Masiulis praises Žalgiris' focus after dominant win, eyes LKL title

BC Žalgiris is one step closer to securing the Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL) trophy after a dominant 100-69 victory over BC Juventus in Utena. The win gives the Kaunas-based team a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-three finals series.

Head coach Tomas Masiulis lauded his players' mindset and execution, highlighting their ability to maintain physicality and an active pace throughout the game. "We wanted to maintain physicality and an active tempo. We built a lead, we are happy with the win, but we know we need one more," Masiulis stated after the game. He stressed the importance of carrying the same intensity into the next match, regardless of the current series advantage.

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We wanted to maintain physicality and an active tempo. We built a lead, we are happy with the win, but we know we need one more.

Masiulis emphasized that concentration will be paramount in the upcoming game in Kaunas. "We are professionals. In the third game, everything will start anew. It doesn't matter that the series score is 2-0. We won't carry these points over to the next game – it doesn't matter if you win by one point or 20. The last step is always the hardest, but we have to maintain concentration," he explained.

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We are professionals. In the third game, everything will start anew. It doesn't matter that the series score is 2-0. We won't carry these points over to the next game – it doesn't matter if you win by one point or 20. The last step is always the hardest, but we have to maintain concentration.

The coach also expressed appreciation for the atmosphere created by the Utena fans, who passionately supported their team despite the significant deficit. "Utena is truly a celebration. Who could have thought that this team would turn its season around like this. They fight and give us nothing for free. It's nice that there's a celebration, but they also proved it with their play – they beat two strong teams. They deserve to be here," Masiulis said, acknowledging Juventus's commendable season.

The third, and potentially decisive, game of the LKL finals is scheduled for Friday in Kaunas.

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Utena is truly a celebration. Who could have thought that this team would turn its season around like this. They fight and give us nothing for free. It's nice that there's a celebration, but they also proved it with their play – they beat two strong teams. They deserve to be here.