McKissic downplays Olympiacos' defense on Mike James, wants playoff pairing with PAO / News - Basketnews.com

Shaquielle McKissic describes to BasketNews his feelings after making the game-deciding shot in Olympiacos' win over Monaco, explains why he thinks the Reds are a scary team, and comments on his team's defense on Mike James. He also singles out the team he'd like to face in the playoffs.

Credit: Regina Hoffmann/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Regina Hoffmann/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

Last Thursday night,Olympiacos PiraeusandAS Monacowere battling it out to the limit. The Reds had reached the point where every detail counted, and they needed a big shot to set the Peace and Friendship Stadium on fire.

Player of the Game EFF 22 Thomas Walkup Points 9 Accuracy 4-7 Rebounds 7 Assists 9

With the score tied at 69 apiece,Alec Petersdrove to the basket and threw a kick out pass toShaquielle McKissic, giving him a chance to be a hero. The 33-year-old forward grabbed it as he usually does, hitting a big 3 that brought Olympiacos up in the scoreboard, entering the final 23 seconds of the game.

When Olympiacos needed him, McKissic was there to make a huge shot in his team's most crucial possession. McKissic scored another long-distance shot at the start of the 4th quarter, where Olympiacos seemed to be losing steam.

"It feels amazing. It's unreal. I'm ready to be at home with my wife and just relax," a visibly exhausted McKissic toldBasketNewsafter the game. "I'm pretty sure she's happy to see me, but that win was incredible."

Olympiacos' defense on Mike James, who was pinned down to a scoring season-low 10 points, helped the hosts fend off Monaco's stingy offense.

However, McKissic thinks that James' off-night was more the outcome of the player's inability to bank in some shots he'd normally make rather than the direct product of Olympiacos' defensive dedication.

"He was just missing shots. It was one of those nights where

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