2024-03-29 08:24:05
In the packed “Žalgiris” arena, the Kaunas beat the Milan basketball players 87:73.
In the first match in Milan, the Kaunas team beat Ettore Messina’s students 83:70. This is the third victory of the Lithuanian champions in the Euroleague in a row.
Since A. Trinchieri took over the helm of “Žalgiris” – this is the seventh victory of the Kaunas in the home arena in eight matches played (the only time they lost at home was against “Olympiakos” Piraeus 76:95).
This is the Italian’s ninth victory at the helm of Zalgiris in the EuroLeague. Led by A. Trinchieri, “Žalgiris” fell six times in the prestigious championship of the Old Continent.
After this victory, A. Trinchieri spoke in Lithuanian at the press conference.
“What an evening, what an atmosphere, what a match, what players I have,” A. Trinchieri began the press conference. – Even the best writer or film director could not write such a story. We played against the hottest team in the EuroLeague, who beat Monaco and Fenerbache, who scored all the shots.
In the first half of the match, we hit 4 out of 16 three-pointers, where even 10 were free and we didn’t hit them, we weren’t lucky… I told my team – we’ll score two three-pointers, they’ll be Until we meet again (goodbye) and we will spread our wings. I am very happy for our organization. I have to say a big thank you to the whole arena (said in Lithuanian), which pushed us forward to play beyond our capabilities.”
Edmond Sumner played an impressive game tonight, scoring 17 points (4/4 doubles, 2/2 triples, 3/4 penalties), 5 assists, 2 steals, 6 fouls and accumulated as many as 28 utility points.
In terms of points and utility points, these were career records for the American in the EuroLeague.
“I asked him where he was for three months. Of course I’m kidding. He is a very positive guy. It’s great to be around him, he always has a smile on his face, he’s talented. Edmonds is a newcomer to the Euroleague. He needed a lot of time where he learned from his mistakes, bad fouls, bad matches…
The reason we have his performance is because, basically, some water has to go under the bridge because he just wanted to be coached. I was hard on him, but this is the best reward. This is the signing of a new player. I believe he is happy too. He deserved the ovation he received from the fans,” A. Trinchieri said about the student.
There are only two games left until the end of the EuroLeague regular season, and “Žalgiris” still has a chance to fight for a place in the playoffs.
What kind of face can we expect from Zalgiris in the remaining two matches in the Euroleague?
“I am very grateful to my players for the fact that we are still in contention for the playoffs. Being on that list and staying out of the fight… That’s the only thing that matters. Now we want to recharge our batteries, rest, and then think about what we can do next. We have very little chances, but less is better than no chances at all,” the Italian taught.
– Lukas Lekavičius scored 10 points tonight and was especially useful in stretches. Isn’t it that Luke gets too little credit for his better episodes?– A. Trinchieri was asked.
– I think he had a lot of good matches. He is our microwave. I think of him as our Vinnie Johnson who once played for the Detroit Pistons. He scores points, sits on the bench and his face never changes. I think Lukas could play two roles, scorer or serial killer. I can’t see anything anymore. He is very strong psychologically. I am very happy because of him. He knows that I like him very much.
– Laurynas Birutis had several good episodes on the pitch, when he passed the ball to his teammates in sections and gave the team second chances.
“It wasn’t his best game.” I told him that. He must expect a very tough and physical match. He wasn’t ready for that. But he was still good, even though he didn’t finish the shots he usually finishes, he lacked toughness. But he was very good pikenrolo on defense and fighting for offensive rebounds. That’s a good sign for me because some matches don’t go the way you plan. You have to find ways to be useful and help your team.
– During the match, there was a poster where Keenan Evans was invited to be the mayor of Kaunas. What do you think about it?
– I believe he can do everything at this point.
– If Keenan Evans plays a good first part of the game, he will have a good second part every time. Are there reasons for this?
– This is the thing we talked about. I did not invent anything new. Leaders in basketball involve the team first, and then their role expands. Keenan makes some very important shots. In our team, the hierarchy is very clear. He trusts his teammates.
Keenan didn’t lead the parade in the third quarter, but Davyd, Edgar and Arn… they played extremely aggressively. With those performances from his teammates, Keenan was able to stay fresh when he needed to.
We knew that at some point Milan would change defensively and Keenan solved their defense perfectly. If he had done that in the first half, he would have lost energy and many other things. When his time comes, he becomes a killer.
2024-03-29 08:24:05