Evan Fournier delighted with a reaction: 'We were playing like in the last competitions' / News - Basketnews.com

Evan Fournier was happy with what he saw in the game against Lithuania.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Evan Fournier exploded for 27 points against Lithuania to gift France their first win at EuroBasket 2022.

The French fans could see a whole different face of their team, comparing it to the losing effort versus Germany.

In the latter duel, France scored only 63 points, while the team's front-runner, Evan Fournier, had a poor shooting night and finished the game with 7 points (0/6 2PT, 2/4 3PT, 1/2 FT) and -2 EFF.

"When you face Lithuania, you have to be ready for a physical fight," Fournier started in the post-game interview, via L'Equipe. "Offensively, I was more involved tonight [Saturday], I was able to find my rhythm coming off the screens and I tried to give everyone confidence. More than the defeat, we were disappointed with the way we had played against Germany.

"We didn't start the match [against Lithuania] well, but the entry of Andrew Albicy and Moustapha Fall made the difference. These are players we trust, the others have followed," the New York Knicks swingman continued.

"When I was on the bench, I looked at us and said to myself, 'We're playing like in the last competitions'. This is what we must install, not just one evening, but throughout the EuroBasket," Tokyo Olympics silver medalist finished.

The French NT head coach, Vincent Collet, reiterated his scorer's words.

"What made the difference was our determination. We started the game badly, unlike Lithuania. But this time, we didn't give up and raised our level defensively. We were more patient in attack and moved the ball better.

"From the second part of the first quarter, after a poor start, we began to mount pressure. We were no longer the same team. It is essential to continue like this," concluded the specialist.

Like what we are doing? Support us by becoming BN+ member.