Dejan Radonjić: "We had a chance in overtime"
Press conference by Zenit head coach Dejan Radonjić following the loss to UNICS (107:104) in overtime of the first game of the 2025/26 VTB United League semifinals. The opening game of the series took place today, May 11, in Kazan.
— First of all, I would like to say that it was a very good game to watch for the fans, of course. So many good things from both sides. About game, so many things to discuss, but anyway, third quarter defensively for us was very bad. We did so many mistakes, but we came back to the game and then we had opportunity to win. In that position, we had the opportunity to take a shot at one of the best shooters Kulagin. It was a mistake, miscommunication or something like that. And also, in the last position, we made a mistake offensively. We get the opportunity to play overtime, and in overtime, as you see, in the end, they won. So we need to analyze the game to see what we need to repeat, what we need to improve, and to come here to play a good game.
— Tonight, both teams scored over 100 points. What does that say to you?
— I think that offensively both teams they played really good, you know, it's look at this percentage for three on both sides, for example. As I said, it was a really really good basketball tonight. We tried to drop down their percentage but UNICS played really good.
— The teams played each other six times during the regular season. How did those games help you? I suppose you studied your opponent 100%.
— For me, as a coach, today is a fourth game. Yes, we know each other. We need to be ready for the next games.
— Did UNICS surprise you with anything new? Perhaps Dyshawn Pierre?
— Pierre is a EuroLeague player, so I can say that we did a good job last game against him, so today he did many good things offensively, especially. We plays against a really good team, so today he presents all his qualities on the court.
— What will you change for the second game?
— We will analyze today's game and decide what to do for the next one.
