Shavon Shields: 'We must have a 'next man up' mentality' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Roberto Finizio/Getty Images Credit Roberto Finizio/Getty Images

AX Armani Exchange Milan used Shavon Shields' 21 points to get past reigning EuroLeague champsAnadolu Efes Istanbul and tie the playoff series at one win apiece.

Player of the Game EFF 27 Sergio Rodriguez Points 17 Accuracy 6-10 Rebounds 5 Assists 5

Shields put the stamp on Milan's win scoring against Rodrigue Beaubois and drawing the foul. The Dane made the free-throw to excite fans in the Mediolanum Forum.

Shields finished the game with 21 points on 9/15 from the field, 2/5 free-throws, 8 rebounds and 2 assists for a PIR of 22. He had only 8 points on 3/9 shooting in Game 1.

"In Game 1, we didn’t show any character and desire," the Danish forward told EuroLeague TV postgame.

"We kind of got punked in the second half. Hats off to everybody in the locker room, we regrouped, fought a lot harder and got a win,' he added.

Explaining how his team tied the series and what they should look at going into the next two contests in Istanbul next week, Shields noted that Armani Milan "got to have a 'Next man up' mentality."

The 27-year-old emphasized Milan's injury woes. After Nicolo Melli in Game 1, Malcolm Delaney was the next one to leave the court with a limp in Game 2.

"We have been unlucky with injuries throughout the year," Shields said, "but we are still a team and we have to be together. Like our motto: insieme (together).

Everybody together. We have to get at least one win in Istanbul and come back here."

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