CSKA vs. Khimki Moscow region: 89-84 (+5)
CSKA: Antonov (12 + 4 rb + 4 pf), Rodriguez (26 + 4 rb + 10 as + 2 st), Higgins (19), Kurbanov (3 rb + 2 as + 4 pf), Hunter (14 + 7 rb + 2 st) – start; Rudd (0), Fridzon (0), Westermann (2), Vorontsevich (0), Clyburn (16 + 7 rb + 2 as + 2 bs), Khryapa (DNP), Makiev (DNP)…
Khimki: Shved (12 + 7 as + 5 to), Vyaltsev (8 + 2 as + 4 pf), Gill (24 + 5 rb), Jenkins (9 + 4 rb + 2 st), Thomas (7) – start; Robinson (2 + 7 rb + 4 pf), Zaytsev (0), Markovic (11 + 5 rb + 3 as + 4 pf), Monya (DNP), Todorovic (0), Zubkov (4 rb), Anderson (11)…
Dimitris Itoudis, CSKA head coach:
Congratulations to the players with the victory. It was another typical playoff game, played on a high level of intensity. We approached it moment by moment, possession by possession, quarter by quarter. We won three quarters again and got well-deserved win. We started slowly because we were looking for the ways to play without two key players. We found our game gradually, started to play better in small details. Obviously, we could do even better but I am positive. I think wisdom was on our side tonight. When Khimki got back to the game, we read the situations, we were calm and took the game to the ending that we wanted. We have 5 days to prepare for the next game, to change some details. I would like also to thank the fans who helped us with their loud support.
Hines and De Colo have muscle injuries that require time to recover. If I am not mistaken, Hines need another 14-15 days due to his schedule. Kyle is feeling good, his muscle structure allows him to rehab quicker. Nando got the same injury as he had in the game vs Darussafaka in 2016. He is doing his treatments, we follow his progress and believe that he will be able to come back soon. Nando is very professional about his physical shape so we think he will be good. We will also use time left to the Game 3 to heal our wounds.
