"We wanted to keep Jones, but he decided to leave!" Itoudis after beating Zvezda: They can help them make a playoff push! /VIDEO/
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- You were able to follow the Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet vs. Hapoel Tel Aviv clash live on Sportal
A second game in Belgrade brought a second defeat for the Red-and-Whites, who faltered once again in the fourth quarter to let the visitors celebrate at Belgrade Arena.
The contest was decided in the dying moments by Vasilije Micić, who drained two clutch three-pointers despite shooting just 1-of-11 from deep up to that point, sealing the victory for the Israeli side.
Following the final buzzer, visiting head coach Dimitris Itoudis addressed the press.
"I would like to congratulate my team on the win. It was vital for us to bounce back after the opening-round defeat. We faced a tough challenge against a quality opponent in front of their passionate home crowd... We showed real character while still working to build chemistry and integrate new players. Coffey is sidelined, and Toppin got injured in practice last night, so things haven't been easy. I think we were the better team overall; we controlled the tempo and kept our composure when Zvezda took the lead. We moved the ball really well, which doesn't always show up on the stat sheet. Huge credit to my players—I liked what I saw tonight." – Dimitris Itoudis
"I'd say we're still at the very beginning. We need time, just like everyone else. It would have been great to have seven more days of preparation, and it would be great to have a clean bill of health. Results are a must, especially for us after sitting at the top of the standings for three months last year. I believe Zvezda share the same ambitions as many other teams, which means fighting for the playoffs or play-in tournament. This is a marathon, and we are constantly playing on the road." – Dimitris Itoudis
The Hapoel tactician also touched upon the key roles played by Vasilije Micić and Elijah Bryant.
"We don't rely solely on those two players. Bryant and Micić are crucial to our system, that's no secret. But it's not just about them—LeDay was huge today. Odiase was outstanding with his defense, shot-blocking, and paint presence whenever we needed him." – Dimitris Itoudis
Itoudis also spoke about Chris Jones and Johnathan Motley, whom he previously worked with at Hapoel.
"They are exceptional players with extensive top-level experience. Both are fantastic. Chris didn't stay with us, but that was strictly for non-basketball reasons. We wanted to keep him, but he decided to move on. He is a phenomenal talent, and both he and Motley will bring immense value to Zvezda, who can certainly mount a strong playoff push." – Dimitris Itoudis
He briefly addressed the technical foul he received late in the contest.
"I can swear I didn't say a word. That's really not who I am, but hey, if they felt I deserved it, so be it." – Dimitris Itoudis
Finally, he commented on Vasilije Micić's shooting form, after the guard stood at 1-of-11 from beyond the arc at one point.
"I'd prefer him going 3-of-8 rather than 1-of-11. Still, those were all quality looks, and a shooter knows when it's a good shot. Every coach wants easy points—catch-and-shoot looks, free throws, layups... He has the class to be far more clinical, and he definitely will be." – Dimitris Itoudis
EuroLeague Standings
VIDEO Zvezda suffer tough EuroLeague start as Žalgiris strike again
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