Sergey Karasev: "In the playoffs every game will be like this, if not tougher"

Zenit captain Sergey Karasev shared his emotions after the home-court victory over Uralmash (89:79). He also spoke about his attitude toward tough physical plays during games.

— First of all, I want to thank Uralmash for this game. Despite their personnel issues and injuries, they fought hard and showed very respectable basketball. It was a good game with lots of physical contact. The team is also very well-coached, and I’d like to highlight their coach. We’re very happy to have finished this part of the season on a high note in front of our fans. I’d like to congratulate all of St. Petersburg on this victory and wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Even though we don’t celebrate it [on December 25], we celebrate New Year, but still. And, of course, I wish everyone a Happy New Year!

— Early in the game, it seemed like the referees set a low threshold for fouls. Did you keep that in mind to play more cautiously?

— Based on recent games, we’ve actually gotten used to this low threshold and try to practice that way during training because we understand no one will give us any gifts. Every victory has to be earned through hard work and readiness for tough games. When the playoffs come around, every game will be like this, if not tougher. We need to start preparing for that mindset now, with games like this. Time flies so quickly, you blink, and it’s already March or April, and the playoffs are here.