Milutinov: “We just need to forget Game 1” (Vid)

A few hours after the Game 1 win in the EuroLeague Playoffs against Monaco, Olympiacos began preparing for the second game of the series (April 30, 20:00 CET). Giorgos Bartzokas and Nikola Milutinov spoke during the designated Media Day about the upcoming matchup.

Bartzokas initially commented on Game 2: “We follow a standard routine; we’ll hold a meeting with the players, show video, and emphasize the key points. I also want the general public to understand that this is not a procedural game; it will be critical and very difficult for us, just as it will be for our opponents. Monaco is a team we fully respect; it has quality, and it showed that for large parts of the game. Our fans must understand that they played an important role yesterday, and tomorrow they will play the same role, if not an even bigger one, because it’s a very crucial game for us.”

On potential adjustments ahead of the second game, he said: “Small details. We analyze the game, see if they’ve added anything; and of course, our opponents will do the same. There are no major changes; they might choose a different defensive approach, or we might adjust certain plays. Nothing so significant that it would require many changes.”

Regarding injured players, Bartzokas noted: “Since they are undergoing treatment (Ward and Dorsey), we’ll know more tomorrow; I can’t say for sure about anyone. Vezenkov has stitches but will play normally. Joseph has a cut on his face but is fine.”

On how to put Game 1 behind them and the potential danger of Game 2, he added: “I’ll give them this example (referring to Siena in 2011). Yesterday’s game wasn’t easy; it’s wrong to see it that way. We had a burst at the end of the second quarter and went into halftime up by 9p. The game was on a knife’s edge in the third quarter, depending on whether Monaco would get back into it or not. The 21-point margin is not representative, and I don’t think Olympiacos played an amazing game in terms of percentages or key areas where we need to be strong. The fans helped a lot, and the desire was high. Tomorrow is a different game. Teams coming off a loss are always more alert. We must not take anything for granted.”

Nikola Milutinov added the following about Game 2: “We just need to forget the first game. Monaco is a quality team, and if we underestimate them, it won’t be easy. We need to enter the game the way we did in the first one and be even better. We must focus on this game, defend our home court, and go to Monaco with a 2–0 lead.”

On his own performance and hearing his name chanted by the fans, the Serbian center commented: “I feel good, but in the playoffs, individual performances don’t matter; what matters is that the team wins. In one game, one player stands out; in the next, it might be someone else. That’s the quality of our team.”

About the fans who cheered him on as he was substituted: “It’s an honor to hear the fans chant my name, and I feel blessed to be with Olympiacos. I want to thank them and prove that I deserve it; I’ll try to be even better.”

You can watch the full statements in the VIDEO below.