Spain Calms the Waters, Wins Against Dominican Republic
Following a string of five consecutive defeats, including a loss to Italy at the WiZink Center, Spain bounced back with a win against the Dominican Republic in Alicante. The team’s performance suggests growth and improvement, with coach Sergio Scariolo acknowledging the progress.
Chris Duarte’s Impact
Italian coach Gianni Scariolo highlighted Chris Duarte’s impressive display, praising the Kings forward for his 27 points, six three-pointers, and physicality. Duarte brought a sense of consistency to the game, forcing Spain to adapt and be more thorough in their approach.
Coach Scariolo’s Assessment
Scariolo stressed the importance of defense, stating, "We have improved in defense, but there’s still room for improvement. I hope we take advantage of the remaining days to enter competition mode." He also emphasized the need for collective effort, saying, "Everyone has to give 100%. We are no longer in the era where I could reserve some options or distribute more minutes."
The Road to Valencia
The team’s focus remains on the upcoming Pre-Olympic Games in Valencia. Darío Brizuela cautioned that the road ahead will be tough, with difficult matches and challenging opponents. While the final list of players will not be announced until two days before the competition begins, coach Scariolo highlighted the importance of growth and solid defense.
Spain’s Improvement
The team’s performance suggests improvement, with coach Scariolo concluding, "We must remain solid. Grow defensively. Know how to run when we didn’t and the success percentage will increase, with more time and training." Spain’s win against the Dominican Republic leaves the team with a sense of momentum and confidence heading into the Pre-Olympic Games.