There was a small window in the match where Monaco tried to convince themselves that they could do the damage.

It lasted about a decade. That is while Olympiacos was looking for rhythm, with 0/5 threes and some rushed picks. From there, the game took its natural flow and the “reds” prevailed 91-70 over Monaco.

Giorgos Bartzokas’ players turned up the intensity on defense, closed down lanes and made possessions that set the pace on offense.A +9 halftime lead (45-36) was just the beginning. Within minutes, the lead shot up to +16 (60-44) in the third quarter and then touched +20, with the SEF on fire.

The image of the second half leaves no room for “details”-type analyses. Olympiacos was better everywhere. In defense, in movement, in rebounding, in pure basketball mind. Vezenkov leads the way When Sasha Vezenkov plays like that, the ceiling rises dangerously. With 20 points and 3/6 3-pointers, even after a blow that left him with four stitches in his nose, he set the tone.

And he wasn’t alone. Nikola Milutinov had a double-double (13 points, 10 rebounds) and dominated the boards. Corey Joseph provided something different that has been missing all season from the ace: 13 points, creativity, defense and, most importantly, a clear mind. Evan Fournier added 13 points and 7 rebounds, while Tyler Dorsey, although visibly affected by injury, found 11 points.

And then there are the “little things” that make the difference: Tomas Walkup’s 7 assists, Doda Hall’s defense and cuts, Alec Peters’ energy. Olympiacos doesn’t rely on one. It’s a machine with many cogs and they all work. On the other hand, Monaco’s performance confirmed what they have shown all year. Mike James tried (19 points, 7 assists), Alpha Diallo provided solutions (15 points), but the whole thing didn’t hold up.

Limited rotation, constant games and minor injury problems – highlighted by Daniel Tice coming in and out of the locker room – played a role. When the game opened up, Monaco had no answers. And therein lies the bottom line: Olympiacos didn’t just win. They showed that they can impose their rhythm and “shut down” the opponent when they step on the gas.

The series is at 1-0, but the real battle is ahead. The second game in the Peace and Friendship Stadium tonight won’t necessarily look like the first. Playoff history has shown that big wins often bring relaxation. And therein lies the catch. Giorgos Bartzokas knows it. The players have lived it. This Olympiacos is powdered.Five Final Fours in a row don’t come by accident. They require focus, discipline and – most importantly – respect for the process. The minor issues of Tyson Ward and Tyler Dorsey are being monitored, but the depth of the roster provides solutions. And the psychology is where it needs to be. If 2-0 comes, then the trip to the principality will be a mission.

With two chances to go 3-0 and qualify. The so-called “sweep”, which at these levels is not simple, but looks achievable. Olympiacos took the first step. And did it in a way that sends a message to all of Europe. But the playoffs are not forgiving. They don’t remember what happened yesterday, only what will happen tomorrow.

The Final Four is there, on the horizon. It shows clearly. But to get there, you have to keep playing like you did the day before yesterday: with intensity, with a plan, with a clear mind. And most importantly, without believing for a second that it’s over. Because that’s usually when the problems start.