Anton Kvitkovskikh: “Right now, this is an entirely different Zenit”

You played 4 games against Zenit this season: Lokomotiv won 3 of them, and lost one—but quite heavily. Which of these results comes closest to reflecting the actual balance of power?

In my opinion, we need to put all the games from the regular season behind us. Because right now, this is an entirely different Zenit. We also have a completely different atmosphere within the team now—a different mindset. From here on out, every game is going to be worth its weight in gold. Or, in our case, perhaps its weight in bronze. That is why we need to play just as aggressively as we did in those three games we won. In that games, we moved the ball well, ran the floor, and defended aggressively. That is precisely the strategy we need to stick to.

In 3 out of 4 games against Zenit this season, your statistics have been higher than your season average. Would it be fair to say that this team is a favorable stylistic matchup for you?

I haven't really noticed that. I try to approach every game with the same mindset. But if that is the case, it means their defense allows us to pick me up some extra points. After all, a great deal depends on the defensive scheme our opponent presents to us. We then build from there—looking for good opportunities to shoot, run to the hoop, or grab a rebound. Sometimes, it just so happens that all those opportunities arise at my position, and that's it.

A year ago, Lokomotiv reached the bronze series after a seven-game semifinal, facing UNICS—a team that had enjoyed a long rest beforehand. Now, the situation is reversed: you've had significantly more rest than Zenit. In your view, is it better to be playing or resting?

I’ve asked myself that question, too. It’s hard to say for sure until the games actually begin. Zenit is already in game shape. We’ve had a break, though we’ve also had some good practice sessions. We got a little rest and mentally recharged. I think, this will work to our advantage—especially considering our experience last season, when it was incredibly tough—both mentally and physically—to play the series for third place immediately after the long semifinals. We’d like to believe that this rest will help us.

Some words to our fans?

A huge gratitude from the entire team to everyone who cheers us on, no matter the situation. We truly see you and feel that support. It means very much to us, providing extra motivation and energy on the court. We fight not only for ourselves but also for our city and our fans. I would be absolutely delighted to see you at all the remaining matches of this season. And we will do our very best to deliver a result that makes you proud.