Maccabi was delighted with the big win over Khimki Moscow. Blu: “It’s the first time I’ve scored the game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer since high school. I’m really happy.”
By Amy Samin
Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv head coach David Blatt was very excited after the game and said, “It was an impressive and very special victory, a result of hard work and faith in our ability, not only to play well like we did in the first half but to overcome the deficit we faced in the second half.
Khimki needed the win and fought hard for it, and we saw that in the second half, but we found the way and the strength to get back in the game and win.
In the first half, our defense was amazing, just in the third quarter we forgot for awhile who we are, but the important thing is that we came back and showed real character.”
“As for Perkins, this isn’t the first time that he has stepped up and done all the key things, without making a lot of fuss, without demanding attention; he’s not looking to be a superstar.
He simply does everything.
I love players like that, and I love having them on my side.
As for Blu, it wasn’t his best game tonight, but he has the ability to make the big plays and that’s what he did for us, bringing this wonderful victory.
Our group is a strong one, closely-matched and tough, but now we have the advantage of two very important away victories.”
The star of the victory, David Blu, said, “It’s a big win for us.
We showed character, we all played hard and put up a great fight.
We deserve the win, we didn’t give up after they took the lead, and of course a little bit of luck never hurts.
It was amazing how Perk took control of that last loose ball, and I don’t know how but he found me; I was really happy that at least that shot went in.
It’s the first time I’ve scored the game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer since high school.
I’m really happy.”
Guy Pnini said, “We put a lot into this game, we put our hearts into it and came away with the win.
We simply deserve it.
We’re playing together and having fun out on the court, I think you can see that.
Everyone gives his all, and helps the others; there’s a feeling of togetherness.
We work hard in practice, we’re not ashamed to emphasize defense, and so far it’s working out pretty well.
In spite of all the happiness we get from these two straight Euroleague victories away from home, we need to stay calm and with our feet on the ground because we really do still have a long way to go, and what’s coming will be even harder.”
Chuck Eidson, who together with Sofo Schortsanitis was Maccabi’s leading scorer in the game, said, “We opened the game strong and played great the whole first half.
Unfortunately, in the third period we eased up, but what’s important is that we stayed together which was the key to this victory and the reason for all of our success.
We stayed positive, we wanted the win, we fought hard and so we won.
Blu’s three-pointer was amazing but everyone contributed to the win with some great plays.
In the last quarter, Perk played like a man possessed, going after every ball, and that’s exactly what happened.
He was everywhere, and first to the ball every time.”
