The Telekom Baskets Bonn secured Game 3 at the Fitness First Würzburg Baskets in an intense playoff thriller. After a strong start by Würzburg, the visitors turned the game around with an outstanding third quarter and held on to a narrow 80-76 lead to the finish.
As expected, the game started off intense and competitive. While Würzburg took a few minutes to find their offensive rhythm, they eventually got into the game, particularly through their three-point shooting. Charles Thompson (11 points, 5/6 FG) provided early energy under the basket, while Alen Pjanic and Brae Ivey (11, 3/6 3PM) hit key three-pointers.
The home team really turned up the heat, especially as the quarter wore on. An 8-0 run gave Würzburg its first clear lead, forcing Bonn to respond early in the second quarter. Nevertheless, the Franconians remained steady, defended aggressively, and deservedly went into halftime with a 44-36 lead.
Bonn turns it on full throttle after the break
After the break, however, the game changed abruptly. Bonn came out of the locker room with tremendous intensity and immediately launched an 8-0 run to tie the game. Shortly thereafter, the visitors took the lead for the first time, led by the strong Alijah Comithier (18, 7 REB).
The Telekom Baskets stepped up their game massively, especially on defense. Würzburg could barely find any solutions on offense, while Bonn defended aggressively and kept getting to the free-throw line. Notably, Marcus Carr (9, 1/3 FG, 1/10 3PM) went a long time without making a field goal and was visibly struggling with his shot. Bonn ended up winning the third quarter decisively, 19-7, and thus took control of the game.
Würzburg fights back late
The game remained completely open in the final quarter as well. Jalen Finch (16) hit important three-pointers for Bonn, but Würzburg kept answering. Davion Mintz (17) in particular brought the home team back into the game with several key long-range shots.
Just as Bonn seemed to be pulling away slightly, Würzburg launched one last comeback attempt. A 7-0 run finally brought the arena to a fever pitch, before Carr hit a three-pointer with less than a minute remaining to tie the game at 74-74.
Garrett decides the thriller
But Bonn once again had the right answer. After another offensive rebound, Jeff Garrett Jr. (13 points, 9 rebounds) hit an enormously important three-pointer to put the visitors back in the lead.
Würzburg then had a chance to win it, but Carr missed the final three-pointer of the game, and it was Garrett again who sank both free throws. With that, the Telekom Baskets Bonn secured an extremely important 80-76 road win and took a 2-1 lead in the quarterfinal series.