Kazys Maksvytis shares a positive message about Crvena Zvezda fans / News - Basketnews.com

Zalgiris head coach Kazys Maksvytis believes that Lithuanians and Serbians respect each other's basketball culture and praised the atmosphere in the Aleksandar Nikolic Hall.

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Zalgiris Kaunas head coach Kazys Maksvytis shared a positive message after the loss against Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade.

Player of the Game EFF 24 Luca Vildoza Points 27 Accuracy 10-18 Rebounds 1 Assists 2

After the last season's game in Kaunas, there was some tension between Zalgiris and Crvena Zvezda fans. Serbian team players refused to hold the 'Stop the war' banner, supporting Ukraine in the war against Russia, resulting in heavy boos from Zalgiris fans.

However, after Tuesday's game, Maksvytis praised the atmosphere in Aleksandar Nikolic Hall, adding that basketball should unite and not divide people.

"I support basketball language," Maksvytis told BasketNews. "Lithuania and Serbia are basketball countries. I think Lithuanians respect Serbian basketball, and Serbians respect Lithuanian basketball. It's exciting to play in such a difficult atmosphere where we can feel pleasure."

With 20 seconds left in the game, Zalgiris were trailing 73-75 but had their own possession and an opportunity to tie the game. However, after making a drive into the paint, Keenan Evans made an inaccurate pass to Kevarius Hayes, and moments later, Luca Vildoza closed the game (77-73).

"Keenan had to switch against Filip Petrusev and play 1-on-1," Maksvytis revealed the idea for the crucial possession. "Maybe he had to be a little bit more aggressive, but everything resulted in a turnover."

"I wouldn't change anything. I'd give the ball to Keenan or Edgaras Ulanovas. I have no complaints for the team. We were fighting and stayed in the game. In some cases, we had a slight advantage but couldn't keep it, and at the end of the game, we played worse," Maksvytis continued.

Luca Vildoza and Nemanja Nedovic combined for 48 of 77 Crvena Zvezda's points, and the Lithuanian coach praised the opponents.

"It's difficult to say [what didn't work against them]. Nedovic was tearing our defense apart, resulting in our fouls. We lacked a little bit of physicality against him. And for Vildoza, we gave away every final phase of their possessions," concluded Maksvytis.

After the loss against Crvena Zvezda, Zalgiris have a 6-7 record and stand in 11th place in the standings. The Lithuanian team will host Real Madrid on Thursday.

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