Kattash on Game 2 vs. Monaco: 'They came more aggressive and the refs let them play' / News - Basketnews.com

Oded Kattash reflected on Maccabi's series against Monaco, naming the factors he thinks will make the difference in Games 3 and 4.

Credit: Alfonso Cannavacciuolo/GettyImages Credit Alfonso Cannavacciuolo/GettyImages

The EuroLeague playoff series between AS Monaco andMaccabi Playtika Tel Aviv continues, and this time things move to Yad Eliyahu Hall.

3-pointers this season

34%8,8Points made:8,8Accuracy:34,4%Place in standings:13Record max:15Record min:5Most made 3FGs:Wade Baldwin IVTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Maccabi will host Monaco on Tuesday at 21:05 in Game 3, after each of the teams won one game last week in France. The Yellows want to take advantage of the home-court factor, regain the lead in the series and get closer to the Final Four.

Maccabi rely on the fact that they've only lost twice in 17 home EuroLeague games this season, and their arena will be full to the brim and especially noisy. When the two sides met in Tel Aviv for the regular season, Maccabi erased a 19-point deficit, with Wade Baldwin excelling with 21 points.

"There will be a crazy atmosphere. We are very excited and we will come to win. It will be a tough challenge for both teams," said coach Oded Kattash at the beginning of the press conference ahead of Game 3.

"After the first game, it was clear that they would come more aggressive and the referees let them play. In the playoffs, everything is not always smooth and flowing. There was also some fatigue.

After having some rest, I believe that this time it will look better. You also need shots to fall, and you can't control everything," the Israeli coach said.

Kattash addressed the pressure issue, arguing that his team had to deal with it throughout the entire season.

"Athletes wait for these moments. The atmosphere is important and will have an impact. It's not always going to be pretty, but we are very excited and want to win," continued the coach.

"Three-pointers are an important thing in basketball and it's a result of how you guard. We need to make adjustments on who helps more or less, it's a matter of getting to know the opponent's squad.

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv / Schedule

AS Monaco Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv67-79 AS Monaco Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv86-74 Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv AS MonacoTue18:05 Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv AS MonacoThu18:05

Opportunities to run is an important things. This time we'll come with fresh legs and try to interfere with their play. You also need to know to recover after a big basket by the opponent," he continued.

On a personal note, the 48-year-old tactician admitted that he had been waiting for this opportunity for many years.

"I love basketball. As a player and a coach, I'm waiting for such games. I trust the players, even those who didn't enter the series well or those from whom we didn't get enough contribution in the second game. We have at least two more games. Players can change a series in a few minutes and I trust them," emphasized the coach.

"The last game was so intense that I felt I could have used two more players, maybe that's what was needed," Kattash concluded.

"It's a beautiful thing, especially for us, to play here. There will be an electrifying atmosphere and I can't wait for the game to start," forward Jarrell Martin argued.

"We have to take on the challenge," Jake Cohen added.

"Monaco is a great team and this is a special EuroLeague season. You don't always get to play in the playoffs in your career. When you are humble and enjoy yourself, you will also play better as a player and as a team."

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