2024-04-12 22:17:21
In the last match of this Euroleague season, “Žalgiris” lost 62:64 to “Real” (27/7).
Playing without two key players (Arno Butkevičius and Tomas Dimša), the Žalgiris players finished the first half of the match trailing (25:31).
A. Trinchieri’s army entered the second part of the match with a different energy and started to reduce the result, but it was not enough. “Zalgiris” basketball players had to recognize the superiority of the champions.
K. Evans, who played confidently in the match, scored 14 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists and 16 utility points in 29 minutes.
“It was a disgusting game for both sides. We fought until the end but they hit the hard shots. Especially at the end. Great team fight, great support, but we couldn’t win”, K. Evans did not hide his sadness after the match.
– Kevarrius Hayes hit a 3-pointer. What was that moment like from your perspective?
– He also scored a three-pointer against the Milan team at the beginning of the season. He (K. Hayes) tries those shots in practice, sometimes he hits them. He was free, his shot was great. I saw it, I made the pass and we got a great result.
– In the whole season, K. Hayes records 66 percent. (2/3) long shot. Can he be a 3-point shooter?
– Of course. He didn’t even throw mid-range shots early in the season. He is more confident, hits more. Towards the end of the season, he’s throwing a lot and hopefully he’ll start throwing long-range shots as well.
– You finished in 14th place in the standings. How can you review the entire season?
– It was difficult, but we held on as a team. We fought until the end. The fans didn’t give up, so we didn’t give up either. It shows a lot of courage and trust in each other.
– How did the team change after the change of coaches?
– Coaches changed with half the season left. And that is a lot. We believed in a chance to make the playoffs, and a new coach always brings fire. You feel responsible for firing the coach. We wanted to reward the fans for their support and reward ourselves for our work in training. You don’t want to lose everything.
– This season is great for you, especially coming back after a serious injury. How has the relationship with the fans changed?
– It was a wonderful season. I thank God everyday. Especially after today’s game. It’s a gift. I want to show love to the fans. They support me. Should I go to buy food or right after the game. They always support me and I want to thank them for that.
– You got a lot of posters in the arena. What do you get from the fans?
– Pictures or notes, photos. I get such gifts after every match. It’s great.
– How do you see the rest of the season?
– We have to do what we did. Unbeaten at home and win away. The weather is getting better, there will be more free time because there will be no more trips to Europe. Everyone will get well and we will try to win.
– “Rytas” of Vilnius awaits at home on Sunday. What will the preparation be like?
– I don’t even think, it will be a serious match. After such an emotional defeat, one cannot think.
– Did you feel that this was your last match in “Žalgiris”?
– I don’t even think about it, there’s still a lot of season left. I’ve missed a lot of games but I’m looking forward to Betsafe-LKL, I want to contribute to the victory here.
2024-04-12 22:17:21