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His words and unnecessary launch from midfield with the sirens of the last quarter, when victory was already in his pocket, and several rude, seemingly very angry defenders from Thomas Walkup proved that Kaunas ears really did reach the strong Vilnius language. about the planned title steal this season.
Unlike the representatives of the capital, the Verdiblancos did not cool their mouths before the first heavyweight of the LKL, and used the slogans of the opposing side as additional motivation.
And although the duel was started with more success by almost 5,000 fans supported by the Orientales (22: 7), they were beaten by almost 30 points in the next two halves, 34:63, including a 2:20 split.
And everything returned to its place: the representatives of Kaunas triumphed 84:72 and won 10 consecutive victories in each match, and if we reject the KMT tournament and count only the LKL battalions, this series would be extended to 14.
What did the first meeting of “Rytas” and “Žalgiris” show in the new season? Can the Vilnius wolf really bite the national champion ten times in a row this year or can it only grow strong? And a real or artificial uprising about the intrigue finally alive at the top of the LKL table?
A conversation about it – on Delfi’s “Basketball Zone” show. Interviewers: coach Tomas Purlys and commentator Vaidas Čeponis.
– Vaidai, Lithuania, woke up different after Sunday’s election night, and it looks like here is the LKL. Do you think Žalgiris will lead Lithuanian basketball in the next few years?
– It really is too early to decide and draw some conclusions from the first game. We saw that the two and a half “Rytas” halves were very seriously opposed. I think if the Vilnius team had Martynas Echodas and Maurice Ndour, the match would have been completely different, much more persistent until the end.
In my opinion, Rytas also lacked bolder solutions. Suppose you try Luke Uleck instead of Andrew Goudelock, when he didn’t stick to the game at all. And with new strength, after Augustas Marčiulionis entered the square, it was possible to try to go go to the bank and use zonal pressure, at which point the other players were no longer strong. Donaldas Kairys is a modern coach, but for whatever reason he refrained from making bold and unconventional decisions.
– Tom, before the first big LKL derby, the most important question was “Tomorrow”. Did the Clásico on Sunday answer a question about the actual capacity of the Vilnius club?
– I wouldn’t say he answered completely. “Rytas” was busier in the beginning, because before he had no serious competitors or matches, so it’s natural that they missed it. The promising start from Vilnius only woke up “Žalgiris”, it was a good kick for him on the back and made him realize that he was serious here.
The people from Žalgiris had many good opportunities to pitch. Here is their strength: they play almost the same throughout the beginning of the season, but they have developed their own automation that against practically all the two-to-two defense systems of the opponents work like clockwork: the ball moves very well in their attacks.
– You wonder, based on the image we saw in the Siemens arena and the composition of the teams, could it be said that the final pair of this season’s LKL is clear even before the first round ends?
– I wouldn’t be in a hurry to say so. Panevėžys Lietkabelis also has its arguments. Also, not knowing what and when important players may fall due to coronavirus or injuries. It can turn things upside down. I suppose Lietkabelis will gradually improve their game, they are already doing it a bit.
Yes, “Rytas” on paper seems stronger, but the people of Panev gentežys have a very smart coach, so I would not write them yet.
– Thomas, M. Grigonis affirmed that the victory of fun in Vilnius was added to the fact that “we are silencing with actions, not speaking”. How long do you think morning camp will be quieter?
– Here are the emotions of the players, which do not need much emphasis. Naturally, for Marius and others alike, this is a duel of principle: Kaunas against Vilnius. There were many contradictory statements before the game: some said that “Rytas” would win by almost 30 points, others, that “Žalgiris”. Posters and chants also added kerosene to the fire. But not much attention should be paid to all this.
On the other hand, Rytas still has many trump cards: the same M. Echoda and M. Ndour. Vilnius residents must also work against the defense of the exchange, learn to make better use of A. Goudelock.
I think this season, after a five-year hiatus, we can look forward to enough exciting battles, especially in the regular season battles. I am not saying that Rytas is going to win, because a lot can depend on the situation of the day: fatigue, injuries or a virus. But the fact that it will be interesting because there is no longer such an obvious favorite as before.
– Vaidai, and that emotion, at least at this stage of the season, doesn’t seem a bit tense to you?
– Maybe it’s a bit artificial, but it’s only more interesting for everyone, even Žalgiris fans. More are coming to the arena, watching TV games and talking more about that derby. I don’t see anything wrong with that.
Detailed analysis of the LKL clash of giants – in the video “Basketball Zone”.
All smiles after another victory in Vilnius! ✌️ pic.twitter.com/ceNV1RXbRg
– BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) October 25, 2020
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