Chus Mateo: “We can't afford to relax because of the win in game one”
“We have to defend as a team and shine as a unit if we're going to beat Baskonia,” underlined the coach.
Chus Mateo spoke to the press in the buildup to Game 2 of the quarter-final playoff series with Baskonia, due to be played at the Buesa Arena tomorrow (Friday, 9:15pm CEST): “We have to take each game as it comes. We can't afford to relax because of the win the other day. We're preparing for this as an individual clash. Of course we have it mind, but we're only focused on winning this game. There is only one game on the horizon, tomorrow's."
“It was a crucial game for us the other day because it was the start of a short playoff series. We didn't play great at times, but we had spells where defended brilliantly and built up some good runs. That's what we need to look at. We have to defend as a team, maintain our connection and show we can shine as a unit from an offensive perspective than individually. We know how talented their players are. They have a lot of points in them and it's vital we're strong in defense."
Abalde
“I always allow all kinds of players to step up and lead, as is the case with Alberto. I'm thrilled to see he's so committed and will raise his voice and be heard at any given moment. He's got that commitment which means he puts the team first."
Game 2
“We know they have huge point-scoring capabilities and we can't afford to lose our composure. We have to put on a complete performance, stay strong in defense, solid, and make few mistakes. They had high two-point percentages, we lost a lot of balls and we have to cut that out."