CSKA vs. Khimki Moscow Region: 76-74 OT
Evgeny Pashutin, CSKA Head Coach:
The victory was difficult and important. Khimki is our main rival, which improved its roster in the offseason, demonstrates a good game, lost to Panathinaikos in the overtime only and now forced us to play additional 5 minutes. For us it became a problem that our shooters, Langdon and Siskauskas, today could not find their shot. Realizing this, Khimki played "off a percentage", allowing us to shoot from the perimeter and closing the paint. Because of that the game turned out pretty slow, equal, difficult. The team is growing in these games. If somebody out of rhythm - others can carry a load. I would like to note Kaun, Khryapa, Planinic, Holden. They took the initiative in the most difficult moments. Planinic and Holden scored a number of important baskets. But Kaun and Khryapa please me particularly, they are the Russian National Team players, and they show a highest level, the level of the Euroleague. Today, they beat a strong Khimki front line. Kind words can be said about Sokolov. Today he helped. I can not blame him for his fouls: Dima came out to stop Javtokas and to show a tough game. He has fully complied with coaching plan.
