Nikola Mirotic on Barca's lack of killer instinct: 'I still believe in this team' / News - Basketnews.com
Credit: BasketNews/Begum Unal Credit: BasketNews/Begum Unal Credit: BasketNews/Begum Unal Credit: BasketNews/Begum Unal Credit: BasketNews/Begum Unal FC Barcelona superstar Nikola Mirotic played his best career game in the EuroLeague, and yet his effort wasn't enough to secure a place in the final for the Catalans.
FC Barcelona / Schedule
FC Barcelona Real Madrid83-86 FC Barcelona Olympiakos PiraeusSat14:00After yesterday's game, Mirotic was almost speechless when talking to DAZN, but after all his emotions cooled down a little, he found some more words to describe his feelings.
"It was obviously a sad moment," Mirotic admitted while talking to BasketNews. "Right now, we have to keep our heads up and try to think about what's still in front of us. There's still one title left that we need to fight for. We know what we represent, and we have to do it."
In a semifinal loss against Real Madrid, Mirotic accumulated26 points (4/7 2PT, 4/7 3PT, 6/6 FT), 12 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 4 drawn fouls, 1 turnover, and a career-high 39 PIR.
Asked what inspired him to play on such a high level, Barcelona's forward gave credit to his beloved Belgrade.
"I knew the importance of the game, I knew we were playing in Belgrade, the city that I love," Mirotic said. "My family and the whole crowd were watching me, so I wanted to give my best. Yes, it was a great performance but not enough to win. So, it doesn't matter."
In the previous seasons, Mirotic formed a reputation around himself as a player who was not performing at the level he's expected in the most important games of the season. Of course, yesterday's performance silenced such discussions.
However, the Barcelona star says that he isn't paying too much attention to such talks.
"I think each year is different. I am more experienced than in previous years, for sure. So, I hope I'm getting better as a player. I'm trying to be myself; I'm not trying to prove anyone wrong and just trying to enjoy this game and do my best," he assured.
2-pointers this season
54%20,0Points made:20,0Accuracy:54,5%Place in standings:5Record max:27Record min:9Most made 2FGs:Brandon DaviesTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsScheduleIn yesterday's press conference, Sarunas Jasikevicius pointed out that his team lacks the killer instinct.
"Guys, there's some press from Barcelona here. They've already heard this song I've been singing for a year and a half," Saras said. "It's more of the same. It's difficult to accept it for me, there's no question."
Asked what could be changed, Mirotic said that he still trusts the team to show its best version.
"I believe in this team," Mirotic said. "I believe that we're doing everything we can. Sometimes we make mistakes. Obviously, we can do better, but it was not a moment we showed yesterday."
Barcelona star also hopes that such a tough loss won't affect Blaugrana's run in the ACB playoffs.
"Last year, we lost the [EuroLeague] final and won the ACB. We'll try to do this again," Mirotic noted.
Finally, Barcelona will meet Olympiacos Piraeus in the 3rd place game, and Mirotic expects that Barca will take everything that's possible from this contest.
"This game is also important for our confidence, getting in a better shape. Important weeks are coming ahead of us. We have playoffs next week, and we'll try to use this game in the best way possible," concluded Mirotic.
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