Ergin Ataman: 'It is like we came to Madrid for touristic travel' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: D.Lukšta Credit D.Lukšta

After handing Anadolu Efes Istanbul their first Turkish Airlines EuroLeague loss of the season, Real Madrid's coach Pablo Laso was ecstatic with how his team performed on both ends of the floor.

Player of the Game EFF 24 Walter Tavares Points 13 Accuracy 6-6 Rebounds 12 Assists 1

"Of course, I am happy! Beating the champs - what else did I expect from tonight's game? I think we did a great job defensively and offensively in the first half, and then we were able to maintain the difference against a great team. I am very happy. I think the tone was set from the beginning, defensively and offensively."

"We were aggressive, and even when I was asking for more, let's say, aggressiveness offensively for some of my players - open jumpers taken. We work to get those jumpers and have to recognize those situations offensively, that we can do better. But also defensively, I think the team did a great effort."

Real started the match with an impressive 12-0 run, and according to Laso, that is what carried his team to victory.

"I think that our start of the game was probably decisive, both on defense and offense. We had the best offensive moments of the season and got a 17-point lead at the end of the first quarter. We handled that lead very well after that through our defense."

"They scored 15, 20, 13, 21 points in each quarter, and we had the feeling of being solid on defense, which added to the lead that we had after the first quarter, it was decisive in the game. I am happy for the win and for my players. We had very good teamwork, but this had just started."

"Obviously, it is an important game against the champion, and it is a great way to start the competition, but we know this has just started. It was a beautiful day to win - the first EuroLeague game, against the champion, with our fans back in the stands."

On the opposing side, coach Ergin Ataman wasn't happy with his team's performance and couldn't remember a worse start to the game for his team.

"I think that we lost the game in the first quarter. Our performance was horrible in the first quarter, so it has been a long time. I have never seen my team have that kind of a first quarter. We had 0 assists in the first quarter and 6 turnovers. Finally, in the game report, I saw it was 47-23 in rebounds."

"It is like we came to Madrid for touristic travel, and Real were ready to beat us. This is the only analysis of the game. For other things, it is difficult after you get 32 points in the first quarter and a 17-point difference and then play a regular game. It is impossible. So congratulations to Madrid. It is a terrible start for us."

Like what we are doing? Support us by becoming BN+ member.