Bologna –
These are the words of coach Sergio Scariolo in the postgame: “Congratulations to Olimpia, they played a very good second half. We, in turn, I think we played a very good first half, we were very good and applied in bringing to the court the ideas we had and until the fourth quarter we were ahead. There is a fundamental condition in our game: we had a good defensive performance from the best defenders and a good defensive performance from the best forwards: this combination of effectiveness kept us ahead. When both conditions got a little lost, lost, Olimpia castigated us very well. We in turn forced some shots against their defense and they also put up great shots in the final possession with the great players they have. Anyway, 1-0, congratulations to them, but let’s turn the page and already think about the second game.
I wouldn’t go into it because Teodosic did what he could, Pajola did what he could. Pajola and Hackett shared the role of point guard, as they always do since the season started, just as Belinelli and Teodosic shared the role of guard. Of course the few times we’ve all been there. So there’s no particular relevance in the condition of one or the other, I’m convinced that everyone after tomorrow will be able to step up.
The form? It’s hard to predict. Both considerations, a growth as we go along or a decline if the series should be prolonged, are valid. It will probably be an individual issue because there are players who will gain confidence and get into the series once the ice is broken, while maybe other players if the series gets closer to Game 7 will experience some fatigue. Right now, after the first game, it is very difficult to make predictions.
You have to give credit to them because when they start to put up these difficult shots, these pull ups with a step off the three-point line on the last possession, they obviously force you to step up by uncovering you on penetration. I am convinced of what I said before: as long as we were able to keep everyone on defense and offense, obviously with the special qualities of someone however with a contribution in a block, in a rebound, in a pass, a basket by others, we had a more global offense and we were not only in the game but also ahead. Then vice versa, both conditions failed a little bit.”
