By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Shifting from Game 3 to Game 4, Kostas Sloukas extended the series-clinching opportunity beyond the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Quarterfinals and basketball itself.
“We should be better prepared mentally. We can’t feel physically exhausted one step before the Final Four,” mentioned the three-time EuroLeague champion on Thursday, “This is like a boxing match. We have to deliver the knockout because Monaco is a strong and dangerous team, and capable to eliminate us in Game 5.”
Game 4 of the best-of-five series will be hosted at Salle Gaston Medecin tomorrow, Friday (21:00 CET). The Reds are up 2-1.
“We just got one more game to seal the deal,” said Seattle-born Shaquielle McKissic, “I think the team wants it now more than ever. We can see the finish line really close.”
After splitting the pair of contests in Greece, Olympiacos recovered the home-court advantage on Wednesday. Alternating winning sides is the trend the Greek giant hopes to stop.
“I can’t predict what will decide Game 4. We must deal effectively with a full-court press and set our offense to score,” added head coach Giorgos Bartzokas to the buildup, “We must control our emotions and not rush in the offense.”
Sloukas, 32, captured two out of his three EuroLeague titles as a member of Olympiacos. Following the 2012 and 2013 championship runs, he won it all with Fenerbahce in 2017. In 2020, he made his way back to the Reds and is determined for more success in Europe’s premier club continental competition.
“I want the team to make the Final Four,” he underlined, “That is why I am here.”
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net