Tyler Dorsey 9Χ9: A question for each 3-pointer
On Sunday afternoon, Tyler Dorsey broke Olympiacos’ record for most made three-pointers in a single game, knocking down 9 against Kolossos and surpassing Isaiah Canaan on the club’s all-time list for threes in one game.
At the same time, the Greek-American guard scored 41 points, becoming only the second player to surpass the 40-point mark in the Greek League after the great Zarko Paspalj. Just a few hours after his incredible performance, Dorsey spoke to olympiacosbc.gr, answering nine questions; one for each three-pointer he made against Kolossos.
First of all, have you realized that you broke the all-time Olympiacos record for three-pointers? What is it like to wake up as a record holder?
“To be honest, I still haven’t fully realized it yet! But it’s an incredible feeling to achieve something so special like this.”
Is it more about hard work or about being in good shape?
“I’d say it’s a combination. I have talent, but if I didn’t work hard, I wouldn’t be able to perform like this. Hard work pays off, it brings results, and things become easier for me. I’m at the SEF almost every night. The only times I’m not there are when we travel or when my body tells me to take it a bit easier.”
What were you thinking every time the ball left your hands?
“Everything felt right. I take these kinds of shots every day. I felt comfortable, and once I saw the first two go in, I just felt like everything would go in. My teammates also set me up perfectly, in the right spots, and I got the right screens. We moved the ball beautifully, and I have to thank them for all the love I received. But it was also one of those days when everything goes in. It’s hard to explain.”
Be honest; are you happier today about the nine threes you made, or more annoyed that you missed the tenth one? I saw your face when you missed an open shot.
“Yes, it was open and I was a bit annoyed (laughs). But my legs were telling me I was tired. Later on, to be honest, I kept thinking about it and I believe I should have made one of the next ones as well.”
Beyond the 9 triples, you also dished 5 assists, and the coach has spoken many times about how important you are to the team’s playmaking this season. How do you personally feel about the combination of threes and assists you had yesterday and throughout the season in general?
“I think I need to be aggressive first and then be ready to read the game. It’s important for me to be aggressive and become a threat to the defense every time I touch the ball. That way, everything becomes easier for my teammates. Finding our big man in the pick-and-roll or hitting open spot-up shooters is something I really enjoy doing. It brings balance to my game and makes me better.”
You had previously been asked about your season and said that consistency is needed for it to be considered your best year. We’re 3 months into the season now and you’re still ‘on fire.’ Can we say it now?
“I feel like I still have so much room to improve and keep getting better and better. I need to have an even longer stretch of good games. It’s definitely a good start to the season for me, but our job is to be good when the season is decided; during the Playoffs and the Final Four.”
How important was the role of the Olympiacos fans in this record?
“They gave me incredible energy. When you’re on a run and you hear the crowd getting louder and louder, it becomes even harder for the opposing team and at the same time gives you an insane boost.
Also, I won’t lie, this year in the Greek league, especially on Sundays, we see a lot of fans. Families, kids. It’s something I really enjoy. Playing basketball in front of so many children is something that makes you happy to see.”
This record came on the same night as the coach’s record on the Olympiacos bench. How do you feel about that?
“I always respect longevity, whether it’s for players, coaches, or anyone else. His longevity is impressive, and I want to congratulate him on this record. Achieving something like that with one club for so many years is incredible. I hope we do something amazing this year, both for him and for the team.”
What message would you like to send to the Olympiacos' fans ahead of Christmas?
“I wish them a Merry Christmas and happy holidays. I hope we come back in good shape and soon become one of the best teams in the EuroLeague. January is a big month. After Bologna, we have Panathinaikos at OAKA, and I’m always ready for games like that. I know how important they are for the fans, and I love those kinds of games for the overall atmosphere.”