As the year draws to a close, «Astana» heads to Krasnoyarsk for their final game of 2024, taking on «Enisey.» Here's what to expect from this match.
The 2024/25 season has seen «Enisey» undergo significant changes, with key players departing for other clubs. The absence of leaders like Xavier Rathan-Mayes («Real»), Jeremiah Martin («Uralmash»), Mikael Hopkins («Fukushima Firebonds»), Bo Beach («Formosa Dreamers»), and Vladimir Karpenko (CSKA) has left its mark. Despite this, head coach Jovica Arsić continues experimenting with rotations to find the formula for success. Currently sitting 10th in the standings (6 wins, 15 losses), «Enisey» has struggled to replicate last season's shape. Contributing factors include a smaller league lineup—intensifying the playoff race—and a revamped VTB United League schedule.
Still, «Enisey» has delivered some standout performances, including wins over «Nizhny Novgorod» (79:77), two victories against «Parma» (89:61, 64:81), and triumphs over MBA (58:72, 78:76). In November, they came close to upsetting «Lokomotiv-Kuban» (70:73).
Key contributors for «Enisey» include Victor Sanders (12.7 points), Timofey Gerasimov (12.3 points), and Sergey Dolinin, who dominates the boards with 5.6 rebounds per game.
Boost from the National League
After a tough game against «Parma» in the VTB League, «Astana» returned to winning ways in the National League, securing back-to-back victories over «Caspiy» (98:60, 87:70). Captain Rustam Murzagaliev shined in both games, posting 21 and 14 points, while point guard Grigory Motovilov returned from injury with 13 points and 8 assists. Center Askar Maidyakin contributed a double-double (11 points, 11 rebounds). These performances bring optimism as «Astana» looks to end the year on a high note.
Head-to-Head
The teams have faced off 23 times in the VTB United League, with «Enisey» leading the series 17-6. «Astana's» last victory came on March 1, 2020, with a score of 78-64.
Gleb Plotnikov, Acting Head Coach, «Astana»:
«We're up against a solid opponent, and we'll do our best to deliver a strong performance for our fans.
Yes, Grisha is back after a long break. While he's still in recovery, he's eager to help the team on the court. We hope playing will help him regain his peak form soon.»
Grigory Motovilov, Point Guard, «Astana»:
«‘Enisey’ is a well-coordinated team capable of playing quality basketball at times. We'll need maximum focus on defence and follow the game plan to secure a positive result. I'm feeling good and am excited to be back on the court.»
Game Details
Match: «Enisey» vs. «Astana»
Date & Time: 25 December, 17:30
Venue: Arena «Sever,» Krasnoyarsk
Broadcast: Club website, VTB United League website
