Scariolo: “We didn’t know how to finish the job”
“We lost because we didn’t play the last possessions well,” explained the coach after the game against Baskonia.
Sergio Scariolo analyzed the game played by Real Madrid at the Buesa Arena, corresponding to matchday 35 of the Euroleague: “It’s quite frustrating to lose like this. From the middle of the second quarter until the end, after overcoming a rough patch, we were ahead on the scoreboard. The shooting percentages were almost identical. We shot better free throws, rebounded better, had more recoveries, fewer turnovers, more assists, more blocks… A 20-point difference in evaluation and we lost. Why? Because in the last possessions, both offensive and defensive, we didn’t play well, and we made mistakes while being 7 points ahead with possession inside the last two minutes that we shouldn’t have made.”
“This isn’t the first time this has happened to us, and we need to reflect on it. If we can do something better to pressure the last shots instead of allowing three-pointers that seem contested but we give half a meter of space, if we can improve the execution of the last attacks, if we can avoid making a foul right at the end of the time, conceding two free throws without the chance to reply. These are concentration mistakes that we cannot allow.”
Turning the page
“The game was well managed by Baskonia. I don’t want to take away any credit from their effort and accuracy; they did very well, but honestly, I leave frustrated because we didn’t know how to finish the job. We need to keep our heads up and focus on the next game.”
Things to improve
“This has happened to us two or three times. You can approach the end of the game in a good position, but then you need to know how to finish. Winning half of those games would have placed us at the top of the standings. It’s our fault, and let’s see if we can face another game’s ending with superior levels of concentration, attention, defensive control, and toughness.”
Last three matchdays
“I want to see the team that I see every game but with the ability to play the endings. The standings in the League and Euroleague are there, but the attention to details and concentration on small things is not where it should be.”
Disclaimer: Translation generated by artificial intelligence. It may contain inaccuracies.