Obradovic disappointed with scenes in the ABA final: 'I feel sorry for the players' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: ABA League/Dragana Stjepanovic Credit ABA League/Dragana Stjepanovic

Just like the entire final series, the last duel between Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade and Partizan NIS Belgrade in the ABA finals was marked by the events caused by the fans. Crvenza Zvezda edged Partizan with the final score of 80-77 (18-20, 15-17, 26-21, 21-19), but Partizan head coach Zeljko Obradovic has emphasized the off-court incidents.

Free throws this season

72%12,6Points made:12,6Accuracy:72,4%Place in standings:9Record max:21Record min:4Most made FTs:Nikola KalinicTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

"First of all, I want to congratulate the Crvenza Zvezda on winning the title. In the circumstances in which basketball was played, I think it is clear to everyone who the main heroes are," Zeljko began by referring to the players.

"How do players feel if they play four games instead of one? It was the same a few days ago. It doesn't make sense or have anything to do with basketball, but as a real athlete, I congratulate Zvezda," continued Obradovic.

The coach kept talking on the same topic, which was not about basketball.

"The question for all the people who live in this area and play in the ABA league is whether this will ever stop," said Obradovic. "The rules must be set from day one, the players must be allowed to play, the referees need to be allowed to do their job, the rules must be introduced, so the things like this don't happen."

Obradovic was adamant that something has to be done: "This series has shown that the ABA League has to do something."

Obradovic then spoke about the motives to stay in Serbian basketball.

"When I came, people told me that I could expect anything and everything, but I did not expect things like this," said Obradovic. "I am very happy to be able to do a job that I love, and I love Partizan very much, so I see no reason why all this should not go in a better light."

In four days, Partizan will face challenges in the semifinals of the Serbian Basketball League, and the black and white coach did not have an answer to the question of whether his team will participate.

"Tomorrow, we will meet with the players and all the people from the club to see where we are and what we are," Obradovic explained.

Finally, Obradovic revealed what he said to the players after the lost final.

"What can I tell them? The game was stopped, and it was uncertain what will happen," said Obradovic. "I feel sorry for them, we brought the series to five games against a team that has a great experience."

"I have no complaints about the players. Partizan has progressed well since the beginning of the season," Obradovic concluded.

Game 5 ABA finals highlights

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