Ataman gives update on Beaubois' condition, names Efes' most crucial game / News - Basketnews.com

Ergin Ataman specified that Rodrigue Beaubois won't be playing against Real Madrid next Tuesday and called the game against Partizan 'even more crucial" for Efes.

Credit: ZUMAPRESS.com - Scanpix Credit ZUMAPRESS.com - Scanpix

Anadolu Efes Istanbul downed Bahcesehir 73-62 on the road to rack up their 15th win in 20 Turkish BSL games, forcing their opponents to their 12th loss.

Anadolu Efes Istanbul / Schedule

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade Anadolu Efes Istanbul94-75 Anadolu Efes Istanbul Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv64-86 Anadolu Efes Istanbul Real MadridTue17:30 Anadolu Efes Istanbul Partizan Mozzart Bet BelgradeThu17:30

Elijah Bryant marked the game with 28 points and 5 rebounds. Shane Larkin had 12 points and 2 assists, while Vasilije Micic added 12 points.

At the postgame presser, Ergin Ataman didn't focus so much on Sunday's contest, as Efes are hosting Real Madrid next Tuesday (March 14, 18:30 CET) and Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade two days later (March 16, 18:30 CET).

With the back-to-back EuroLeague chances presenting a delicate 13-14 balance, it's essential that they win (almost) all of their remaining outings in order to make the playoffs.

Efes are coming off two straight losses to Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet in Belgrade and Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv at home which have trimmed down their chances.

"We had physical and mental fatigue due to the heavy loss to Maccabi," Ataman stated before pointing out that his team needs to increase its offensive production.

"We need to score more points, we can't score as much as we want. The first factor in this is that our guards aren't in game rhythm," he explained. He then went on to mention specific names.

"[Vasilije] Micic gave us hope before the important games we will play next week. We chose to use him tonight so that he can get into game shape as soon as possible. [Shane] Larkin and Elijah [Bryant] also played well.

We need to increase our tempo a little more so that we can evaluate our good defense. We also need to reduce the turnovers we make on offense," the Turkish coach argued.

Ataman also complained about the schedule, stressing that "in an overlapping match tempo, it was bad for us that the suspended game vs. Real Madrid was scheduled this week, especially before the even more critical Partizan game."

Asked about Rodrigue Beaubois' injury, he said the player isn't showing any progress.

"It seems difficult for him to be on the court in the Real Madrid game," Ataman clarified.

"It's an important week, nothing is lost yet," he stressed. "We have five more games at home. That's why we want to beat Real Madrid and enter the most crucial game, against Partizan, in high spirits."

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