Pablo Laso: 'A different game awaits us; I always expect the best Maccabi' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: ZUMAPRESS.com-Scanpix Credit ZUMAPRESS.com-Scanpix

Real Madrid are leading the way in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague playoffs series against Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, 2-0.

Despite the dominant performance in the last match, Pablo Laso does not expect an easy walk in the park, playing in front of the yellow wall, which consists of more than 10,000 fans.

"From the first day, I said that very tough playoffs await us. For us, it's a new and different game. I don't think the current difference between Real and Maccabi is 30 points. I always expect the best Maccabi and the best Real. In a EuroLeague quarterfinal tie, when a game ends, you have to forget about what has happened before and focus on what is coming.

We play away from home (at Menora Mivtachim Arena), where it's very difficult to win. A great atmosphere awaits us in Tel Aviv. Maccabi play very well on their court with the support of fans. The latter enhances Maccabi's style, which is very aggressive on the offensive end. We will have to do a lot of things well in order to win," Laso said to Spanish media.

The Royal club achieved four wins in the last four games, something that has not happened in the past three months. As stated by the head coach, it means nothing in practice.

"Looking at results, we are in a good moment, but Maccabi arrived in Madrid with six wins in a row. A good run does not guarantee you win and a bad one does not mean you are going to lose. What's clear is that the team has responded very well."

The Spanish mastermind also talked about the importance of Nigel Williams-Goss.

"Being a point guard at Real Madrid is not an easy task. He has done a good job throughout the season. Now he is playing at a very high level and is in a good moment physically. On defense, Nigel is crucial for us as well. I am very happy with his contribution," Laso stressed.

Before the trip to Israel, Los Blancos received positive news regarding Gabriel Deck. The Argentinian forward joined the team on a flight, after testing negative for COVID-19, which has kept him sidelined through the first two games.

Game 3 is scheduled for tomorrow at Menora Mivtachim Arena. The contest starts at 20:05 CET.

Thank you for reading us! We have even more content for you.