Scariolo: "Our motivation is to go out and win every game"

Sergio Scariolo spoke ahead of the Real Madrid-Zalgiris Euroleague game 12 (Thursday, 8:45 pm CET). The coach talked about the game that will be played at the Movistar Arena: "We face one of the best teams in these first games of the Euroleague. They perform very well offensively, with a high shooting percentage and the ability to go on the counterattack, especially with the turnovers that they know how to force on their opponents."
"Offensively, we have to continue to be able to generate the high-percentage shots we've had so far, but try to convert. That's what completely changes everything, even when it comes to having more fluidity and space inside the paint. They will come. We've had games with a very high shooting percentage but without continuity. We have to keep working to generate those shots and practice them in training to try to grow in this ability to convert them into baskets."
Defence
"In general, we're being solid. There are situations where you have to face very good teams, especially those that play two or three handlers at the same time. That's a very difficult situation for a team with our structure and for anyone. That's what works today in the Euroleague. We have to be able to make multiple efforts in the same possession. The contribution in the paint has been good, but we have to grow in all areas."
Maledon
"He feels more comfortable as a one. That's obvious. Another thing is that he can adapt to playing as a two. For us, it's a resource that we can use, and we do. Then, the defensive side has to allow us to play with two relatively small players. That is sometimes possible and sometimes not. His nature and background have always been as a one, but he is showing that he can adapt to playing alongside Campazzo."
Motivation
"There will be wins and losses, but the motivation comes from playing against one of the teams in this start, to win a Euroleague game again and keep us in contention for the playoffs. In a competition like this, you always go out to win games at home and away, but the motivation is the same as always: to go out to win every game."
On the state of the team
"We have some last-minute decisions on a couple of players. We'll see tomorrow, but I don't think we'll have a full squad in the end."
Almansa with Spain
"He has already played a few games with Spain in previous windows. To compete and give him minutes in some international games is a good idea."