Credit: Zuma Press – Scanpix
Credit Zuma Press – Scanpix

"Who was the MVP tonight?", Sarunas Jasikevicius asked the little boy who was prowling around the press conference room. That boy was Aleksej Mirotic, Nikola Mirotic's son, who accompanied his father during his statements after being named Spanish Copa del Rey MVP. 

Nikola Mirotic

Nikola  Mirotic
Team: FC Barcelona
Position: PF, SF
Age: 31
Height: 208 cm
Weight: 102 kg
Birth place: Podgorica, Montenegro

For the second time in his career, the media and the fans selected Mirotic as the Spanish Cup MVP. His first one was back in 2014 with Real Madrid. The power forward tied Thomas Heurtel and Sergio Llull in the historical MVPs list. 

Mirotic's impact on Granada was certain. When the ball burned, he did not hide. He assumed his shots. He made a step up. He performed as one of the most decisive players in Europe, if not the best.

When FC Barcelona were down by 5 against UCAM Murcia in the semifinals, he scored six points in a row.

In the final against Madrid, he made 11 of his 19 points in a stunning third quarter while Barcelona were trying to overcome the Blancos. 

The Montenegrin finished the Spanish Cup campaign averaging 16 points and 23,3 PIR in three games. Consistency. Leadership. 

Mirotic has often been reproached for his irregular performances in the big moments. BasketNews asked him if this tournament was his best one in terms of leadership, and it could be a turning point.

"Yes, it could be. But I always put the team above. And the coaching staff. They are the ones who put me in the best position on the court," Niko began.

"I felt a lot of responsibility in this Cup. Saras has also given me the ball in important moments. I was able to help the team. As I say, everyone is important. There is no leader, we are many.

I felt pretty well in this Cup, especially physically. Every night I had to cope with tough defenses, but talent, desire, and rage have come out of me to achieve the title," he revealed.

Mirotic and Jasikevicius were leading the celebration in the court, looking at the stands while fans were singing Barcelona's anthem. The MVP recognized the coach's talk during halftime.

"He did an excellent job, especially at the halftime. His speech was awesome. I got goosebumps while he was talking to us. He trusts in us. He made us believe," confessed Mirotic.  

Mirotic had a special message for Barcelona's fans who were at Granada.

"They have been amazing during the whole tournament. They helped us a lot. When I signed here, I committed with the fans to win titles. So here we are, reaching our goals. Now we want more," he concluded.

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