Tomas Satoransky gives his opinion on Game 2 Partizan-Real fight / News - Basketnews.com

Satoransky said that Punter's absence could be seen on the court in the crucial moments in Games 3 and 4. Nevertheless, he complimented Real Madrid players' resiliency to fight back. The Barca guard was sad to see Gabriel Deck get injured, been though he's a rival.

Credit: Rodolfo Molina/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images; IMAGO/900/Cordon Press - Scanpix Credit Rodolfo Molina/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images; IMAGO/900/Cordon Press - Scanpix

Tomas Satoransky and FC Barcelona arrive in Kaunas as one of the favorites to win the EuroLeague trophy. Their first opponent is Real Madrid, a team that many did not seem capable of advancing to the Final Four.

Tomas Satoransky

MIN:24.22PTS:8.53 (60.24%)REB:3.65As:4.29ST:0.71BL:0.09TO:1.74GM:34ProfileEuroLeague2022/2023

Real Madrid were down 0-2 in the quarterfinal series against Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade. Then, a fight in Game 2 broke out that completely changed the series. The Spanish team went on to become the first one to fight back from such a deficit and advance to the next round.

When he was asked about the brawl in Madrid in an interview with Alex Biescas from Diario AS, Satoransky didn't want to give an assertive statement but admitted that it changed the flow.

"Could be," he answered when asked if the fight harmed Partizan. "Without Punter, it was seen that, especially against the zone, they were looking for him and he was not on the court. The series has had it all. It was impossible to predict anything before the fifth game."

"They made a great effort, especially in the third and fourth games, playing against 20,000 people," Satoransky said about Real Madrid. "They were also affected by the sanctions. You can never rule them out. They have players with the identity of winners like Rudy [Fernandez] or [Sergio] Llull, who have won everything."

Edy Tavares made a huge difference in the series against Partizan, recording impressive numbers, especially in Games 3 and 4.

"He's one of the most game-changing players in Europe. He's had some spectacular matches offensively but he's decisive in how the defense changes [when he's on the court]. He affects a lot of shots and instills fear in shooters," Satoransky said about Tavares. "You have to play in a specific way against him, and that makes him a game-changer."

Following the sanctions for his involvement in the fight in Game 2, Guerschon Yabusele will not be able to play in the Final Four. Additionally, Gabriel Deck suffered a serious injury in Game 4 and will be sidelined as well.

"We don't think about that, we focus on ourselves," Satoransky said about Real's absences. "Deck gives them a fight and fights especially during important moments. It's always there. Even when we won the EuroLeague game here, he was the man who made the difference and was the main guy behind the comeback. He finds the baskets outside the system, and that's going to be missing [for them]. Even if it's your biggest rival, you never want to see anyone get injured."

The semifinal game between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid is scheduled for 20:00 CET on Friday, May 19th.

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