Bartzokas on Sloukas' game-winner, Martin's condition and a good defensive night / News - Basketnews.com

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Olympiacos Piraeus(5-2) needed a big shot by Kostas Sloukas to downFenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2-5) and retain one of the top positions in the standings.

Player of the Game EFF 21 Moustapha Fall Points 10 Accuracy 5-6 Rebounds 9 Assists 1

In the post-game presser, the Reds’ head coachGiorgos Bartzokas pointed out that his team had a very effective defensive showing which was key to them getting one more win.

He also praised Sloukas, explained the situation regarding Hassan Martin's condition and the impact that the fans' return has had on the Greek squad's performances.

"It was an amazing game and we have to congratulate both teams. They both defended very well and that's why the score was very low.

We created a lot of open shots, which is basically our game. But our good shooters missed a lot of open looks. You can't shoot 50 or 60% on any given night. We won because of our defense. We managed to stop De Colo, Henry, and his creativity, and of course Guduric.

Fener is a team that likes to score a lot from inside the paint. We packed the paint big-time and avoided a high-scoring performance from Fenerbahce. It was a fantastic atmosphere and personally, I really enjoyed it," Bartzokas said in his opening statement.

Asked whether Sloukas's performance and winning shot can bring him one step closer to filling Vasssilis Spanoulis's shoes, the Greek coach didn't rule it out.

"If he can make winning shots, it would be good. I understand that journalists and fans are keen on personifying things. It's normal, that's the way sports work. Persons are always important - and especially at Olympiacos, Greek players are very important.

I was really happy that Sloukas made the last shot, but I am more interested in how the team operates. After a mediocre defensive game against ALBA, tonight we had a very good one. Players understood the importance of the game and proved it."

Free throws this season

72%12,0Points made:12,0Accuracy:71,5%Place in standings:9Record max:22Record min:5Most made FTs:Tyler DorseyTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Bartzokas was also asked about Sloukas coming off the bench and made some comparisons with other players.

"I think he's not affected at all by that. Larkin and Clyburn also come off the bench in many cases. The most important thing is who has the coach's trust. Last year, he was a starter in every game. We have found out that some players have better on-court chemistry than others".

On Hassan Martin's condition, the Greek coach revealed that his player will have a puncture tomorrow because he had fluid in his knee.

Last year, Olympiacos had only seven home wins. So far, the Reds have won all five of their games at the Peace and Friendship Stadium. Bartzokas thinks that sometimes, whether a team is fancy isn't important.

"Some guys show me that they want to follow our plan, regardless of whether they play well or not. That's very important to a coach. We have a plan to follow.

I have experienced times at Olympiacos when the fans were exercising pressure on the opponent team, but also on us. This has changed through the years. For instance, Walkup won a defensive battle against De Colo and fans were celebrating," the Reds' coach pointed out.

The experienced tactician was also asked about Moustapha Fall's performances so far: "Fall is exactly what I expected when we signed him. He's very smart, he's got size and passes the ball well. He has become part of our club quite emphatically," he commented.

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