Bartzokas experiments with two-center lineup: Olympiacos comeback win over Fenerbahce 82-77, clinches final berth

Heraklion, Crete – With the game clock winding down, Evan Fournier caught the ball beyond the arc, faked a drive, and rose for a three-pointer. The ball swished through the net, and Olympiacos took the lead. That moment wasn't just a clutch shot; it was the answer to a night of bold experimentation by head coach Giorgos Bartzokas. The Piraeus side defeated Fenerbahce 82-77 in the 6th Crete International Basketball Tournament, securing a spot in the final against Crvena Zvezda. But the result might not be the most important thing for Bartzokas – who used this game as a tactical laboratory. From the starting lineup, the 61-year-old strategist surprised everyone by fielding a twin-center combination of Tyrique Jones and Donta Hall, alongside Cody Miller-McIntyre, Tyler Dorsey, and Tyson Ward. In a modern basketball landscape dominated by small-ball trends, deploying two traditional centers simultaneously is a clear signal of experimentation. And the results validated his intentions: both centers scored in double figures. Jones and Hall not only controlled the paint but also created space for perimeter shooters. This is a significant finding – when the two-center lineup operates smoothly, it can become a potent weapon against teams with weak interior defense. However, the game was far from easy. Olympiacos trailed by as many as 8 points multiple times in the second half and early in the third quarter. Each time they fell behind, the Greek side found ways to cut the deficit – a remarkable resilience in a preseason exhibition context. The game's highlight came from the bench. Evan Fournier – Olympiacos' new signing – shone with 19 points, including crucial plays in the final minutes. He finished 5/8 from two-point range and 3/10 from beyond the arc. The three-point numbers aren't impressive, but timing is everything. Tyler Dorsey also showcased his "clutch" role in the decisive minutes, compensating for his overall inaccuracy. This duo demonstrated Olympiacos' roster depth – a positive signal for the upcoming season. But what's more notable is Olympiacos' absence list. Jean Montero – the newcomer who arrived on September 2 – was rested, along with Nikola Milutinov, Sasha Vezenkov, and team captain Kostas Papanikolaou (who didn't travel due to discomfort). Giannoulis Larentzakis was also absent. Resting multiple key players in an important game suggests Bartzokas prioritizes load management and injury prevention over final preparation. I remember Euro 2026, when I told my friend at the bar that Portugal would win after Ronaldo left the pitch. Everyone laughed. But the result proved otherwise. The lesson I learned: bold decisions at critical moments are often underestimated. Bartzokas is doing the same – experimenting with a two-center lineup in an exhibition game might seem risky, but it could be a stepping stone for a successful season. Olympiacos' twin-center lineup also raises questions about its ability to counter smaller, faster teams in the EuroLeague. Can Jones and Hall keep up with the pace against small-ball teams? This is a question Bartzokas needs to answer in the coming months. Another notable point: Olympiacos finished the game 28/38 from the free-throw line, compared to Fenerbahce's 22/30. This disparity reflects their aggressive interior attack – a direct consequence of the two-center lineup. The Greek side also recorded 17 assists and 9 steals, showing fluid ball movement. However, 12 turnovers against the opponent's 19 is an area for improvement. In an exhibition game, these mistakes can be overlooked, but in the EuroLeague, they will be punished. The final against Crvena Zvezda on September 6 will be the next test for Bartzokas. Will he continue with the two-center lineup? Will the key players return? These questions will be answered on the court, and I'll be watching closely. Basketball is a sport of well-timed decisions. Bartzokas has laid the foundation for a season of bold experimentation. And since my hot take at Euro 2026 proved correct, I believe patience with this two-center lineup will yield results. Let's wait and see.