Κemzura: «Defense will be the key»
Olympiacos will be playing tomorrow (21/11, 20.00 CET) against Alba and the key for the team to return victorious from Berlin is going to be – according to Kestutis Kemzura – defense.
“They are a team keen to run the fast break, especially at the three point line. So transition game is going to be of massive importance for this game”, the ‘reds’ coach pointed out. And went on to say: “We’ll have to be especially careful in defense, especially when guarding shooters like Erickson and Gentraitis. Their guards facilitate and we need to stop them from doing that. We have to force them play more five on five”.
Asked on what it is his players need to be doing different compared to the game against Bayern, he replied: “We need to be making less turnovers. From there on, we need to play tough and make a few more fouls before the bonus. Not give them anything with ease”. Going on talking about the Munich game, he said that: “We had moments when we played good basketball. We made an excellent third quarter and it’s a pity that we lost our path in the 4th quarter, our rhythm. On the other hand, they made some difficult shots, when at the same time, we got stagnant with our offense. That was bad. I think that for the most part of the game, we played well’.
Finally, about Wade Baldwin’s good performance in the Tuesday game (19/11), he said: “We are happy. We saw his quality and think that we can incorporate him in our system. Playing with Rochestie helped him. Running the team and playing the point position does not really fit him. On the contrary, it fits Rochestie and they played well together”.
«Make precise decisions when attacking»
Augustine Rubit commented in regard to the game: “Alba is a tough team and a very aggressive one. We need to be precise with our offensive decisions, protect the ball and contain their transition game. If we play our style, we will make it. We have some good players. They also have good players, however, we have players like Printezis and Milutinov, who I think have an advantage in their positions. So, if we play our game and play tough throughout, we’ll be OK”.
Asked if he thinks the team showed signs of improvement, despite finally losing to Bayern, he replied: “Yes, we got better, however, we got the lead in many games and did not find a way to maintain it. So, yes, we are better, but still have way to go. Tomorrow, we need to stay focused and finish the game”.