Scariolo: “In the end, we lost a bit of clarity in attack”
“We have to look ahead with self-criticism and not lose confidence in all we have done since the start of the season,” said the coach after the final.
Sergio Scariolo spoke in the press room of the Roig Arena after the Copa del Rey final. The coach analyzed the match: “I want to congratulate Baskonia, who deserved to win, Paolo Galbiati, the coaching staff, the fans, and the club. In a way, it is good for Spanish basketball that Baskonia has regained so many positions this year. On our part, I don't have much, honestly, to reproach the players' effort. I think that was there. Evidently, we had difficulties in protecting our paint. We allowed too many finishes at the rim, struggled a bit in one-on-one defense, and in help defense.”
“We managed to make them shoot with a very low percentage, but within the 29% shooting, of the seven three-pointers they made, six were from the big men. That forced us, instinctively, to step out too much. Obviously, Diakite's three-pointers were within logic, but Omoruyi's were not. He had an 11% three-point percentage until now, and his three three-pointers were game-changing. We reached the last three minutes with the game tied, and in the end, we lost a bit of clarity in attack, losing some important balls and missing some free throws and shots in those final three minutes. In the end, Baskonia, who kept their confidence and efficiency, was the rightful winner.”
Looking ahead
“We are disappointed, but the progress we have made since October until now allowed us to play a very good Copa del Rey until just a few minutes before the final ended. It is not something to throw away. It is a foundation to build upon. In a few days, we have another important game, and it won't be easy to lift our heads and compete again, but that is what we have to do. Knowing that we did many things well, some things poorly, and knowing how to correct them.”
“There are two competitions left, probably the most important ones, and we are in a good position in both. We cannot let this affect us. It won't be easy, but that is our task at this moment because tonight's game cannot be replayed, and we have to be able to look ahead with self-criticism. At the same time, not lose confidence in all that we have done since the start of the season.”
Managing the final minutes
“Evidently, something was missing, surely that extra edge to prevent the shots by Forrest and Howard, two rebounds we lost, and also patience and clarity in attack, as we missed two shots.”
What was missing to close the game?
“My experience tells me that a team that reaches the final without any pressure has more lightness and calmness in the final minutes to make their decisions and succeed. That said, on more than one occasion, we had a fairly good lead.”
Disclaimer: Translation generated by artificial intelligence. It may contain inaccuracies.