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Post-game quotes: Olympiacos vs. Efes

Post-game quotes: Olympiacos vs. Efes

Haberler

19 Mayıs 20224 Dk okuma

This is what the protagonists had to say after the Final Four semifinal showdown between Olympiacos Piraeus and Real Madrid.

Final Four

Semifinal

game Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs Olympiacos Piraeus

Yarı finaller B

19 Mayıs 2022, 16:00

Final Four

19 Mayıs 2022, 16:00

Final Four

Olympiacos Piraeus

OLY

Anadolu Efes Istanbul

EFS

Maç Sonucu

Ergin Ataman, Anadolu Efes Istanbul head coach:

“First of all, I want to say congratulations to my good friend Bartzokas. It’s very bad luck for them. This buzzer shot, it’s better to stay on the winning side. They made a great game, congratulations to Olympiacos club and fans, they made an incredible atmosphere here. They are a very strong club, good club. The game was amazing, up and down. We didn’t start well, but in the second half, we took control and led by 10, 11 points. But we got tired, especially Larkin got some problem in his knee. He got tired, Micic got tired, we missed a lot of shots, a lot of penetration to close the game, and Olympiacos came back. Finally, it was a very difficult game, but now one more for back to back.”

Georgios Bartzokas, Olympiacos Piraeus head coach:

“Both teams had pressure, it was a tight game as we expected. One or two decisions, one or two crucial shots. And of course the last one was very tough for us. Congratulations to Efes. I cannot complain about anything with our players. We gave everything. We had a little more pressure than we should, but this is basketball.”

Shane Larkin, Anadolu Efes Istanbul guard:

“I don’t know what to say. Tough game, unbelievable game, unbelievable atmosphere. Big shout to my guy, number 22. Big shot, home town – couldn’t write a better script. Happy to be back in the final, we just gotta stay focused. Enjoy this one tonight and focus tomorrow on whoever we play and try to get another championship. Elijah stepped up amazing tonight. I’ve said for four years that we have a great team, a lot of players who can step up at different times. Tonight it was Elijah, he played with confidence in his first Final Four. We needed that, and it was amazing. Happy for him, let’s keep going. These games are just amazing games, they go up and down, rollercoaster ride. You gotta stay focused, stay together, we pulled it out again and now we gotta focus on getting another championship.”

Vasilije Micic, Anadolu Efes Istanbul guard:

“This situation was very similar to the last game of the regular season when I made a mistake and attacked too early. So I think I learned from that situation. I kept believing that maybe this shot at the end would go in. Me and Shane are never jealous of each other for who takes the last shot, I’m very happy when he makes it. Today it was in my hands and I’m very happy that I made it.”

Tibor Pleiss, Anadolu Efes Istanbul center:

"[Being in the Championship Game] is very special for us. We deserve it and I am really proud of my team. [Micic] took responsibility and I am very happy that he made the shot. I wasn't thinking so much; I prepared myself for the shot, if he wouldn't be open, I was ready in the corner. He made it and made some history. The Final Four is different, of course. Olympiacos played an amazing season and they can be proud as well. They didn't make it easy for us. The plan was to make the three-pointers and it went pretty well! They played really hard defense, really physical. They made it very difficult for us. They didn't give us open shots most of the time, always had a hand in our face. They played great defense and in general, had a great game. I think both teams deserved it, but we made a shot in the last second."

Bryant Dunston, Anadolu Efes Istanbul center:

“It was crazy. We knew it was going to be a tough game, every time we play against them is a close game, so it was great to win like this, with the last-second shot. Great players make great plays. It’s amazing to play with him, it makes things much easier for you, but it’s all the team, all the guys. We understand each other, we know how to play with each other, and we feel we can repeat.”

Chris Singleton, Anadolu Efes Istanbul forward:

“It was amazing, winning with that last shot. It was our aim to be back, and we are so happy we are in a position that we can win the championship. I’m looking forward to watching the next game and getting ready.”

Adrien Moerman, Anadolu Efes Istanbul forward:

"It was a tough game. For 40 minutes, we played intense on both sides of the court. Vasa [Micic] made the difference - he made a tough shot. For me, it was not a tough shot because he made this kind of shot all season. I am happy for him and for the team. We are a great shooting team and also broke the club record [for most three-pointers] during the season, against Maccabi. This is our team, everybody can shoot. This is part of our beautiful team."

Shaquielle McKissic, Olympiacos Piraeus guard:

“It was tough. It was one of those shots, one of those players you cannot stop. Despite the loss, I feel proud of my team, we are here, but it was really painful how we lost the game.”

Sasha Vezenkov, Olympiacos Piraeus forward:

“I don’t have words to say now. We feel bad for the loss, all the team, we didn’t play well in the second half, especially on offense. But this is basketball, and we have to keep going."