M.Schiller – on the headache due to the condition of Milo, P. Garino and invisible hero of “Žalgiris” | Euroleague

In the first half, Žalgiris launched Crvena zvezda in Belgrade on an open road. Opponents overwhelmed by problems could feel the joy of loose basketball by shooting 3-pointers and collecting balls from Žalgiris’ heads. Serbian guests scored 26 points in 10 minutes and smuggled up 13 points at a time.

But after the break, Martin Schiller’s men punctured rivals’ tires and fuel tanks.

In the third quarter, Crvena zvezda scored 14 points, and in the fourth quarter, only 4 points, and after running out of fuel they did not reach the goal at the Žalgiris Arena.

In the Žalgiriai district, an important point in the Euroleague playoffs, but before Thursday’s trip to Madrid, the head of M. Schiller is very concerned. First of all, about the health of Artūras Milaknis. A sniper can miss the next Euroleague game due to a sore groin.

“Congratulations to the men for the victory. I was very satisfied with the defense after the break. After that, we allowed our opponents to score just 18 points, in the fourth quarter, just four. We had to make changes during the break and the players adapted well. I am very satisfied with the victory, because it is very important for the tournament table, “Schiller said at the press conference.

– What changes did you make during the long break?

– We are talking about defense. We were quite effective in attack (40 points before the break). We had to control Simonovich and the situations in which he hit those 3s. Many of those situations started with his game back to the basket in the penalty area.

– Marius Grigonis mentioned that Artūras Milaknis (8 min.), Who did not finish the match, has health problems. Will you go to Madrid on Thursday to play for Real?

– You have a groin injury. We still don’t know exactly if it is in the groin, but it is pain in that area. This has exhausted him for some time. At the beginning of the season, he took painkillers, he took them before the KMT final four, but this time the effect was not the same as at the beginning of the season.

He did not train before the game. I tried to train today, but in a moment I took off from the exercise. Will you go to Madrid? I’m not sure. We will decide on Wednesday.

– After the break, you have reduced the rotation to 7-8 players, although this is very unusual for you this season. What caused it?

– The course of the game. Those guys piled us up and we stayed with them in the plaza.

– Grigonis played 36 minutes, two more Žalgiris were close to the 30 minute limit. How important is this after 48 hours of playing a game in Madrid and how does the intense schedule in recent weeks affect team play?

– I always have a busy schedule. In the last few weeks we have been solving puzzles about Lukas Lekavičius. That week before the KMT final it was very difficult. Although Karolis Lukošiūnas joined the rotation with great success, he helped us in Barcelona.

But I am very worried. Especially if Milaknis is not 100 percent. Clever. It all starts with Patricio Garino, who has been traumatized since the start of the season.

However, I want to emphasize that our fitness equipment works very well. They are excellent for preventing injuries. Of course, except for Pato, who has a serious injury, but with him he has already reached Kaunas. Steve Vasturia was injured as the game became more physical and he had to leave the field. Apart from them, we had no other problems and this is a great credit to Sigis (Sigitas Kavaliauskas), Nierka (Nerijus Navickas), Vycka (Vytautas Kailius) and Paulius (Jacikas).

– What are the current physical conditions of Lukas Lekavičius, who has returned after a coronavirus (16 min., 6 points)?

– His acting was good. His physical condition is not here yet, but it is normal. We enjoy it because it makes a difference in his speed, breaking the defense without a barrier. We are very happy that he is back.

– And when do you expect to see Patricio Garino in the square?

– Patricio joins little by little, playing one against one and two against two. This is already progress.

My expectations for his return are very low. We must not forget that Patricio has not played for a year and a half, so our expectations should not be high.

It is not negative, it is just realistic. But what makes me optimistic is that it can help us in May. Without playing that long, you will have to get into rhythm not only for the sake of the road, but for many other things as well. Therefore, we have very cautious expectations. But it is moving forward.