Chus Mateo: "We're going into the game as if we were 0-0"
"We have to be fully focused and match their toughness", explained Deck regarding the third game of the Euroleague playoffs against Baskonia.
Chus Mateo and Gabriel Deck talked ahead of the EuroLeague playoff third game against Baskonia (Wednesday, 8:30pm CEST). The coach referred to the game that will be played at the Buesa Arena: "It's one of the most difficult places to play in Europe. Their fans really get behind their team and push them hard. We're going into the game as if we were 0-0. That's the way we have to do it because we've still not achieved anything. It's a tough court with side with a lot of attacking talent. I would ask the team to be very focused and be very switched on. We have to be conscious that what's in the past is in the past and we're only thinking about this game".
"We have a good atmosphere but we have to back it up on the court. We've got the full squad available and we're doing well, but it's one game and every game is a different story. We're heading into the playoffs with a good mentality, without a doubt, but we mustn't underestimate any game".
Development of the series
"The series has gone the way we thought it would, we've done our job well and we've had the right attitude and the right mentality. They're showing a great attitude but we have to improve some things like our defensive balance. We have to continue fighting to lose as few turnovers as possible and not give points away on the bounce, because they punish us for it. As a team, we know that we have to defend together and we have to be vigilant in that respect".
How do you expect Baskonia to start?
"I have to be ready for whatever may happen in the game. Being mentally tough is crucial in the playoffs and you have to look to take the game to the end with the possibility of winning, regardless of how the game starts".
Stopping Marcus Howard
"He's an outstanding player. He's going to shoot tough shots because he makes them all the time. We need to be consistent and not let our heads go down when he makes those shots. It's important to do the job and be out there. If he makes 35 and we win, we'll take that. We must not forget to focus on the important things as a team, such as defensive balance, rebounds and one-on-ones".
Deck: We have to go out focused
"The team has been focused in both games, looking to stop their bench players. Afterwards, we have looked to play our game and dominate the rebounding, which is important for us".
Mentality
"We can't think about the last two games. We're playing at their place, which is a difficult court. They'll be at their best from the off and we have to play as if it's 0-0 so that we don't lose our focus".
Important factors
"It's important for us to control their key players so that they don't play to their level. We have to stick to that dynamic and look to slow them down because otherwise it will become a problem. We have to be fully focused and match their toughness".