Nikola Mirotic reacts to his return on the court / News - Basketnews.com

Nikola Mirotic was happy playing basketball again, adding that he still has to improve his conditioning.

Credit: Regina Hoffmann/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Regina Hoffmann/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

Nikola Mirotic made his return to action after more than a 5-month break, and it seemed that nothing had changed.

Player of the Game EFF 29 Nikola Mirotic Points 19 Accuracy 6-8 Rebounds 6 Assists 2

FC Barcelona star accumulated a game-high 19 points (2/3 2PT, 4/5 3PT, 3/4 FT), 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, 1 block, 1 turnover, and a game-high 29 PIR, leading his team to a 88-86 win against ALBA Berlin.

"First of all, I'm very happy that I'm back after almost five and a half months without [being] with the team," Mirotic told EuroLeague TV. "Today was a great day. We suffered, we knew that ALBA was going to play a great game, especially at home, but we stuck to our mentality, our defense."

"Offensively, we scored almost 90 points. It's a great win, every game matters to us, and we want to keep building from this," added Mirotic.

Asked about his conditioning, Mirotic indicated there's still a way to go.

"I was suffering a lot in my chest and my legs. Still, it was great to be back with the guys, to feel the ball again, and make some shots. I'm always saying thanks to my teammates, the coaching staff… It was a great game, so I'm happy. I'm just here to help my teammates," he concluded.

Meanwhile, head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius admitted that his team lost focus, and that led to a close game at the end.

"I thought we came out hot and, like always in life, when you are scoring so easily, and everything is going so well, you relax… and you can't do that against ALBA," Saras said. "For them, it is just as easy to score as it is for us. I'm sure it was a great game for the fans, but we're happy to win here. I think many teams will start losing here, believe me."

He also praised ALBA, stating that the German club will fight for a spot in the playoffs.

"I think if ALBA can win some games right now, in this next stretch, they will fight for the playoffs. The numbers on offense and defense are very good. They need to get over the hump, and this is a team that is already to make the next step because they have been together in the same system for a long time," added Jasikevicius.

Thank you for being with us! Subscribe to BN+ and browse ad-free.