Minnesota Timberwolves vs. CSKA: 106-108 OT (+2)
Ettore Messina, CSKA head coach:
We got the win, but you should not exaggerate it. Minnesota used its rotation actively, its reserves got a lot of playing time. The opponents are started to prepare for the season recently, they are not in their best shape. From the other side, our team deserved some praises because the opponents had to return their leaders on the floor to cut the difference in the first half. I don’t think that coach Rick Adelman planned to use his leaders for more than 25 minutes, because it increases the risk of injury on this stage. They were able to cut our lead in just 5 minutes. But our players did not play for 40 minutes as well. Anyway I am happy. We improved CSKA image in America. We played a good game not only for ourselves but for the fans too. We moved the ball well on offense and we had some good moments on defense. We had 30 assists in the end and that means that we demonstrated team basketball. We had 8 players in double figures. So it was a good day for us. One of the key moments was the one when Victor Khryapa was fouled out and we tried to use two centers – Kaun and Hines – simultaneously for the first time. They interacted well, we were able to score important baskets playing disciplined basketball. I would like to note Micov’s three-pointer, Kaun’s dunks after Hines assists. And you should say good words about Teodosic who played shooting guard tonight. We will use him on this position often this season, I think he can make up a good duo with Pargo. Teodosic looked very well tonight after a long break.
