalev/Cramo in the finals. It can be the beginning of a new era. Dear basketball fan, don’t miss it!
Make changes in your squad from KML semi-finals pack and submit your team in CryplectPlay!
