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Masiulis, whose team reached the final on the direct path, had remarks for his proteges
🇱🇹 Lithuania /Sports

Masiulis, whose team reached the final on the direct path, had remarks for his proteges

From Delfi · () Lithuanian

Translated from Lithuanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • BC Žalgiris secured its 32nd Lithuanian league final appearance in 33 seasons, awaiting the winner of the Utenos Juventus vs. Klaipėdos Neptūnas semifinal series.
  • Despite the win, coach T. Masiulis expressed dissatisfaction with the team's performance, particularly their defense, stating they played too relaxed.
  • Masiulis emphasized the importance of consistent defense, regardless of offensive performance, and highlighted the contributions of Moses Wright and Dovydas Giedraitis to the team's success.

BC Žalgiris has reached the Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL) final for the 32nd time in 33 seasons, securing their spot and now awaiting their opponent. The team will face the winner of the semifinal series between Utenos Juventus and Klaipėdos Neptūnas, with Juventus currently leading 2-0.

The result is satisfying, but the game is not, especially the defense.

— T. MasiulisCoach Masiulis's assessment of the team's performance despite securing a final spot.

Despite the victory that clinched their final berth, head coach T. Masiulis was critical of his team's performance. "The result is satisfying, but the game is not, especially the defense," Masiulis stated at the press conference. He felt the players may have become too relaxed, possibly influenced by the absence of a key "Lietkabelis" player. "I don't want the win or loss to depend on our shooting and offense. We must control the game with defense," he stressed, emphasizing that solid defense is crucial for a strong team.

I don't want the win or loss to depend on our shooting and offense. We must control the game with defense.

— T. MasiulisCoach Masiulis emphasizing the importance of defensive consistency.

Masiulis also commented on Moses Wright's standout performance, where he set personal LKL records with 25 points and a 32 efficiency rating. While acknowledging Wright's good form, the coach reiterated the importance of team play. "No single player wins games. Just as Francisco was effective before, all team members are important now. We must win as a team, not rely on one player or another," he said.

No single player wins games. Just as Francisco was effective before, all team members are important now. We must win as a team, not rely on one player or another.

— T. MasiulisCoach Masiulis on the importance of team play over individual performance.

The coach also praised Dovydas Giedraitis for his defensive efforts, particularly in stopping opponents like Kullamae and Morris. "What pleases me more is not his shooting, but his defense and work on his side of the court," Masiulis noted. The game also featured a humorous moment when Maodo Lo, seemingly unaware of a successful opponent's shot, forgot to inbound the ball correctly, which Masiulis explained as Lo not seeing the ball go in.

What pleases me more is not his shooting, but his defense and work on his side of the court.

— T. MasiulisCoach Masiulis praising Dovydas Giedraitis's defensive contributions.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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