Following the dramatic road win against Fenerbahce, 81 – 79, Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv returned to Israel and right away turned its attention to the Thursday night (21:00) game vs. Zalgiris Kaunas at Menora Mmivtachim arena in Tel Aviv. Zalgiris, coached by European and Maccabi legendary player, Sarunas Jasikevicius, still has slim chances to make the Euroleague playoffs.
Head coach Ainars Bagatskis: "It was great to get the win in Istanbul, we have a positive atmosphere. I think we are now a bit bigger, maybe slower, but better for rebounding. Zalgiris are a very aggressive team that never gives up. They know how to play, to attack the basket and still have a chance to make the playoffs. I'm sure they'll be at their best. Personally, I'm used to seeing Saras on the other side from so many years ago. It will be a special game but all the games are special".
Diamon Simpson, coming off a 14 point, 12 rebound and 5 steals performance, added: "it felt great to win in Istanbul. Our chemistry has grown recently, there's a bunch of good guys with a lot of talent. Ahead of Zalgiris, we know every team has stars so we just have to be ready as a team. We didn't even have Devin which is huge for us because he is a great player so getting him back against Zalgiris will help ease up the load. I'm sure we'll find the energy."
Head coach Ainars Bagatskis: "It was great to get the win in Istanbul, we have a positive atmosphere. I think we are now a bit bigger, maybe slower, but better for rebounding. Zalgiris are a very aggressive team that never gives up. They know how to play, to attack the basket and still have a chance to make the playoffs. I'm sure they'll be at their best. Personally, I'm used to seeing Saras on the other side from so many years ago. It will be a special game but all the games are special".
Diamon Simpson, coming off a 14 point, 12 rebound and 5 steals performance, added: "it felt great to win in Istanbul. Our chemistry has grown recently, there's a bunch of good guys with a lot of talent. Ahead of Zalgiris, we know every team has stars so we just have to be ready as a team. We didn't even have Devin which is huge for us because he is a great player so getting him back against Zalgiris will help ease up the load. I'm sure we'll find the energy."