Red-hot Partizan's (9-6) five-game winning streak faces the toughest possible test with a trip to face runaway leader Real Madrid (14-1) in a rematch of last season's thrilling playoffs series.
Chus Mateo, Real Madrid: 'They are showing champion-level'
Seasons
3 Mins read
Regular Season
Round 16 of 34
Regular Season
Real MadridRMB
9175
Partizan Mozzart Bet BelgradePAR
Overview
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Round 15 co-MVP Kevin Punter continues to be Partizan’s main inspiration, averaging 18.4 points in his five games since returning from injury. Real’s many weapons includes another December MVP contender, Mario Hezonja: the Croatian forward is coming off his second double-double in four games, providing 17 points and 10 rebounds in Tuesday’s road win over the other Belgrade team, Zvezda. That game saw Real display its strongest defensive game, allowing just 58 points, and similar toughness will be required to subdue Partizan’s offensive fireworks.
Chus Mateo, Real Madrid head coach
"Partizan is in a sweet moment, with players playing excellent and as a team. They are a smart squad that reads all the situations in their favor. They are experienced and have shown that they can get out of any situation with flying colors these last games. Partizan has improved a lot since the start of the season, and has found its way to play. This is the most difficult game we will face in the following days because they are showing champion-level. They want to be champs, they want to be in the playoffs, they want to be in the Final Four and, probably, they will get there with the consistency they are showing day in and day out."
Zeljko Obradovic, Partizan head coach
"Talking about the quality Real has is not necessary as it is well known to everyone. Compared to the roster they had last year, they added fantastic playmaker Campazzo, who is the driving force of this team, with all the quality of the team they already had. The results best tell how and in what way they play in the EuroLeague and Spanish League. A demanding game awaits us. We need to forget the game against Valencia completely and come out in front of Real Madrid, to do our best and be at the same level as against Valencia defensively. Offensively, to play better and what is very important - to score open shots. We will try and we tried to set some things, to correct some things. Some things that are very important for the match with Real Madrid."
Fabien Causeur, Real Madrid player
"We get to this game with confidence. The team is playing good basketball and we are being solid on both ends, but we cannot relax. We must keep adding in every game. We have an important game in front of our fans and we hope the show is good. Partizan is an athletic team and very well-coached. They will keep increasing their level as the season advances, like every season. They will be full of confidemce after winning in Valencia, so we will have to be ready to face a complicated game."
Kevin Punter, Partizan player
"It's gonna be a very good game. Obviously everyone is looking forward to this game. Two teams that play really well in the EuroLeague and it should be really competitive game."