Nikola Kalinic Praises Paris and Zvezda’s Effort in EuroLeague Comeback Win
Nikola Kalinic was happy with the comeback triumph of Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade versus Paris Basketball in EuroLeague Round 1. He also complimented Tiago Splitter and his Paris team, noting their great potential all through the season.
Zvezda turned a 13-point deficit around to ruin Paris’s chances of winning their EuroLeague debut. Beginning his third run with Zvezda, Kalinic was instrumental, scoring 9 points and 5 rebounds and striking a vital long three-pointer with five minutes left, thereby turning the game in Zvezda’s advantage. Paris never recovered the lead.
When Kalinic thought back on the game, he underlined the turning point:
“Everything looked much better when we managed to take control of the game, put our hands on them, adjust to the criteria referees had.”
Appreciations for Paris and Tiago Splitter
Kalinic used the chance to praise Paris and their coach, Tiago Splitter, for their outstanding performance:
“They played unbelievable tonight. Although I’m not sure if they could keep this degree of performance all through the season, I believe they can. They have unusual new energy; we’ll see how it works in the EuroLeague. Under Tiago Splitter’s capable leadership, I believe they will be excellent, amazing squad.”
Recognizing the inspiration of new EuroLeague clubs like Paris, he also valued Zvezda’s group effort and calm in the second half:
“Impressions are fantastic, it’s amazing. At last we squeezed through and gathered ourselves. Teams that just joined EuroLeague are driven especially to establish themselves; first match on this stadium in the EuroLeague.”
Referring to the match’s finale as a “routine finish” Kalinic ended by noting the team’s composure and ability to close off tight games. As the EuroLeague season progresses, Zvezda will seek to keep up this pace.
