The temporary head coach of Lokomotiv Kuban PBC explained what helped them beat Uralmash (77:64).
- Как охарактеризуете ход игры?
- In the first half, Uralmash's zone defense slowed our attack, and we also missed several open shots. On defense, we allowed a lot of points on fast breaks and didn't take advantage of fouls effectively. We had energy, but we weren't channeling it properly. After the break, we changed our defense, fielding our big five, and that helped us play one of our best quarters of the season defensively – we allowed only 5 points. This ultimately proved to be the key stretch of the game. When we were up 6 points in the 4th quarter and we committed an offensive foul, we didn't get nervous, played great defensively, and our individual and team energy allowed us to win.
- Were you nervous about making your debut as a head coach at this level?
- Frankly, yes, I was nervous and hadn't slept enough the previous two days. So, I'm really happy we won. But this result was achieved, first and foremost, by the players, and then by us—the entire Lokomotiv staff. I'm grateful to the team for fighting hard, and to the fans for their support.
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