Zeljko Obradovic spoke after the game in the fifth round of the ABA League, where Partizan and Crvena Zvezda faced off in the ‘eternal’ derby.
The victory went to the black and whites, for the second time in four days, after they had previously won in the EuroLeague derby. This time the result was 98-87. In his opening statement after the game, Zeljko Obradovic analyzed the events on the court.
“After four days, the fantastic atmosphere returned. Thanks to all the people who came to support the team. It’s not easy to play two games in the regular season against the same team. What we tried to do during the break between the two games is to assess who is healthy and able to play. The fact is we went onto the court with 11 players. We have our problems, just like Crvena Zvezda. It’s something crucial to have a roster that can meet all the demands.
On Thursday, we travel to Vitoria for an important game. They have a new coach, injury issues, and then we’re off to Split. As for this game, it was fantastic once again. Crvena Zvezda created a difference in the first quarter, and we played well in the third. We had some solutions that I absolutely do not like and need to work on. Every time we showed patience, we played well.
They wanted to play a lot in transition, and it worked well for them. I congratulate my players on this important victory. What particularly pleases me is the friendly and good atmosphere between the teams on the court. I hope it continues that way always,” said Zeljko Obradovic.
The absence of Kevin Punter
“If you look at the number of assists and turnovers, it’s extremely positive. That’s what we aim for and work on in training. Looking for that extra pass, our shooting percentages were at the level of last year when we played our best. That’s good. What’s impossible and not good is the two-point shooting percentage for Crvena Zvezda.
We have defensive rules, and when they aren’t followed, it’s an easy basket every time. Tonight, the playmakers created opportunities for others. That’s the most beautiful thing in basketball when someone turns for an assist and raises their finger to say thanks. There is quality in this team, but the season is long, and the real challenges are just beginning.”
From a plus 19 lead to a nail-biter in the fourth quarter
“On Wednesday, I will tell the players what you said. I will tell them not to gamble, not to waver, and to play basketball. I don’t know what else I can do. Is it possible for anyone to think that Partizan is a team to gamble or waver? Or maybe it’s also the quality of the opposing team? Are we obliged to lead by 20 points? Maybe there was a slight lead, everything else was close. I can agree on one thing. My players made poor decisions. I call them out because I believe in them, and they know it. I’m not their mommy or daddy. They make mistakes out of a desire.
On the other hand, there is quality in the opposing team. We can’t expect to make every shot. What happens when you miss? Then they punish you by running. Milos Teodosic, Shabazz Napier aren’t good players? The game is a dynamic thing. I will try to correct everything my players do well. I get angrier than you do because for me, this is about concentration and good decisions. When a good decision is made, missing a shot or giving up a basket is fine. That’s the essence of everything we’re doing here. I have the right, as a coach, to say what I feel and think.”
Zeljko Obradovic about Frank Kaminsky and P.J. Dozier
“Dozier had a fantastic number of assists and played a good game. Remember how Dante Exum looked; it takes time. We started the season with only two weeks of training, including friendly matches. Of course, we talk and work with them. He has quality, and we expect aggressiveness from him both offensively and defensively. As you saw tonight, he has good solutions in the attack. I don’t expect him to score the same number of points and get 10 assists in every game. What’s important is that he fits into what should be our philosophy.
The same things can be said for Kaminsky. He has a wealth of experience. Every player on my team, as well as in the EuroLeague, has strengths and weaknesses. As a team, we want to hide the weaknesses and highlight the strengths. He’s aware of that, and there’s no anger. There are limits. I know there are comparisons and discussions. Mathias Lessort and Kaminsky are totally different players. He can’t do what Lessort did, and vice versa.
We’ve included young Sava Drezgic; I told him to start winning as soon as he joins the team (smile).”
Zeljko Obradovic about new signings
“Zoran Savic and I have talked, and it’s an incredible number of players. You have no idea how long it takes. I’ve looked at that, like all my coaches. Whenever we thought that maybe this is the player, there was no option to talk to him to come. I would like something to change. They keep talking about cuts in the NBA, but they wait for and love the NBA. There’s a slogan in the EuroLeague that every match is important, but maybe it’s more interesting for the players to stay there and have that kind of responsibility, which is different from what we have here in Europe.”
Details of the match
“It was better than before in the game, and we also had two situations in the first half where we had easy opportunities, but we didn’t recognize them. Every great team, if you look at the best in Europe, always fouls at the right time. It makes a huge difference. We’re working on it; when they understand, they’ll raise their hand, not ‘no, it’s mine.”