In the final match of the 17th round of the regular season, Russian Khimki defeated Kazakhstan's Astana on the road - 91:69. The Moscow Region team looked much better than their opponents and secured victory in the third quarter. On the third attempt, the Khimki team managed to conquer the capital of Kazakhstan and brought their record winning streak to 15.

Plot

The team devoted the first quarter to positional plays, the vast majority of which were completed from the paint. “Khimki” acted more variedly, several straightforward Astana residents (here we cannot fail to note the defense of the Russian team), besides, January MVP James Augustine noticeably outplayed his counterpart Olaseni Laval.

Khimki, who in their history held two meetings in the capital of Kazakhstan and suffered defeats twice, made it clear in the opening period that they intended to break the unpleasant tradition (22:11).

Soon after the start of the second 10 minutes, Astana’s position became completely frightening: another hit by Augustin and a “three” by Sergei Monya (27:11). Aleksandar Trifunovic took a time out. In the opening, it seemed that the Kazakhs, as they say, “retuned” - the desire to interrupt Khimki’s winning streak was beyond doubt, but the execution was lame.

The Serbian specialist probably advised his guys to calm down and play their basketball. It’s difficult to say what was actually discussed in that pause, but the coach definitely managed to find the right words. Soon followed by a long-range hit from Janis Blooms, who cast a spell on his team: the hosts, who had caught the courage, organized an 8:0 spurt.

Who knows what the score could have been at the end of the first 20 minutes if not for the Russian snipers. Astana's gap by the big break was still the same 11 points, but the Kazakhs at least managed to level the game.

Denouement

The Kazakhstan champion was determined to continue what he started after the fight resumed... but someone had completely different plans. Khimki captain Monya started the 10-minute period with three long-range hits in a row!

The forward's impulse was supported by Egor Vyaltsev (another bomb from behind the arc) and Mikael Zhelabal (2+1). The lead of the Russian squad quickly grew to 18 points. It is interesting that the merciless Khimki continued their shelling from a distance, although Astana, it seems, already in the third quarter had come to terms with the idea that it would not be able to keep up with the favorite.

“Khimki” managed to conquer Astana on the third attempt, and brought their record winning streak to 15.

Hero

Sergey Monya. The versatile forward showed off one of the many facets of his talent - this time Monya played the role of a cold-blooded sniper-killer. The captain, with his three-point hits, essentially predetermined Khimki's next victory. It is also worth noting that Monya was very useful in rebounding (7) and looked good in the play-by-play (4 assists).

Number

30 – number of assists by Khimki players. Repeating the fifth result in the history of the VTB United League.

Comments

Astana head coach Aleksandar Trifunovic:

- Congratulations to Khimki on a well-deserved victory. They showed why they are one of the best teams in the League and in Europe at the moment. We have big problems with the leading players of the club: two days before the match Olaseni Lawal did not train due to a cold, and today we learned that Jerry Johnson will not be able to play either. Naturally we had to change everything.

Against teams like Khimki and CSKA, we won't be able to find success if we don't play as a unit. But still, I look forward with optimism. We will complete the tasks assigned to us.

Khimki head coach Rimas Kurtinaitis:

- I can say that after watching Astana’s last three games, we were afraid. We have already lost in Kazakhstan, and we also lost to Astana in Moscow. Therefore, we were 120% determined today. “Astana” was unlucky that Jerry Johnson did not play today. Of course it was felt that he was missing; Brion Rush is also a good player, but he is of a different type. “Astana” fought to the last.

I wish the team and Valery Tikhonenko success. You have every chance to make it to the playoffs.

Teams' best

“Astana”: Janis Blooms – 21 points, David Simon – 11 points, 6 rebounds, Dmitry Klimov – 11 points, Brion Rush – 10 points.

“Khimki”: Sergey Monya – 19 points, 7 rebounds, Petteri Koponen – 19 points, Marko Popovich – 14 points, 6 assists, James Augustine – 12 points, Egor Vyaltsev – 11 points, 5 assists, Mike Green – 2 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists.

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