Scariolo: “We overcame a tricky match”
“Tavares is an example of how to play in a big team,” added the coach.
Sergio Scariolo spoke at a press conference after Real Madrid's win against Maccabi on matchday 21 of the EuroLeague (98-86). The coach analysed the game: “We managed to take the game with a certain calmness in the second half thanks to the recovery of the best defensive tone at the end of the second quarter. That was decisive and then we extended it into the third quarter.”
“We played well in attack, with good movement, a good percentage of shots and good accuracy. We've had a month in which we've managed to up the tempo of our games, knowing the characteristics and limitations we have against static defences. We need to continue to score baskets on the counter-attack. We have overcome this hurdle, a tricky game.”
On Tavares’ record
“I want to congratulate Tavares, he has become the greatest rebounder in the history of the EuroLeague. He deserves it for his whole career and for how he continues to help the team on a daily basis. He is a player who tries to play for the team to win, he doesn't care too much about showing off or his points. He is an example to follow of how to play in a big team. That's what I appreciate most about him.”
The team’s form
“We are first in the league and one win behind the leaders in the EuroLeague. We must have played some good minutes. The last four minutes of the second quarter gave us an impetus to move forward. I've been doing this for many years and I know that a team that works is growing, but it may not do it in an obvious way, and it certainly won't do it linearly.”
Playing without fans
"On a sporting level, it was an important loss for the team, just as it was for Barça or Valencia. But on a political level, I can't understand the reasons. As we do not share the same level of knowledge or information with those who make the decisions, we abide by them. Let's hope that this does not happen again in the future."