Lasas in Kaunas saw the starting point for Real’s jump to the ranks of the leaders

Kaunas “Žalgiris” (5/2) lost to the most titled team in the Euroleague (3/4) 90:93.

“We played two games in one night. The first ones were for the spectators: everyone jumped in, rushed, everything attacked both teams too easily. Fun basketball, just because probably neither coach was happy.

To win, we needed to improve our defense, and I think we did that after the break. We forced Žalgiris to make a mistake and regained the initiative. We also found the right solutions in attack, but the key to victory was defense. Knowing that “Žalgiris” plays very solidly, I am happy with that result, “said P. Laso.

In fact, a 53-year-old specialist would probably be just as happy if the “Žalgiris” beat was not the second but the penultimate in the Euroleague standings.

Mats Real moved up to 10th place.

Lasas students have started the Euroleague season badly and are now trying to get back into a more normal orbit for the continent’s grandchildren.

Although the coach himself emphasizes that autumn is not the time for the team under his direction to show the best game.

– Who said Walteris Tavaresas Kaune performed well! Did you emphasize the attacks through him? – we asked Mr. Lasas

– Yes, Edy is very important to us. This time he could only play in the 21st minute because he fouled early. But during that time he simply dominated the penalty areas: he effectively played two on two, bounced the balls in attack. However, the other boys also deserved praise for their defensive work in the second half of the game. At one point, he didn’t even want to let Tavares onto the field because Anthony Randolphas and Trey Thompkins were handling well. Furthermore, Žalgiris was constantly attacking Tavares. I think 21 minutes was the optimal playing time for him.

– How did you manage to stop Thomas Walkup, who played a race match after the break?

– The first part of the game was too easy for him: he organized the game, played two against two. Afterwards, we defended more diligently both against him and the rest of the Žalgiris team.

– You mentioned the game was fun. This was probably not the case when Šalgiris was trained by Š. Jasikevičius. How has the attack on Kaunas changed during Martin Schiller’s strategy?

– It is normal for a new coach to propose a new philosophy and change something. I think some players, like Marius Grigonis, got very close to him. Artūras Milaknis is doing the same as before: he is very dangerous at the three-point line. Tall people are mobile. At the end of Žalgiris’ last match, Lukas Lekavičius played a decisive role. In general, they remain dangerous due to the aggressive two-on-two game. Probably now “Žalgiris” plays less in the penalty area, but his basketball is more open, it is not easy for opponents to respond. Although some things that have survived have survived from earlier times.

– For the first time this Euroleague season, you have freed club legend Felipe Reyes. What is your state of health?

– He had problems – he injured his ankle a few weeks ago. You still need time to get in. I’m glad he wanted to go back himself and try to lick the wounds as quickly as possible. But it was his first minute in the Euroleague, we always hope that Felipe will improve his game during the season.

– Facundo Campazzo played in the second half of the match without changes. What did you get from this basketball player?

– Facu’s stats were very good today, but his defense looked even better. He pressed the ball very aggressively. Well, he created opportunities for others himself, as evidenced by 10 effective passes. Probably because I was a player myself, I first think of this number.

– How unusual was it for you and for the whole team to play in the almost empty arena “Žalgiris”?

– First of all, I hate empty stands, I need an audience. As long as we played here, the atmosphere was always great. Sometimes we win, sometimes we don’t. But it is not only the result that matters. It’s a shame that we can’t accept fans. I think “Žalgiris” really missed them, because they are pushing the team to play better. Whatever you do, we live in strange times and everyone suffers for it.

– What should Real improve in their game to regain their usual positions in the Euroleague table?

– Well, we have only played 7 games, not a third of the regular season has passed. We have new players, new roles. The team has to grow during the season, that’s my philosophy, which I think is one hundred percent. Today we have shown how well we can play and also how badly we can play. So we need to gain stability if we want to be among the leading teams in the Euroleague.

Real will not be the first Euroleague team at the start of the season because of their name alone. You have to win it in the square. Similarly, everyone thought that “Žalgiris” would suffer this season in the Euroleague, and he started the season with 5 wins out of 6. This is a great example of non-names playing. We also have to make sure that every match is a challenge. I think today we had a very good example of how to improve your game to win.