In-form Washington Wizards took on play-off hopeful Indiana Pacers last night. Wizards won 111-98 on the road over Pacers and took their 21th win out of the last 26 games. After the game in which TrendBasket was present, Wizards’ Czech guard Tomáš Satoranský answered our questions.
Son 25 maçının 20’sini kazanan @WashWizards zorlu @Pacers deplasmanı için sahadaki yerini aldı. #NBA #TBHerYerde pic.twitter.com/zOD3CKsFij
— TrendBasket (@TrendBasket) 16 Şubat 2017
First of all, let’s start with the game. What are your thoughts about the game?
I think the first unit is always doing an amazing job. We played good offensively and we shot the ball at a really high percentage. We were comfortable. We had some moments where we blew up our lead but again, first unit was amazing. On both sides, we were confident and able to make some stops in the second half.
Since Christmas, you have won 21 games out of 26. What changed in the team after Christmas?
I think we just needed some time. We have a new coaching staff, new players, a lot of new guys. These things want some time and nothing develops without trusting and being used to each other. We knew we could play fast and defend anybody. We started playing good and we’re on a great run. Let’s hope this continues after the All-Star break.
How was your adaptation period? How did having experienced European players such as Marcin Gortat and Ian Mahinmi on the roster affect this process?
First of all, it was very important to have them here because it’s good to have someone who went through the same process, which is getting used to American basketball from Europe. It wasn’t easy. It’s a different style of basketball here. I also needed some time to adjust to some things. But I can say it’s great to have -especially- Marcin here. Every time I need his help, he’s there for me.
What do you think about your former team, Barcelona Lassa? They aren’t playing well recently. Do you have chance to watch them?
Yeah, I’m watching them a lot. If not the games, I’m following the results. I’m not happy about it. I’m a true Barcelona fan. I think they’ve lost nine in a row in the EuroLeague. Now, they will play Copa del Rey in Spain. I hope they can make some comeback for the season but they had some bad injuries, too. So, it’s an unfortunate year for Barcelona.
In a recent interview, Marcin Gortat told that you and him will be presidents and erase Poland-Czechia borders. Any further comments on this?
(Laughing) I just laughed at it. Those were some ridiculous comments, nothing else. He sometimes does that. He’s a great guy.
At the end of the interview, Satoranský did not turn us down and sent a message to the Turkish basketball fans. His words were the following:
Hi to the Turkish fans from Tomáš Satoranský of the Washington Wizards. Good luck to the Turkish teams in the EuroLeague. Keep watching the NBA!
.@satoransky: “Türk taraftarlara merhaba! @EuroLeague‘deki takımlarınıza iyi şanslar. NBA’i izlemeye devam edin” #TBHerYerde pic.twitter.com/myYkYIv2lC
— TrendBasket (@TrendBasket) 17 Şubat 2017