Alimpijevic: We did not put in a good effort against Zalgiris

Dusan Alimpijevic spoke to the media after the match at the Turkcell Basketball Development Center. The Serbian head coach said they struggled to find accuracy from the perimeter and mid-range, saying, "Tonight we shot badly." Stressing that they cannot win if they play at this percentage, Alimpijevic said the flow of their offensive plays did not go as they wanted. Describing their opponent Zalgiris as an important team, Alimpijevic said the rival had built its roster well to reach the final four. He noted that his players found open shot opportunities but could not convert them, and that nobody did this on purpose. Arguing that they should react better when behind, Alimpijevic said that when a shot is missed, the team should get back to defense in the best way possible. When the fans fell silent, he asked, "How can we play like this when they are like this?" Addressing new signing Lonnie Walker, the coach said the player was not yet fully ready. Alimpijevic said basketball players are human and that adapting to the team may take time. Noting that Walker was with the team despite his pain, Alimpijevic said he believes the player will be better in the future.

Source: Hurriyet Spor

Correction (07.11.2026): Alimpijevic is 40 years old. Removed.