The Lokomotiv Kuban forward missed the previous two games, but took part in the decisive one and brought the team 4 points in 9 minutes, which helped us win the game (84:76) and the entire series (3-2) against Zenit.
- Congratulations on the victory! How do you rate the season's results?
- The season was long and difficult. We had a coach change, many players departed and arrived, so there were countless ups and downs. We lost some games we should've won. But all of this brought us to this point, to bronze medals. Thanks to all the fans, to all the families of each player and the staff, who believed in us until the very end, helped us, and supported us. We carried that energy into today's game, despite some minor injuries and a tough season overall. I think we deserved this victory.
- How would you rate the season for you personally?
- There were good games, and there were bad ones, but that's basketball, things happen, and you have to grow, to make one step up after another. I think I improved in some areas of my game and, overall, I gained a little more trust from the team. So, I'd rate my performance as decent.
- Today we unexpectedly saw Georgy Zhbanov on the court. You'd also missed some games before that, but today you came out and fought. How did that go for you?
- We're all professionals and we always fight to the end, no matter what injuries we have. I'm not surprised that Georgy came out in non-optimal condition. As for me, I think I couldn't miss a game like this and tried to give everything I could to the team, to give it my all, as they say. It's true that just a few days ago I couldn't even stand up straight, but that doesn't matter anymore. We did our job, and I'm proud of how we did it.
- Was it your initiative to play today?
- Yes. The medical staff and coaches asked me how I was feeling. It wasn't an easy decision. I just practiced for the first time since the injury yesterday. It was tough, but I had no choice. I just tried to put it out of my mind and play, to help the team, no matter what. I think all athletes have that.
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