CSKA vs. Asseco Prokom: 84-73
Evgeny Pashutin, CSKA head coach:
“It’s time for deciding games and we made a step forward today. Unfortunately, we were unable to keep the big margin in the end but the win was our main goal. We fully executed our game plan. Our opponents scored from the three-point line with great percentage in the first half and we asked our players to apply more pressure on the perimeter after the break. And if you press for 40 minutes the percentage will drop down. We made Prokom to put the ball to the other players’ hands and it played into our hands. We shortened our rotation again but I don’t see that as a tragedy. First, those who were valuable for the team stayed on the court. Second, the best players in the world play for 40 minutes every game, and I don’t think that our leaders, stars who attract fans, should stay on the bench when their contribution is important for the result.”
Tomas Pacesas, Prokom head coach:
“I am glad that we did not lose with big margin. CSKA is stronger today. Our two-point shots percentage did not allow us to stay in the game. We fought for two quarters but we were unable to keep the same intensity after the break and it impacted our percentage. Our opponents closed the paint thanks to great defense by Kaun and Khryapa. But I cannot criticize my players with exception of some simple mistakes. We played against the team of highest level today. CSKA plays as one, Khryapa, Kaun and Vorontsevich made big progress this year, and their backcourt of Holden, Langdon, Siskauskas and Planinic is surely the best in Europe.”
