Jasikevicius on Exum: 'He is like Usain Bolt, you can't stop him' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Rodolfo Molina/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Rodolfo Molina/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

FC Barcelona remain at the top of the EuroLeague standings after a solid win at home against Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade on Friday night. The Serbian powerhouse battled until the end but could not finally overcome the Blaugranas.

Player of the Game EFF 20 Brandon Davies Points 12 Accuracy 5-7 Rebounds 6 Assists 2

Dante Exum was once again a key factor for Barca. Since Higgins was sidelined due to his surgery, the Australian guard has stepped up. After a difficult beginning, he is essential for Sarunas Jasikevicius.

Exum scored 13 points against Zvezda, 11 of those in an insane last quarter.

In the post-game conference, the Lithuanian mastermind compared his player with iconic athlete Usain Bolt.

"We are always talking about Dante's first step, but for me, it's his strength on his third and fourth step. It's crazy", he began. "He reminds me of Usain Bolt. He always has lost in the first 15-20 meters, but you could not win against him. Exum is like him. If you let him run, you can't stop him. We have never seen something like this here," he added.

Jasikevicius could not hide his satisfaction after the game, despite the lack of concentration in the second half.

"We were spectacular in the first 15 minutes. Probably best minutes of the season and in a long time. We played excellent, like a Final Four level. Our goal is to play like this," expressed Sarunas.

"However, if you lack concentration, everything changes fast in modern basketball. We lost the game's control. Fortunately, we found Exum, and we made some good defensive stops. We are still learning," he added.

Barcelona clinched the home-court advantage for the Euroleague Playoffs.

"It's important to play at home, against your fans, having time for practice, sleeping in your bed... But we saw it last year against Zenit, it will be difficult against any opponent," assured Jasikevicius.

2-pointers this season

55%20,6Points made:20,6Accuracy:54,8%Place in standings:4Record max:27Record min:14Most made 2FGs:Brandon DaviesTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

The 46-year-old praised Barcelona's fans, who seemed enthusiastic about the team.

"This is my sixth year here, and I am not sure if I have seen this connection. People are with the team. It's clear. When Red Star bounced back in the game, they helped us a lot. If they are like this, it will be really difficult to beat us here," he concluded.

Barcelona recovered Abrines a month ago. The Spanish shooter is getting in shape gradually.

"He was not good tonight, but he was really solid in the last four games. He lacks some rhythm. Players are not machines," agreed FC Barcelona's head coach.

On the other half, Dejan Radonjic made a clear analysis of the game.

"Our defense was horrible, we were soft, and we allowed them to play their basketball," said Radonjic about his team's first half. "We talked about how to improve it in the halftime. We clearly improved in the second half. Obviously, Barcelona played better than us. They are better, basically. They deserved to win," he added.

Asked about the Playoffs, the Balcanic coach admitted he prefers not to think too much about it.

"We have a difficult schedule until the end of the season. We will go step-by-step, game by game, and we will see. I do not think too much about it," he ended.

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