Scariolo: “We recovered our intensity in the third quarter”

Sergio Scariolo analysed Real Madrid’s victory against Surne Bilbao Basket at the Movistar Arena. The coach said after the League matchday seven encounter: “These games are always difficult because we're playing against opponents who obviously have less talent and physical strength, but they're organised, have quality and are well prepared for the game. I'm very happy with how we've started. We've won three of the four quarters.”
“We played worse after we built up our biggest lead, in a very strange play that I'm asking to be reviewed, because we don't think it was a shooting foul, and they review it and I've never seen anything like it in my life, where they punish you with an unsportsmanlike foul. At that point, it's clear that we got nervous and had a negative run. We trailed a bit until the third quarter, when we regained the right intensity and continued with a lot of energy for the rest of the game.”
Shooting percentage
“We have to stay calm when the outside shots aren't coming off. Statistically, we are one of the teams that generates the most open shots in the competition, but the percentage of those shots is low. That leads to a perfect attack turning into a failure and the players getting frustrated. I told them at half-time to keep shooting the open shots because the game will ultimately prove us right. We will have to improve this aspect, but the quality of the game generates a high percentage, but sometimes it doesn't go in.”
Rotations and Garuba's performance
“I congratulate Usman because he's in the process of improving physically. We decided not to play Alex Len because we wanted Garuba to have more space. We decided to rest Lyles, who is one of the team's most outstanding players. We have to get to a point where we are healthy and fit much further down the line, and the contribution of the players from the bench is important and even decisive. Today, Garuba was a standout player."
Final quarter
“The first and last quarters were the best. The third was good. I really appreciate that, in such a tough schedule, the players can show that commitment, cohesion and desire to win. It's commendable to have done so when it's difficult to recover in this type of game.”
Llull
“He had some very good moments and, as always, showed his leadership and energy. He also made some important baskets. He gave his all defensively against tough opponents. I rate his performance very highly.”