By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Real Madrid will host Panathinaikos tomorrow (17/4) in Game 1 of EuroLeague playoffs and although much will depend on Nick Calathes, coach Pablo Laso noted that, in the end, all that matters are the teams and their overall performances:
“If Calathes gets 50 points, 25 assists and 25 rebounds and we win then I’ll take it. Although, if he makes those numbers it will be difficult for us to win. Talking about one player is absurd. Calathes is, if not the best, then one of the best players in Europe but nobody is above the teams. In the end, this is Real Madrid – Panathinaikos and it’s absurd to think of players over the teams”, Laso said, per Marca.
Sergio Llull’s absence due to injury will somewhat change things for Real Madrid but Laso believes his squad is ready for the upcoming challenge against a very strong opponent:
“We are facing one of the best teams in Europe and my team is prepared well. It will be difficult but not impossible for Llull, an important player, to play in the playoffs. As the days go by, his absence is assumed. Otherwise, I would be pissed off all day. We have prepared well for the series these past two weeks. Panathinaikos deserves great respect. They played the finish of regular season very good, very solid and they have a lot of strong points in their game with Calathes setting the pace, with good scorers around him, with a good open game. They are very good physically and will force us to be very focused in every moment of the game”, he explained.