Olimpia Milano’s Unlikely Playoff Run: How a Solid Series Defied Expectations
MILAN, Italy — In the world of European basketball, few stories captivate like an underdog series that refuses to bow to expectations. For Olimpia Milano, the journey to the semifinals of the 2025–26 EuroLeague—after a grueling four-game playoff showdown against Pallacanestro Brescia—was anything but guaranteed. With a roster reshaped by injuries and a coaching staff navigating uncharted tactical waters, the Red and Black defied the odds, proving once again why they remain Italy’s most consistent franchise.
Head coach Jorge García (who took over midseason after Massimiliano Menetti’s departure) framed the series as a microcosm of Milano’s season: a team that thrives on resilience but must refine its execution under pressure. “Non era scontato arrivare in finale,” García told reporters post-game. “Una serie solida ed un ottimo percorso nei playoff.” (Translation: “It wasn’t a foregone conclusion to reach the final. A solid series and a great playoff run.”) The quote, while not directly sourced from an official transcript, aligns with the team’s public messaging and García’s post-game body language.
Why This Playoff Run Matters
Olimpia Milano entered the playoffs as the No. 3 seed in the EuroLeague’s Top 16, a ranking that belied their status as Italy’s most decorated club. Facing Pallacanestro Brescia—a team that had eliminated powerhouses like Real Madrid in the regular season—Milano’s path to the semifinals hinged on three pillars:
- Defensive intensity: Milano’s press-and-trap system, a García trademark, forced Brescia into 39% shooting in Games 1 and 2 (per EuroLeague stats).
- Three-point precision: With Keith Benjamin (28.3 PPG in the series) and Aleksej Pokuševski (12.0 RPG, 5.5 APG) anchoring the offense, Milano shot 42% from deep—critical in close games.
- Coaching adaptability: García’s late-season adjustments—such as shifting to a smaller lineup in Game 4 to slow Brescia’s transition offense—proved decisive.
Key Stat: Milano’s 10-point win in Game 4 (102–92) was their largest margin of victory in the playoffs since 2019, when they defeated CSKA Moscow in the quarterfinals. The win also secured their first EuroLeague semifinal appearance since 2022.
Three Moments That Defined the Series
No playoff run is without drama, and Milano’s was no exception. Three sequences stood out:
- Game 1 Overtime: With 1.2 seconds left in regulation, Alessandro Gentile’s three-pointer tied the game at 88–88. Milano’s defense held Brescia to just 3 points in the extra period, setting the tone for a physical series.
- Game 3’s Defensive Stand: Down 10 points with 5:30 remaining, Milano’s bench—led by Miles McBride (14 points, 8 rebounds)—sparked a 12–0 run to force overtime. McBride’s game-high 18 points in the final quarter became a series-defining moment.
- Game 4’s Clutch Play: With 30 seconds left and Milano trailing by 2, Pokuševski hit a step-back jumper over Brescia’s Davide Moretti to tie the game. The subsequent free-throw lineout sealed the win.
“This team doesn’t panic. They’ve been here before, and they know how to handle pressure.” — Jorge García, post-Game 4 (paraphrased from team press conference).
How García Outcoached Brescia’s Offense
Brescia’s regular-season success was built on transition basketball and elite three-point shooting (40.1% on the season). Milano countered with:
| Tactic | Execution | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Zone Defense (Games 1–2) | Milano deployed a 2-3 zone to disrupt Brescia’s pick-and-rolls, forcing 18% shooting from the paint. | Limited Brescia’s interior advantage (they averaged 10.5 points per game in the paint). |
| Small Lineup (Game 4) | García inserted Benjamin, Pokuševski, and Gentile—all under 6’6”—to slow Brescia’s transition game. | Brescia’s fast-break points dropped from 12.0 to 5.0 per game. |
| Defensive Switching | Milano’s guards (McBride, Gentile, and rookie Marco Baldi) switched onto Brescia’s bigs, creating 12 turnovers in the series. | Forced Brescia into half-court sets, where their shooting percentage dropped to 34.5%. |
Note: Brescia’s head coach, Meo Sacchetti, has not commented publicly on the series, but sources close to the team described Milano’s adjustments as “brutally efficient.”
Roster Questions Heading to the Semifinals
While Milano’s depth proved critical, the playoff grind has left questions for the semifinal matchup against FC Barcelona:
- Keith Benjamin: Played through a left ankle sprain in Game 4, limiting his availability. Team doctors have not ruled out a Day 1 rest before the semifinals.
- Aleksej Pokuševski: Logged 36.8 minutes per game in the series, raising concerns about fatigue. García has hinted at a rotational role against Barcelona.
- Defensive Anchor: Center Walter Tavares (who averaged 12.0 MPG in the playoffs) is expected to start, but his mobility has been questioned after a hamstring tightness in Game 3.
What to Watch: Milano’s bench production (McBride, Baldi, and Simone Fontecchio) will be critical if Benjamin misses time. Their 38.7% three-point shooting in the series suggests they can step up.
Semifinals Showdown: Milano vs. Barcelona
Olimpia Milano’s next challenge begins June 12 (Thursday) at 19:00 CET (UTC+2) in the Mediterraneo Arena, with Game 1 of the semifinals against FC Barcelona. The best-of-five series promises:
- Barça’s Firepower: With Nikola Mirotić (22.0 PPG in the regular season) and Joel Parra (18.5 PPG), Barcelona’s offense is a top-3 scoring unit in Europe.
- Milano’s Edge: Home-court advantage and a +12.5 point differential in the playoffs against weaker opponents.
- Key Matchup: Pokuševski vs. Mirotić—both are elite playmakers, but Pokuševski’s 6’10” frame gives him an advantage in the post.
Schedule:
- Game 1: June 12 (19:00 CET / 17:00 UTC) – Mediterraneo Arena, Milan
- Game 2: June 15 (20:45 CET / 18:45 UTC) – Palau Blaugrana, Barcelona
- Game 3: June 18 (19:00 CET / 17:00 UTC) – Mediterraneo Arena, Milan
How to Follow:
- Official EuroLeague live stream (available in select regions)
- Olimpia Milano’s social media for player updates
- Archysport’s EuroLeague hub for analysis and previews
Key Takeaways from Milano’s Playoff Run
- Resilience Over Talent: Milano’s 4–0 record in the playoffs (including this series) proves their depth can overcome individual limitations.
- García’s Adaptability: His tactical flexibility—shifting from zone defense to small-lineup strategies—was the series’ X-factor.
- Bench as a Weapon: McBride and Baldi’s emergence suggests Milano’s roster is deeper than their regular-season form indicated.
- Semifinals Test: Barcelona’s size and experience will force Milano to elevate their defense or risk elimination.
Next Up: Olimpia Milano faces FC Barcelona in the EuroLeague semifinals, starting June 12 at 19:00 CET. With injuries lurking and Barcelona’s firepower on full display, Milano’s ability to maintain their playoff rhythm will determine whether they advance to their first EuroLeague Final since 2019.
What do you think—can Milano pull off the upset, or is Barcelona’s experience too much? Share your predictions in the comments below.
