Bartzokas: «We should be cautius of turnovers»
Olympiacos departed Thursday afternoon (05/03) to Istanbul, where tomorrow (06/03, 18.30 CET) will be playing against Anadolu Efes for the 28th Euroleague round.
Nikola Milutinov, who has not recovered fully from his injury, was not included in the delegation.
"The only thing we keep from the game against Panathinaikos are the two points", is what the Olympiacos coach, Giorgos Bartzokas got to stress, asked about what the team managed to store from winning against the 'greens'. And went on to say: "Of course, we all know that these games that are very intense, before, during and after the game, always have an impact. However, the game we have ahead of us is very demanding. We play against the best Euroleague team this season and if we are not focused, we are going to be in big trouble".
About what the 'reds' aim to be doing to leave with the victory from such a tough court like the one of Efes, he said: "We aim to improve some parts of our game where we seem to still have a lot of room to improve. In the last two games, despite having won against Panathinaikos and lost to Maccabi by only one point at the end, we made too many turnvoers. We gave a lot of balls in our opponents hands and it's very important not to make turnovers, especially on the road. From there on, we have to attain consistency and avoid ups and downs between quarters. Efes is a team that always has three facilitators in the perimeter at the same time and if you are not extremely focused, you are going to be having huge problems with your defense".
Finally, when asked to comment on Shaquielle McKissic, he said: "Each time, when you sign a player, you see some of his elements and think about whether they fit into the style of basketball you want to be playing. So, at first I can this, that he fits in our style of basketball and is a player we needed. From there on, whether he will be consistent and whether he will be playing well, it all depends on him. He's a guy that listens to what you tell him, he has his eyes opan at all times and is willing to execute the game plan and it is obvious that he's also qualified to do so. If he remains humble and composed, he's going to be helping us a lot".
On his part, Dwight Buycks stated in regard to the first derby of his career between the 'eternal' rivals. "It was incredible just being there and being part of this game. It's really unique. Our fans were there to support us and they supported us with all their might. It was trully an exceptional moment. For real".
On his impression in regard to Olympiacos and how far he thinks the team can go this season, he said: "We have the pieces. We have a great team, but above all else, we work as a team and everyone is following the system in order to play the right way. I think we have what it takes and we need to continue the same way to make a strong finish, with the hope to make the playoffs and also make our presence there of consequence. The Euroleague is extremely competitive and that's what we need. To be competitive at every game, to give our best and that everyone steps up for the team. As a whole, I believe we can make it".
About the fact that he's going to be facing one of the top guards in the Euroleague, Shane Larkin, he said: "He's a great player. He's a European fixture and has been playing at the highest level. That's very important to me. To be playing at the highest level. However, what I want above all else is to come on the court and do whatever it takes for my team to win. It's going to be a very competitive and good game. However, we are all high level players and we all want to win".