Kaunas have won three matches in a row and with 14 wins they are in 11th place and are still fighting for a place in the playoffs.
True, in order to get to the next stage, there is almost no doubt that the Kaunas must beat both Monaco and Real Madrid in the remaining matches.
The first obstacle is the Monegasques. Having won 21 games, Monaco’s basketball players are in 3rd place and are fighting for a better position in the playoffs.
“Monaco” club won the first match in Kaunas with the result 83:79.
Before the upcoming match, “Žalgiris” strategist A. Trinchieri was proud of what his students managed to create before this match and said that the Kaunas must play a perfect match on Thursday.
“There are two games left in the EuroLeague regular season and we will meet the giant Monaco. They are an athletic, talented Final Four team with a lot of power. I always want to see good things. The fact that we have “survived” to this point and are still fighting for something is a big deal.
I believe we should go into the match like sailors with the wind at our backs. We know how difficult the match will be. We have to play our best game offensively and defensively. We must remain focused, physically, emotionally stable, think with a cool mind. Everything that has happened in the last few months should encourage us to go forward”, said the “Žalgiris” strategist about the upcoming matches.
– Now it is popular to calculate various probabilities of getting to the playoffs…
– I don’t know a single thing about these scenarios and I’m completely spitting on it. 1 or 0.1 percent is better than nothing. My team showed that they can, they are ready to fight, to play the best possible basketball. It’s amazing that we’re still playing for something. Calculating these probabilities is a matter for other people. I know you need to count.
– And do you like these calculations?
– I don’t like it or don’t like it. The question is, can I replace them? The numbers do not depend on me, I cannot change them.
– Mike James became the all-time leading scorer in the EuroLeague. Would winning the title be enough for him to be considered the best Euroleague player of all time?
– In my opinion, we are talking about the best possible player. What Mr. James gives on the basketball court is amazing. I said that many years ago. Becoming the all-time leading scorer for him is an achievement that only adds to his impressive career, but to me he has nothing left to prove. I know how good he is.
Accomplishments are part of that job, but it doesn’t change how well he plays. There are plenty of Hall of Fame players who didn’t win an NBA title. Are we saying they weren’t that great because they didn’t win the title? It’s not the player who wins the title, it’s the team.
I believe M. James is one of the best. Which place – first, second or third is subjective. M. James can do everything.
– Berlin’s ALBA is against him after using box and one. How do you look at such a tactical decision and can you remember more ways to stop M. James?
– Mr. James likes to share his ideas and opinions. He then said that he did not enjoy playing. M. James has the whole package – he can pass, he can shoot, he can finish attacks. I don’t believe one defensive scheme can stop him. He can have a good day or a bad day, but I don’t believe that’s the main point.
You’re still standing in front of the whole team. You still have to deal with Elie Okobo, Jordan Lloyd, John Brown, J.Blossomgame, Donat Motiejūnas, Alpha Diallo. They are a Final Four team.
Of course M. James is their leader, but there are more good players. However, focusing only on him would be a basketball sin. There are other good players. E. Okobo, J. Lloyd can score 20 or more points. I’m a big fan of Mr. James, but I’ve been in this field for over 20 years, so I really know what it’s like to play against such a good team.
– What is the situation of Roland Šmitas?
– He is trying to overcome the pain. We will see on matchday, but he is still without rhythm.
– How do you prepare for such matches, when so many players can score a lot of points?
– I go to church and light candles. The main thing when you go up against players of this caliber is to try to play your best game, knowing that every move you make can have consequences. There is a price you pay. If you pull your troops to stop one player, other dangerous players appear. Must have prepared a very balanced game plan.
