Sarunas Jasikevicius liked that Fenerbahce stayed calm and responded well when Paris Basketball made runs and tough shots in Game 1.
Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul started the playoffs on a high note, defeating Paris Basketball 83-78 at home to take Game 1 on Tuesday night.
| Player of the Game | |
|
EFF
17
|
| Devon Hall | |
| Points | 13 |
| Accuracy | 5-6 |
| Rebounds | 3 |
| Assists | 4 |
After the game, Fenerbahce head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius admitted he wasn't pleased with the first quarter, but felt the team improved as the night went on.
"If we look at the positive things, the fact that when Paris players go on their regular runs, which they really are capable of making and hit very difficult shots, the team didn't panic," Saras told EuroLeague TV. "The team stayed with it, and we tried to run our stuff.
"The first quarter was not the way to play against them, and from the second quarter on, everything was more logical," he added. "Of course, you need to find players that're gonna step up, and we found those players today.
"We need to focus on playing our basketball, and it's not like Paris is giving us any problems. They're giving problems for the whole EuroLeague, so I don't understand what it has to do with us," Jasikevicius went on to say in the post-game conference.
The Lithuanian coach also praised the home crowd for creating a strong atmosphere in Istanbul.
"This is what we're looking forward to in these big moments, Ulker Arena becoming hot," Saras said. "It's important that our fans stay vocal in the difficult times. I always say that's when you see the true fans. If the coach is asking the players to give more and more and pushing them, he needs to ask the same of the fans.
"We fight the whole year for the home-court advantage. The fans need to use that. It's a huge push for our players."
Game 2 is scheduled for Thursday in Istanbul, where Fenerbahce will once again look to protect their home court with the help of their fans.
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