Good evening, Justin. How do you feel after securing this hard-fought victory?
Winning always feels great. On a personal note, I’m pleased I hit those crucial shots; it really shows the progress I’m making as a player. I had a slow start, only two points by halftime, so successfully sinking those two big shots and clinching the win definitely makes me happy.
Your team had a tough start, particularly with outside shooting, yet you continued to take shots. What does this reflect about your mentality?
We all have immense trust in each other. My teammates did a great job finding me in key positions late in the game. We truly rely on everyone, regardless of the situation. In fact, I told Nadir [Hifi] after the game that he’s going to shine next time. That unwavering belief in each other is the core of our mentality, both as individuals and as a team.
On a collective note, you played one of your poorest first halves of the season. What adjustments did you make at halftime to come back stronger?
We simply needed to stay true to ourselves and remain solid. We recognized that our first half wasn’t great, but despite that, we weren’t trailing by much. Even if the deficit had been larger, our approach would have been the same: stick to our game plan and execute what we train for.
Similar to the game against Panathinaikos, you were the one who sealed the victory late in the match. What fuels your confidence in such high-pressure moments?
It’s simply who I am. Being present and delivering in crucial moments is how my parents raised me. I thrive on these types of shots. I did miss one earlier in the season against Bayern, but recently, they’ve started to go in. My teammates and the coaching staff continue to show faith in me in these situations, and I’m very grateful for that.
Following three consecutive road wins, you suffered a home loss against Olympiakos (87-104) on Tuesday. How satisfying was it to secure this victory for your home fans tonight?
We always strive to win at home. We’re especially grateful to our fans for their unwavering loyalty, supporting us through thick and thin. We’ve had some incredibly close losses, yet they consistently show up. The atmosphere is always electric when we play at home. Having them cheer us on and disrupt the opposing team’s focus gives us a massive advantage.
Having completed more than half of your debut Euroleague season, what can you share about your adaptation to this new environment?
I’m proud of my journey so far. There have definitely been highs and lows, but I’m content with my overall progress. I’m happy to be in this position, spending every day with these teammates. I’m geared up for what’s ahead for the rest of the season; I’m determined for us to finish strong.
