This is what the protagonists had to say after the Playoffs Game 1 showdown between Olympiacos Piraeus and AS Monaco.
Post-game quotes: Olympiacos vs. Monaco
Georgios Bartzokas, Olympiacos Piraeus head coach
"I think our defense was really solid the whole game. [Thomas] Walkup did an excellent job, but as a team we protected our basket. We didn't allow transitions or the two-point shots they are very strong at. They usually score a lot of shots inside the box. So, we did a great job. It's just the first game of the series. Next game, I would like to avoid a little the turnovers we made and just be a little bit more patient, because we were rushing, trying to finish the game in the first quarter. This is always like this; you need to be patient."
"I would like to congratulate our players and our fans for this first performance of the playoffs. It's been three or four years since we were part of this process, and now we need to enjoy it, participating in this series. But at the same time we need to challenge ourselves to do whatever we can to go to the Final Four. Monaco is a really strong team. They proved that in the second leg of the regular seaosn. They deserve to be here and I don't expect anything but strong, tough games in all of this series."
Saso Obradovic, AS Monaco head coach
"First, congrats to Olympiacos. They deserved to win the game. We took this game too emotionally, I would say. We didn't play smart enough to win the game. I think the lack of experience, or the advantage in experience from the other team, also made the difference in the small decisions that matter in this kind of game. Still, I think defensively we could do better, though it wasn't that bad, but we have to do much better offensively. It's the first game. We have to regenerate and think about the next one."
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Kostas Sloukas, Olympiacos Piraeus guard
"First of all, we knew that we had pressure and it would be a difficult game. We worked all season for this game, but we knew that with this crowd it would be difficult for us to lose. Our defense was magnificent, and we have to continue. The next one will be more difficult because Monaco will be more prepared. It was very hot here and we are very proud of our fans. We expect them also on Friday."
Georgios Printezis, Olympiacos Piraeus forward
"For sure, it's a special game that we want to win and to keep our home-court advantage. We played against a very tough, very hard team, with a very good coach and they prepared very well the game. So, the first game is finished and now we'll go for the next one, which will be totally different... Great atmosphere. Thank you very much to all our fans. It was great tonight."