Laso expresses pride, Spahija - disappointment: 'Madrid have done what they wanted' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Aitor Arrizabalaga/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Aitor Arrizabalaga/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

Bitci Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (4-8) suffered another loss at home, this time against a solid Real Madrid (10-2). Thomas Heurtel shined against his former team, ending with 12 points and 9 assists.

Player of the Game EFF 18 Thomas Heurtel Points 12 Accuracy 5-9 Rebounds 1 Assists 9

Neven Spahija recognized Madrid's superiority during the game.

"Except for the first five minutes, I think they have done what they wanted. Medicine is the same as always, go back to work, say what is right and what is wrong and how to play basketball".

The Croatian mastermind tried to make a checklist with some keys to improve.

"We have to play as a team, whether we do it well or badly. It is a message that I want to send to the club and the fans. We have to play better as a team. When they called me, I knew very well what was there. There will be analysis within the club, but the first of all is to work", he analyzed.Baskonia's coach preferred to be cautious about the future of his team.

"With all my experience, I cannot judge so soon. We need more time, I have seen some different things compared to the past. We will talk about the team's possibilities later, not at this time. I think it is still a bit early. I arrived last week even though it seems like I've been here longer", Spahija added.

On the opposite side, Pablo Laso could not hide his happiness after another win, the fifth consecutive one for the Blancos.

"I want to congratulate my players. It has been a really solid game. We have won the four quarters, so it means we were consistent. We control the game from our defense. I am happy for this victory in a difficult arena", began the coach.

Real Madrid is on the top of each competition, something that makes Laso proud of the job done so far.

"At the beginning of the season, I would have signed to be leading EuroLeague, ACB League, and having won the Supercup. We are having some injuries problems, but we are managing pretty well. I'm proud of my guys", he said.

Bitci Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz / Schedule

Bitci Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz CSKA Moscow74-80 Bitci Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz Real Madrid60-88 Zalgiris Kaunas Bitci Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz12-0218:00

Asked about the best player of the game, Thomas Heurtel, Laso admitted he followed the game's plan.

"Thomas has executed our game plan. He understood he could change the game. He ended with 12 points and 9 points, so he had a good game. But I will praise all the team for their effort".

Madrid won a month ago in Vitoria and repeated almost the same result this Thursday in the Turkish Airlines Euroleague. Laso wanted to give his opinion about Baskonia's performances.

"Neven is a bit different from Ivanovic. We detected it fast, so we changed some things, especially on defense. We have been so solid in both games.

Building a team requires time. New players, now they have a new coach. They need more practice, confidence, and some wins to step up. But it will take time," Laso said.

Laso revealed Carlos Alocén, Jeffery Taylor, Anthony Randolph, and Trey Thompkins will come back to practices next Monday, adding it is not always good to have the whole roster available.

"People believe that when you recover players, you will be better. And sometimes, it isn't easy to get them into dynamics. I have to be demanding with those who enter the court so they would reach the level of their teammates, and those who are squeezing them so that they do not go down. I want everyone available, of course", he concluded.

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