By Stefan Djordjevic / sdjordjevic@eurohoops.net
With Pablo Laso getting suspended and not being able to lead the squad from the bench, assistant Mateo Jesus took the responsibility in Real Madrid’s 72-63 home win over Olympiacos.
The coach was satisfied with the squad’s performance and only congratulations were in order.
“We did a very good job from the beginning. We worked very hard, all 12 players that went to the court tonight. Olympiacos is a team that knows how to play, they have dangerous players who know how to create and can win games by themselves. As a team I think we did a very good job behind our defense. We were not as lucky on offense, we did not score easy, but I am very happy and very proud of the players because they deserved it. We had such a tough season, we deserve to be among the top 8. We don’t talk about individual performances, but Gabriel Deck, Edy Tavares and the rest of the players tried their best in the minutes they spent on the floor. Congratulations to them, they deserve it,” Mateo said.
The Spaniards displayed impressive defense, keeping the opponent on just 42% from the two-point territory and holding them to just 38 points through the first three quarters (53-38).
Gabriel Deck was leading the offensive efforts with 18 points while Walter Tavares added 15 and Jaycee Carroll nine points. Tavares also grabbed eight rebounds.
The big man Tavares had only high praise for his teammate: “Gabriel Deck brings everything to this team. He brings energy, he is a great player in the low post. He can give us a little bit of everything, he is one of the great players we have today. He always shows up in a great time. I am doing so-so, but this time we have something to fight for. It does not matter if I am hurt or not, I just have to play and try to help. Of course I am going to be ready for Fenerbahce, we need that one.”
Sasha Veznkov had a strong outing for Oly, showing off his recent form, with game-high 22 points but he was the only double-digit scorer for the Reds with nobody else getting past seven points.
Real Madrid improved to a 19-14 record and is in the driver’s seat when it comes to the race for the final two playoff spots. Zenit follows with 18-14, Baskonia and Valencia with 18-15.
Photo Credit: Turkish Airlines EuroLeague