Scariolo: "It was a very entertaining game and I am happy we won"

Sergio Scariolo spoke to the media in the press room at Martín Carpena after the victory of our team by 92-96 against Unicaja, corresponding to the 20th round of the Liga Endesa. Our coach analyzed the game: "I think it was a very entertaining match. I am happy because this crowd, which will always be special to me, was able to enjoy a great game, with different moments, from a technical, individual, and tactical point of view, with different protagonists and a lot of excitement. Obviously, I am happy to have won." Real Madrid will face the Malaga team again on Thursday, February 19, in the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey.

"For us, this victory is very important because it is one of the toughest away games we have left in the regular season."

Unicaja's accuracy
"Unicaja's accuracy somewhat defined the game: on some occasions in the first half, we contributed by not being as attentive, and in others with incredible shots, because they have great shooters and are a very good team at creating and making baskets."

Turning the game around
"We had a rather weak second quarter, but little by little, in the second half, we started with another level of focus; a couple of adjustments, but I don't think they were that decisive. What really changed was the team understanding that this was an unusual game, four days before the Cup against the same opponent and with players missing on both sides. It's one thing to be aware of that, and another to not measure up, and we cannot allow that. The players understood it very well in the second half. Either team could have won. I'm happy that we won, but I think Unicaja also played a great game. Starting tomorrow, we will think about what's next." 

Halftime adjustments
"We reflected a bit, so to speak, on what I just mentioned. We said that we had to go possession by possession, without thinking about the score and without thinking at all that we were 17 points behind. Focusing on playing every possession ahead of us with intensity and intelligence. I'm also happy that Maledon has taken a step forward in his recovery, which is obviously not yet close to 100%, but today we were able to keep his minutes limited. No one played too much, which was logical at this point. That is also a positive point because, obviously, we need full energy. Thursday will be a completely different game from tonight."

Tactical aspect of the game
"It was also a complicated situation for us because, on one hand, you wanted to stick to an idea and maintain it without making major adjustments, but on the other hand, you had to ensure that the players maintained a minimum or good level of competitiveness, focus, and energy. There is always some detail that helps and comes in handy, but I think the most important thing is the sensations the players had on the court."