By Javier Molero/ jmolero@eurohoops.net
Real Madrid defeated Partizan (93-86) and is now 3-1 in the Euroleague. Sergio Scariolo’s team put on a good performance against the Serbs, who couldn’t complete a comeback in the closing minutes of the game.
After the match, the Italian coach spoke about his team’s attitude in the press conference, highlighting Theo Maledon’s debut, Trey Lyles’ growth, and the contributions of Usman Garuba and Bruno Fernando.
“We played against a good and talented team like Partizan,” he stated. “The lapses we had are typical of this stretch of the season,” he exclaimed about the moment when the Serbians trimmed the deficit to 80-84 in the final minutes.
Scariolo took the opportunity to praise Theo Maledon in his second official game with Real Madrid and Euroleague debut with “Los Blancos”.
“He played with a lot of personality, knowing what the team wants and scoring important points,” he said of the French point guard. “During all these weeks, we were all aware that we were lacking ball control, and we found it with him. He gave us what we were missing.”
He also spoke about Trey Lyles, who is once again an offensive asset in the most important moments.
“Trey has adapted spectacularly in every way,” he said of the American. “Not only technically, but mentally. He’s coming off a six-month hiatus in the United States and a period of adaptation.”
Finally, he praised Walter Tavares’s level of play and what it means to have him on the court.
“There are several players who are in shape and are showing great levels. Edy is one of them, and when he’s not on the court, we have Usman and Bruno, who have the full confidence of the staff and teammates. When Tavares is out… let’s hope at least the waterline stays afloat; we know these are the minutes where we won’t have positive runs,” Scariolo concluded.