2024-03-29 15:00:58
Kaunas “Žalgiris” (14/18) defeated the team from the fashion capital of the world at home 87:73 (14:17, 21:20, 24:17, 28:19) and continues its journey towards the relegation. This is the third victory of the Kaunas team in a row.
“Zalgiris” basketball players, who started the second half of the match with a deficit of 2 points, quickly began to dissolve the difference and took the lead already in the middle of the third quarter.
E. Sumner, who played the most productive game in the match, scored 17 points, handed out 5 assists, intercepted 3 balls and collected 28 utility points in 15 minutes.
– Difficult first half of the match. How did you manage to change the game in their second installment?
– We came with more energy, we started to stop their attacks, we worked better with the ball.
– Regarding the defense, we saw psychological mistakes. How did you manage to fix them?
– We didn’t expect to get everything easily, this is basketball. I think the lack of energy was part of our problems, but in the second half we made less mistakes.
– The first performance on the field was marked by several mistakes, but the second one was amazing. How is your career in Europe performing?
– It’s just part of the process. Playing in Europe is different for me. I had not played European basketball. I think I’ve improved in the last three weeks, I’ve learned how to use my talent. The coach noticed me more, found how to exploit me more.
– At the beginning of the season, you played mainly in open positions. How has your coach improved your game?
– The coach is smart, he understands the game, he knows the players. He understood how to work with me. It doesn’t mean forcing interceptions anymore because I’m good on offense.
– You played in periods of 3-4 minutes. Does it help you relax?
– The coach said that I bring a lot of energy. I don’t care if I’m in the starting line-up or if I start from the bench. It’s just an ego thing. The most important thing for me is to help the team. I’ll give it my all and now at the end of the season I’m in great shape, so those short stretches are nothing to me.
– You compared European and American basketball. What is the difference in fan support? Are they energizing?
– I love them very much. I absorb that energy. I love basketball, so seeing fans who love it is amazing.
– Three victories in a row at the “Zalgiris” arena. Is the team ready for Monaco?
– Of course. We have to try, improve, but not give up. It doesn’t matter that we won three in a row. We have to listen to the coach, follow his plan. It won’t be an easy match.
– “Žalgiris” has 4-5 percent. a chance to qualify for the playoffs. Does it change the way players approach the game?
– We take all matches seriously. They are important to us and we will strive for victory.
– You did a great replay of James Harden, that stop and rebound shot. how did you feel
– It was fun. I know Alex Poythress, we played with him on the Indiana Pacers. He’s my man and I know he can defend, so it’s been a lot of fun.
– What did you eat before the match?
– I don’t follow a routine. I got my pre-match sports mix today. I used to drink it in the NBA but it’s not available here in Europe so I ordered it and got it today. I drank before the match, so I think that was the secret of success.
– The fans had a sign that Keenan Evans could be the mayor of Kaunas. Would he make a good politician?
“I think he would be great.” He loves Kaunas, he is smart, so I think he would be great.
2024-03-29 15:00:58