By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Fresher players building numerous offensive spurts pushed Real Madrid to the win, 94-85, over Khimki Moscow Region Wednesday.
Sergio Llull went for 21 points, including 13 in the first period. The 32-year-old accounted for 16 out of his team’s first 28 points keeping Rimas Kurtinaitis’ extremely limited options at bay. His effective outing resulted in a 26 PIR.
“I think we played a good game,” noted Llull, “We have a lot of things to improve, we just started the season, it’s our first victory so we’re happy but we have to keep working.”
Nico Laprovíttola threw in 12 out of his 19 points in the second quarter. Walter Tavares highlighted the third with eight personal points and finished with 11. Trey Thompkins ended up with 18 thanks to 10 in the final period.
“We always stayed about 10 points difference, so we were able to control the rhythm,” claimed head coach Laso, “We could have done some things better in defense but in general we controlled it very well. So I’m happy for the victory.”
Madrid indeed fully controlled the second half. The significant advantage in players available proved key with Khimki struggling to put up a fight.
A pair of 0-2 sides prior to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season Round 3 contest faced each other at the WiZink Center. The hosts improved to 1-2.
“It’s very important. We have to be strong here in Madrid. That’s the first and we have to keep going,” said Laprovíttola regarding his team getting off the mark.
“We are in a special situation; it’s a bizarre situation for all of us, but I want my team to be ready to practice and play every day. I don’t think beyond that,” added Laso eyeing improvement, “The only thing that worries me is that we must keep on growing as a team. I focus on a daily basis and am not thinking about what might happen tomorrow.”
Devin Booker sparked his side’s offense with 22 points taking nearly one-third of the field goals attempted. Vyacheslav Zaytsev pumped up 21 points and nine assists. Jonas Jerebko registered 18 points.
“I would like to congratulate Real Madrid for their first victory in the EuroLeague, they played well tonight. Their three-point percentage was very good,” mentioned Khimki’s boss Kurtinaitis, “You know our problems; we don’t have enough players and tonight we played with eight, so maybe we are a little tired. But our game was good and I’m happy with how we are playing. Every game we will get better and better and I hope one day we will win.”
Both teams are scheduled to get back in action Friday. A trip to Italy and AX Armani Exchange Olimpia Milan is up next for Pablo Laso’s side, while the eight-man Russian club will remain in Spain and collide with TD Systems Baskonia.
Photo Credit: Real Madrid