Brooks Leads Milan's Commanding Victory Over Struggling Efes
EA7 Emporio Armani Milan produced a masterful second-half performance to overcome Anadolu Efes Istanbul 87-74 in Round 21 of the EuroLeague on Thursday evening at home. After trailing by eleven points at the end of the first quarter, Milan orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, outscoring their Turkish opponents 49-25 in the final two periods to secure a convincing 13-point victory in front of 5,362 fans.
The game highlighted the contrasting fortunes of these two teams. Milan entered the contest looking to build on their recent away victory against Panathinaikos, while Efes arrived in Italy desperately seeking to break a five-game losing streak that had seen their season spiral downward. Unfortunately for the visitors, their struggles would continue as they failed to maintain their strong opening-quarter momentum.
First Half: Efes Sets the Pace Before Milan Responds
The opening quarter belonged entirely to Anadolu Efes, who raced to a commanding 27-16 lead. The Turkish side displayed the offensive fluidity that had been missing during their recent struggles, moving the ball crisply and finding quality looks against Milan's defense. Saben Lee was particularly effective early, showing his ability to penetrate and create opportunities both for himself and his teammates.
Milan's slow start was compounded by their inability to generate consistent offense, with their shots failing to fall and turnovers disrupting their rhythm. However, head coach Ettore Messina's halftime adjustments would prove crucial as Milan gradually found their footing.
The second quarter saw Milan begin their comeback, matching Efes point-for-point with both teams scoring 22. Armoni Brooks began to heat up from beyond the arc, providing the offensive spark that Milan desperately needed. The hosts went into halftime trailing 49-38, but there was a growing sense that the momentum was shifting.
The Defining Third Quarter Collapse
The third quarter proved to be the turning point of this contest, and it was an absolute disaster for Anadolu Efes. Milan's defense locked in with intensity, holding the visitors to a meager eight points across the entire period while pouring in 24 points of their own. This remarkable 24-8 run completely flipped the script on the game and left Efes reeling.
Armoni Brooks was sensational during this stretch, knocking down three-pointer after three-pointer and finishing drives through contact. His ability to score from multiple levels kept Efes's defense constantly on edge. Brooks would finish the game with a game-high 31 points on an efficient 10-of-16 shooting, including an impressive 7-of-12 from three-point range. He also grabbed eight rebounds, demonstrating his willingness to compete on both ends of the floor.
Milan's defensive effort in the third quarter was equally impressive. Shavon Shields recorded three steals in the game, constantly disrupting Efes's offensive flow with his active hands and intelligent positioning. The home team's ability to force turnovers and convert them into easy transition baskets proved decisive.
Milan's Balanced Attack Secures Victory
While Brooks grabbed the headlines with his offensive explosion, Milan's victory was built on a balanced team effort. Marko Guduric provided excellent secondary scoring with 13 points on a perfect 3-of-3 shooting from three-point range. Coming off the bench, Guduric demonstrated why he remains such a valuable weapon for Milan, spacing the floor and making Efes pay for leaving him open on the perimeter. He also contributed four rebounds and five assists, showcasing his all-around game.
Zach Leday added 15 points and was particularly effective from the free-throw line, converting all four of his attempts. His ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting (3-of-5) created additional spacing for Milan's offense. Leandro Bolmaro provided energy off the bench with 12 points, five assists, and a plus-minus of +21, the highest on the team. His playmaking and penetration kept Efes's defense honest throughout the second half.
Josh Nebo was a force in the paint, scoring eight points on an efficient 4-of-5 shooting while grabbing five rebounds. His interior presence gave Milan an important dimension, particularly when Efes tried to collapse on Brooks and the perimeter shooters.
Efes's Offensive Struggles Mount
For Anadolu Efes, the loss extended their miserable run of form to six consecutive defeats. Despite the promising start, their offense completely fell apart in the crucial third quarter, and they never recovered. Saben Lee led the way with 19 points and drew six fouls, showing his aggressive attacking mentality. However, his efficiency suffered as Milan's defense tightened, and he finished with a concerning plus-minus of -17.
Nick Weiler-Babb contributed 12 points and five assists, trying to orchestrate Efes's offense and keep them in the game. His effectiveness was limited in the second half as Milan's perimeter defenders pressured him relentlessly. PJ Dozier added 10 points off the bench but struggled with his shot selection, finishing just 4-of-14 from the field.
Kai Jones provided some positive moments with eight points, eight rebounds, and three blocks, showing his defensive potential and athleticism around the rim. Ercan Osmani was perfect from the field with eight points on 4-of-4 shooting, but his four turnovers highlighted the offensive chaos that plagued Efes in the second half.
Defensive Excellence Defines Milan's Performance
Milan's defensive transformation after halftime was the key factor in this victory. After allowing 49 points in the first half, they held Efes to just 25 points over the final 20 minutes. The home team's ability to switch defensive assignments, contest shots, and force difficult attempts was exemplary.
Lorenzo Brown, while struggling offensively with zero points, made his presence felt on the defensive end with two steals and smart rotations. His veteran leadership helped organize Milan's defensive schemes during critical moments.
The statistics tell the story of Milan's defensive dominance. They forced Efes into contested shots, limited second-chance opportunities, and made life extremely difficult for the visitors' primary playmakers. The Turkish side's field goal percentage plummeted in the second half as good looks became increasingly rare.
Looking Forward
This victory improves Milan's standing in the EuroLeague and demonstrates their ability to overcome adversity. After falling behind early, they showed remarkable composure and executed their game plan to perfection in the second half. The combination of Brooks's scoring explosion and the team's collective defensive effort provided the blueprint for success.
For Anadolu Efes, the concerns continue to mount. Six consecutive losses represent a crisis for a club with their championship pedigree. The inability to maintain their first-quarter performance level and the complete offensive breakdown in the third quarter will require serious examination. Coach Tomislav Mijatovic faces the difficult task of restoring confidence to a squad that appears to have lost its way.
Milan will look to build on this momentum as they continue their EuroLeague campaign, while Efes must quickly regroup and find solutions to their mounting problems. The contrast between these two teams' trajectories could not be more stark after this comprehensive 87-74 victory for the Italian hosts.
