Schiller: “When I got this job, they told me the ball had to be with Grigonis at the end” | Euroleague

It was not the easiest launch.

A bit confused, seeing Bayern’s defensive defense in front of him, M. Grigonis trembled uncomfortably near the three-point line in front of the basket, but decided to shoot.

The shot hit the grid and Žalgiris’s bench exploded like New Year’s fireworks.

“I did some of those pitches, so it will definitely be the decisive top3 pitch. It’s a godsend for Christmas. Unbelievable”, – M. Grigonis smiled after the match on Euroleague TV.

The leader of “Žalgiris”, who scored 22 points, was sweating. It was a tough victory for Bayern when they went 72:73 ahead of seconds.

“I think it was the toughest game of the season. Munich is a great team. They made a lot of contact. I am very happy to have won this game. It is like a cherry on a cake,” said M. Grigonis, who became the Santa Claus from Kaunas at night, and put the best gift through the fireplace in the house of the townspeople.

“He has been our leader all season. In those moments, the ball must be in their hands, “said Artūras Milaknis, who scored 11 points on Euroleague TV and was called up for a decisive attack.

“We are very happy with this victory. Both teams were able to win this game. That is the beauty of basketball when you are on the winners side. But both teams were worth it, Schiller said at a press conference. – The most important thing was to play. very physically, because we knew that Bayern were defending very physically. Matching that physicality was very important. Our guys worked well, but in the second half we no longer dominated the board. But we are very happy with the victory. We are very happy that the victory He arrived with defense, good physique and attention. I wish my players a Merry Christmas. “

– Did the last attack go according to plan?

– When I assumed this position, they told me that the ball should be in Grigonis hands at the end of the attack. Everything went according to plan (smiles).

– What were the other options for the last attack?

– We had planned an attack on Milu, Nigel and Marius was revealed. He was the third man to take the ball. Now everything looks good and I can tell you how the ball was supposed to be in Marius’ hands. But frankly, Marius wasn’t the first person to have to expose himself.

– How did Marius grow for such pitches during the season?

– He accepted the role he received, but it is not easy. Now he is the center of attention, receives many balls, makes important decisions. It is not easy when the equipment rests on your shoulders. Everyone wants that kind of role, but they have to fulfill that trust. Marius does it perfectly.

– Who told you to put the ball in Marius’ hands for decisive attacks?

– More than one discussion with basketball people came out. He is well known since the time of ALBA in Berlin, everyone knows that he can make this kind of throws at the end of the game. It wasn’t Paulius Motiejūnas or anyone else who made him play like this. But they were coaches, assistants, scouts, etc.

– Bayern took away his triples and had to match the physicality of his opponents. What does this say about a team that is able to adapt to the strengths of its opponents and win?

– The most important thing for me is that the team puts a good emphasis on defense. It was very important to me in December and the players did a great job on defense. In the wardrobe we have very good talents, great people who help each other. But in the big picture, I’m happy with the focus and intensity of the defense.

– How important was it to neutralize Wade Baldwin (-2 users), who was one of Bayern’s magicians?

– Wade is very important to the Bayern team. Especially when there is no Lučičius. Runs perfectly to the basket, shoots well after dribbling. I know him well from the G League, I had to face him many times before. I think the guys broke it perfectly. Thomas Walkup focused on that. And covering Baldwin isn’t really easy. Luke lacks stature, but he worked his hands perfectly and annoyed him. The credit goes to the players.

– A month ago, Žalgiris’s problem was the non-vocal spare bank. This time it was so loud it got technical. How do you rate this change in emotions?

– At first I was angry, but frankly, I cannot get angry when the bench is emotional for the judges. When he’s as excited and active as he’s been all season, I can accept that technique. I just pretended to be angry because there really is nothing to be angry about.

– NBA clubs have fired several players. Perhaps there are interesting basketball players for “Žalgiris” in that circle?

– There are many good players, but no, we do not plan to change the line-up.

– Will you lead a team for the Christmas holidays and what kind of congratulations would you send to fans at this unusual time?

– We will have a short break, two days off. We have to come back soon, but it is very important that the players breathe psychologically. They work very well and they deserve that vacation. The psychological state of the players is very important at this time.

Attendees said it was a fantastic victory, with a great launch, and how impressive it would have been with the spectators. The Bayern sporting director came and said: wait for the fans to come, because there will be a completely different atmosphere. We could already feel some of that with 5,000. fans, but we’re really looking forward to the fan field.

Merry Christmas to all! Thanks for the support. I feel that support on social media, on television, but I want to convey that we don’t get it when this arena is full of crazy green-white fans.