Berlin vs. Bonn: A prestiget duel with playoff worries

Veröffentlicht:

Von:

Baskets in Berlin summit strikers meet in the undergrowth

The encounter between the Telekom Baskets Bonn and Alba Berlin is traditionally a highlight in the basketball Bundesliga, which always ensures excitement. History and rivalry surrounds this duel, which has often offered the framework for crucial games in recent years. With seven encounters in the playoffs and four title fights, it is no wonder that this argument is often referred to as the “mother of all games”.

In the current season, however, a change can be felt. At the upcoming 94th edition of the duel, which takes place in Berlin on Wednesday at 8 p.m., both teams compete in an unusual starting point. This time the Alba Berlin are in 11th place and the Telekom Baskets Bonn in 13th place, which leaves the signs for a no less exciting but different game. The special thing: Both teams could theoretically miss the playoffs, a scenario that is without example in the history of this rivalry.

The current season presented both clubs with new challenges accompanied by the change of coach. In Berlin, assistant coach Pedro Calles took over the tax of Israel Gonzales, while in Bonn Marko Stankovic Roel Moors. The desired results have so far been out and there is a lot at stake, not only in terms of the playoffs, but also with regard to the play-ins, which are also important for the teams.

After 26 out of 32 main round games, the Baskets with 12 wins and 14 defeats are a direct pursuer of the Berliners, who have a similarly balanced record with 13 wins and 13 defeats. The direct duel not only offers the opportunity to improve in the table, but could also bring the moral buoyancy that both teams urgently need. The struggle for relegation goes into the decisive phase and the shape of both teams will be the decisive factor here.

It is particularly interesting that the Baskets were able to win the first duel of the season when they defeated the Berliners just 91:87. A surprise victory that reflected the intensity and the tense duel was exciting right from the start, characterized by balanced quarter results and a strong performance by the playmaker Darius McGhee.

With all of these factors in the back, the upcoming game offers plenty of explosive for basketball fans. Both Bonn and Berlin are required to call up the optimal performance in order to protect their playoff hopes. The sporting event is the central point in the calendar of the Bundesliga and promises to be an exciting argument between two former summit strikers in the undergrowth of the game.