In a full arc: CSKA set a record and took the lead in the final with UNICS

Long-range hits became the main weapon of the army in the second match of the United League final. Having set a playoff record for the number of three-point shots made, the Moscow club once again proved stronger than UNICS (102:89) and gained a comfortable advantage in the series before leaving for Kazan. The main hero of the match was point guard Melo Trimble, who scored 28 points and made a decisive contribution to the second victory of the red and blue.

The biggest victory over UNICS

The first match of the series started extremely unsuccessfully for the Army team. Just three minutes later, the CSKA coaching staff had to take a time-out. By that time, the Army team had never hit someone else's ring, and UNICS had achieved a comfortable lead (8-0). This measure had no immediate effect. But gradually the owners came to their senses. This was largely due to the exit of Melo Trimble from the bench. The American's accurate shots formed the basis of the Muscovites' comeback. It was after his three-pointer that the Red and blue took the lead for the first time in the match (23:20).

Melo, who won the regular season MVP award before the game, did not stop there. By the equator of the match, he had 23 points (out of 48 team points). The bright play of the leader allowed the army team to completely seize the initiative in the match. They left for the big break with a comfortable advantage (48:33).

In the third quarter, the Army proved that they remain a formidable force even without Melo. Thanks to the efforts of the players of the starting five, the hosts overcame the psychological limit of "20+" advantage points (59:38). A comfortable lead in the score allowed the red and blue to control the course of the meeting. The Muscovites did not even give UNICS any hope of a comeback and eventually brought the match to a confident victory. The Army team sent exactly half of their long—range shots to the target - 16 out of 32 (50%). The performance of UNICS turned out to be much more modest — 12 out of 40 (30%). This victory was CSKA's biggest victory over UNICS in the history of the VTB League. The previous achievement lasted 11 and a half years.

"Unfortunately, I have to watch basketball for several hours a day"

NBA champion Timofey Mozgov — about coaching experience, sports positions and favorites of the season

CSKA set a playoff record

The second game turned out to be more competitive. The starting quarter performed by the finalists was the most effective. The players started shooting from behind the arc and both teams reached the 30-point mark. 15 penalties in a row flew into the ring, the first miss from the line happened only at the end of the 10th minute. Kasper Ware managed to score 11 points and caused 5 fouls from his opponents.

After a short break, Trimble took over the game, scoring 14 points in 7 minutes. This allowed the Army team to gain a comfortable double-digit advantage, which they were able to hold until the end of the first half. On the UNICS side, Paris Lee stood out with 15 points, making 5 of 5 long-range attempts.

The third quarter was a tight contest. Kazan came within 10 points, but the Muscovites did not allow the comeback to happen. At the end of the game, several successful attacks provided them with a reserve of "+18" at the end. The final quarter was the only one that ended in favor of the guests. Jalen Reynolds led UNICS, but his 10 points were not enough for a real chase. CSKA basketball players have set a VTB League playoff record for three-pointers (20) and are now heading to Kazan with the score 2-0.

"The match turned out to be very productive and spectacular for the fans," two—time Olympic medalist Ilona Korstin told Izvestia. — The basketball players of both clubs were pleased with the bright highlights, but when Trimble plays at this level, scoring with resistance over and over again, it is very difficult to resist CSKA. In the end, Melo scored 28 points, and Ware added 21 more. I would like to note the very competent defense of the hosts against Reynolds. In the first half, they threw the player off balance, prevented him from getting the ball, and successfully doubled up. In the second half, Jalen picked up the keys to this custody, but the difference in the score was already critical. I would also highlight the wonderful atmosphere at the Moscow matches, the stands are full. Now I'm looking forward to the games in Kazan with interest. First of all, UNICS has not lost to CSKA at home this season. They play great at home. Secondly, Perasovich's team also unsuccessfully started the semifinal series with Zenit (they lost 1-3, won 4-3), but then they played three great matches in a row. Therefore, I would not write off UNICS.

The third and fourth matches of the final series will be held on June 8 and 10.

Zenit leads Lokomotiv Kuban 2-0 in the bronze medal series.

"Of course, I want to finish the series in three matches," Zenit forward Dmitry Uzinsky told Izvestia. — But we understand that it is not easy for everyone to play in Krasnodar. Lokomotiv will have strong fan support there. Is it hard to set up a bronze medal streak after losing in the semifinals? Everyone was depressed, emotionally and physically tired. Of course, it's a shame when you lead 3-1 and lose. It's emotionally draining, but we've had some changes. The new head coach, Rostislav Vergun, cheered up the team, found the right approaches, and we somehow found our game. Therefore, it is very important to win the bronze medal. Show character. It's hard for both us and Lokomotiv — it turns out that there is a struggle of characters.

The third game will take place in Krasnodar on June 7. The fourth, if necessary— is on June 9th.