«We should stick to our plan»
A few hours following the win in Valencia, Olympiacos is called to play another demanding game. The ‘reds’ will be playing against Real in Madrid tomorrow (02/04, 21:00 CET), for the 33rd round of the Euroleague.
Just like in the game against the ‘taronjas’, Aaron Harrison will not be available for the game against the Madrilène either, since he continues experiencing lower back pain.
“We should stick to our game plan on both ends of the floor”, the ‘reds’ coach, Giorgos Bartzokas commented. “We must also be in control of our emotions, because right now, the opponent is experiencing more intense ones. We have to play with the same intensity like the one we played against Valencia and have a very good percentage with some emphasis points we are going to determine”.
And he went on to say: “It’s obviously important that we once again present a very good playing outlook. First of all, each victory makes you happy and allows you a better night. Losses are always painful and upsetting, no matter the opponent. The way the season has evolved, it’s important to complete it with the best record possible and make a final assessment of the season along with useful conclusions for all of us. However, for now, we have a very difficult game ahead. Real is competing to make the playoffs. They are not used to situations like this one, since they had been securing their playoffs spot early on. It’s going to be a very demanding and high intensity game”.
On his part, Shaquielle McKissic, pointed out: “It’s always good to come out on the floor and fight, regardless of your ranking or the one of your opponent’s. It’s good for the team, above all else. I don’t think there’s anyone that wants to lose when they play. So, we are going to have to fight hard against Real Madrid, just like we did against Valencia”.
The loss to the Spanish team at the SEF in the first round is one that the American guard is not going to forget. “That game is definitely motive for us. I have thought a lot about that game. Unfortunately, we lost, but I hope that we are going to be able to win the one that comes ahead. We want to come out on the floor, play hard and prove that we deserved to be in the playoffs”.
Talking about the keys to the game, he said: “We should really have to play very good defense to beat them. Play good on the box out and remain extremely focused”.