By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv won the offensive festival in Italy against AX Armani Exchange Olimpia Milan. It was a high-paced game that suited more to the guests and their coach Neven Spahija was aware of it.
“We are playing with this pace. We are number one team in Europe playing at this pace. Because of that sometimes our defense looks bad as our opponents have more possessions. With players like Pierre Jackson, Norris Cole, DeShaun Thomas and their talent we can’t play different basketball.”, said Spahija.
The Croatian coach was happy with this win, however, he pointed out some areas that he’d like some improvement: “I am very happy to be in Milan and I am happy that we won the game. I have to give credit to my players and their offensive game, but I still think we have to play better defense if we want to make another step this season. I think it is very difficult to win here because lately, Milan has been playing way better basketball than in the beginning of the season. We controlled the game for the most part but had, let’s say, five or six minutes in which we lost it and they came back. Overall, I think we played good basketball and I hope we will play better defense in the future, that is all. I said before the game that every game is important. Now, it is money time and every game counts.”
The Italians couldn’t keep up with Maccabi and Simone Pianigiani admitted it: “We put everything on the floor tonight, but the difference in the athleticism and energy was too much tonight for us when they have Jackson, Thomas, Cole, Kane, and Tyus on the floor. Fast break points and second chances were on their side. They were pushing all the time with their athleticism and energy. We tried to move the ball, but the gap was too big“, said the Italian.