Olympiacos overcomes key absences: Fournier and Dorsey shine in fourth quarter

In the moment Tyler Dorsey stepped behind the three-point line with the score at 79-77 in favor of Olympiacos, head coach Georgios Bartzokas could finally breathe — his team had just defeated Fenerbahce 82-77 in the Crete tournament semifinal, despite missing several key players. It was not a perfect victory. It was a victory of those who knew exactly what they needed to survive. The broader picture shows Olympiacos, defending European champions, are in early preparation for the new season. The Crete tournament, while not highly competitive, serves as a real testing ground — where coaches measure their team's adaptability, especially without their best roster available. The win against Fenerbahce, Turkish champions, is an early affirmation of Olympiacos' standing in this tournament. More importantly, the 82-77 victory demonstrates that this team possesses a core solid enough to withstand pressure. When several key players are absent, concerns about collective play disruption typically arise. But the reality on court tells a different story — a team that knows how to pick up where it left off. Evan Fournier, the former NBA player with 12 years of professional experience, led the offense during the crucial stretch. He not only scored but created space for teammates. The composure of an NBA veteran in the final minutes showed he is trusted to make important decisions — something Coach Bartzokas clearly demonstrated through his rotation choices. Tyler Dorsey, Fournier's partner in the fourth quarter, showed increasingly better fit within the tactical system. Both carried the game through individual skill and transmitted calm to the entire team during the most tense moments. This signals a relationship being built through training. What's notable is that Olympiacos did not fall into chaos despite player absences. Instead, the team demonstrated in-game adjustment flexibility — a crucial characteristic for any team competing at the European level. Coach Bartzokas was clear: the team does not need additional personnel from outside at this time. His concise answer shows he believes in what he has. However, this is also when the question analysts must track emerges: is the roster depth sufficient to maintain performance as pressure increases? One game cannot represent the full picture. Extended absences of key players could create burden for Fournier, Dorsey, and others. Another detail often overlooked: the return of former players like Peters and Wright. The club's message — "once red and white, forever red and white" — is not merely a marketing slogan. It reflects a locker room culture where loyalty and commitment are prioritized. In modern sports, where contracts and release clauses influence many decisions, this becomes increasingly valuable. Fournier, in post-game remarks, emphasized the team still has a "good core." This statement is not just confidence after victory. It shows he understands the value of what exists — a lesson only players with experience can grasp. Olympiacos will face Red Star in the final on Sunday, September 6. This will be the next test for their momentum. Another victory will strengthen their tournament standing, but more importantly, it will show that building from within is working. The transfer market may suggest other options for Olympiacos. But for Coach Bartzokas, the answer is clear: the team does not need anyone else right now. Hot news cools down, and the right decision does not need to be broadcast urgently. That is how a team matures through moments — not through flashy signings, but through belief in what already exists.