After the victory in the final start of the LKL, Schiller was happy with the control, Walkup and the high work / News

When after the first half of the final series a draw resulted in the score – 23:23, it seemed that a tense match awaited them, but then Kaunas “Žalgiris” showed the face of the Euroleague team.

Kaunas performed well in both defense and attack, won the second quarter 28:12 and since then, controlling the match, has taken a big step towards the eleventh consecutive title of the Lithuanian Basketball League (Betsafe-LKL) (90:75 ).

After the game, Kaunas coach Martin Schiller highlighted halves of varying success on defense.

“First of all, I’m happy with the victory, congratulations to the men. 1-0 – no more, no less. As far as defense is concerned, we had very good second and fourth halves, we did not do so well in the first and third quarter, “said the strategist.

– Tall Joffrey Lauvergne, Martin Geben and Augustine Rubit played very well in the match. Was that the plan to play too old people?
– Yes. Joffrey and Martin play center position, Augustine played well in the fourth. Yes, the plan was to play too high.

– Thomas Walkup was recognized as the best defensive player in the league before the game and said many nice words about the organization of “Žalgiris”. What could you, as a coach, comment on the relationship between him and Žalgiris?
– It’s something very nice. I have already mentioned that Thomas is considered a Lithuanian in the wardrobe, an American Lithuanian. Why I say that? Because he is associated with this club and his relationship with “Žalgiris” is special.

– In the first half, “Rytas” scored 23 points, in the second – 12. What adjustments did you make in defense?
– Above all the intensity, aggression and these improved components brought us better defense in the second half.

– In the second part, you took the initiative and controlled the game until the end. How happy are you about it?
– Very happy, because normally when you have a solid lead, you often relax too early. It’s not that easy to keep an advantage, but the guys did a good job and of course I’m very happy.

– You started the match with Lukas Lekavičius, who replaced Walkup in the first fifth. What was the reason for that?
– I felt that this swing would be perfect for the rhythm of the game and the attack against the Morning Five.