Bozikas: “Although the game was a big score, we clearly won it from the defense”

On Thursday night (16/10), Mr Olympic escaped with a legendary upset from Belgrade, winning it Maccabi Tel Aviv with a score of 95-94while trailing by 13 points with five minutes to go.

After the end of the match, the direct partner of Giorgos Bartzokas, George Bozikasstood with his statements on the defense that decided the victory for the “red and whites” and on the impressive 18-4 run in the last minutes.

In detail what he said:

“The way we won is important, because the big teams win these games. When the game shows that it has gone wrong for you, you have to find a way to beat it. It is a guide for us in the future. Although the game went to a high score, we clearly won it from the defense. In defense you have to make an extra effort. That much was clear today. At the end, when our backs were against the wall, we took possession, stopped Maccabi’s attack and then in attack we have all the talent in the world to score. We have many threats, many things to do. But you can’t win games when you concede one basket after another.

We have to understand that the pace in the Euroleague has increased a lot. The scores are open, there are no teams playing late. This has to do with the format. It is difficult to follow a certain defensive strategy and stop the opponent. There is also fatigue, the defense needs an extra effort. Our team cannot play a basketball model. Adjusts depending on the match. The rhythm can be opened, a player can be found on a good day. The point is to adapt, to be tough on possessions. The way we won will help us.”