Žalgiris dominates Juventus in LKL finals opener; coach criticizes media

BC "Žalgiris" seized a commanding 1-0 lead in the Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL) finals, decisively defeating BC "Juventus" 107-75 on their home court. The Kaunas team extended their winning streak in domestic competitions to an impressive 33 games.

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We started the game very sluggishly. In the first quarter, we didn't understand where we were and what we were fighting for.

"Juventus" coach Tomas Masiulis acknowledged his team's sluggish start, particularly in the first quarter where they fell behind by 10 unanswered points. "We started the game very sluggishly. In the first quarter, we didn't understand where we were and what we were fighting for," Masiulis stated at the post-game press conference. While his team improved, they ultimately allowed "Žalgiris" to build a significant lead again in the second half.

Masiulis expressed confidence that his team would perform better in the upcoming games, particularly in Utena. "We will be more physical, perhaps we will avoid mistakes that were due to felt tension, which should not be in our team, because we really have nothing to lose. We come as outsiders and can only discover something," he added.

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We will be more physical, perhaps we will avoid mistakes that were due to felt tension, which should not be in our team, because we really have nothing to lose. We come as outsiders and can only discover something.

The "Juventus" coach also took the opportunity to address members of the media, suggesting they reconsider their headlines. "I will correct myself – it was not a promise, but a statement that I want to finish the season with a victory. Just like in the European U-20 Championship with the U-20 national team, I said that I would return with a clear conscience only when we won gold. But I never promised anything," Masiulis explained, implying that some headlines have misrepresented his statements.

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I will correct myself – it was not a promise, but a statement that I want to finish the season with a victory. Just like in the European U-20 Championship with the U-20 national team, I said that I would return with a clear conscience only when we won gold. But I never promised anything.