With Anadolu Efes Istanbul playing its first-ever Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs series opener on its home floor, point guard Vasilije Micic starred to help make the occasion a winning one and in the process became MVP for Game 1.

Written by EuroLeague.net

Micic led his team to a 75-68 victory over FC Barcelona Lassa on Wednesday by setting a playoff career-highs with 21 points and 7 assists. He made 3 of 4 two-point shots and 4 of 5 three-pointers. Micic also tallied 3 rebounds, 1 steal and 6 fouls drawn for a career-high performance index rating of 30. 

Two players had index ratings of 21 in Game 1: Efes center Bryant Dunston and CSKA Moscow point guard Sergio Rodriguez. Dunston collected 11 points, 5 rebounds and 3 blocks against Barcelona, while Rodriguez had 19 points on 5-for-6 three-point shooting and 5 assists in a 94-68 win over KIROLBET Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz. Walter Tavares of Real Madrid had an index rating of 19 with 8 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks in a dramatic 75-72 win over Panathinaikos OPAP Athens. Wrapping up the list of Game 1's top performers was his teammate Facundo Campazzo who had 8 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds and 3 steals for a PIR 18.

Individual highs: Adam Hanga, FC Barcelona Lassa, 11 rebounds

Micic led all scorers in the series openers with 21 points. Barcelona forward Adam Hanga was the top rebounder in Game 1, setting his new career-high by pulling down 11 rebounds. Micic led all players in assists with 7. Campazzo had 3 steals, more than any other player in Game 1 clashes. Dunston was the top shot-blocker with a season-high 3 blocks.