Greek basketball club Olympiacos defeated Zalgiris Kaunas 93-91 in Lithuania on Tuesday to extend their undefeated start in the EuroLeague.
The victory gave Olympiacos a two-win record from their opening two matches in Europe's premier basketball competition. Head coach Georgios Bartzokas praised his players for maintaining composure in a high-intensity environment at the Zalgirio Arena.
Bartzokas said in his post-game interview that securing results remains the primary focus during the early stages of a demanding season. He noted that while the team delivered a strong performance overall, miscommunications created difficult moments during the contest.
Patience and tactical control
The Greek coach highlighted his team's patience in the closing minutes as the deciding factor in securing the win. He explained that Olympiacos created scoring opportunities on second-chance attacks, executed effectively inside the paint with layups, and converted critical late baskets.
Bartzokas acknowledged that the team struggled with three-point shooting accuracy for much of the evening before connecting on vital shots late in the game. He added that while Olympiacos controlled the tempo for extended periods, players occasionally rushed their execution during transition phases.
Reflecting on the challenge of playing in Kaunas, Bartzokas said winning away against Zalgiris is never simple. He praised the quality of the opponent and described the crowd atmosphere inside the arena as wild.
Squad progress and spectator presence
Looking forward, Bartzokas emphasized that continuous improvement must happen during competitive play. With a demanding schedule of away fixtures ahead, he explained that the coaching staff will use match time to refine team coordination.
Guard Evan Fournier earned the Most Valuable Player award for his performance in the victory. Speaking after the match, Fournier said the team is playing at a faster pace this season but stressed that defense requires further attention.
The fixture also attracted high-profile interest courtside, with former National Basketball Association star Shaquille O'Neal in attendance at the Zalgirio Arena to watch the match.
