Jasikevicius after losing ACB season opener: 'We don't have the defensive identity' / News - Basketnews.com

After the loss to Gran Canaria in the ACB season opener, FC Barcelona head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius pointed at defense and turnovers.

Credit: AFP-Scanpix Credit AFP-Scanpix

Sarunas Jasikevicius congratulated Herbalife Gran Canaria Las Palmas and Jaka Lakovic on the victory over FC Barcelona (88-85) after the first season game in the Spanish ACB for both teams and admitted that the opponents were better that night.

FC Barcelona / Schedule

Herbalife Gran Canaria Las Palmas FC Barcelona88-85 FC Barcelona Cazoo Baskonia Vitoria-GasteizSun18:00

"We were always behind and behind. We committed a lot of fouls against the shooters and lost a lot due to small details," said the Lithuanian coach.

However, Jasikevicius does not see the defeat as a warning sign.

"I really like the way we practice, but we committed a lot of turnovers. We will have to take it into account and talk about it more," said Jasikevicius.

"If we score 40 points in the first half of the match while turning the ball over 10 times, we have to talk about it," continued Jasikevicius.

"Our problem is the defense. Giving up 88 points is too much. We don't have the defensive identity," added Jasikevicius.

When asked what weight the loss in the Super Cup final against Real Madrid could have had for the game against Gran Canaria, Jasikevicius did not want to talk about it.

"Barca always have to look at the next challenge and this time we didn't live up to expectations," Jasikevicius said.

Meanwhile, the head coach of Gran Canaria, Jaka Lakovic was happy with the victory and thanked the fans.

"We quit the game. We played as a team and believed in each other. Thanks to the fans. They created an incredible atmosphere today and helped us believe in ourselves during the key moments of the second half when Barca gained momentum," said Lakovic.

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