February 10, 2012
Playoffs analyst: Felipe Reyes - Real Madrid
Felipe Reyes - Real MadridFelipe Reyes played in his 100th Euroleague game and scored his 1,000th Euroleague point this season, adding those accolades to an impressive career that has seen him win a world championship, an Olympic medal, a EuroBasket title, the ULEB Cup and multiple Spanish League crowns. One thing missing from that impressive list, however is reaching the Final Four and playing for the Euroleague title. This season, Reyes and Real Madrid are just three wins away from that goal, but now each of those victories must come against their biggest rival, Regal FC Barcelon - a fact that would make would make the feat all the more sweeter for them. A decrease in minutes played this season may have caused his scoring and rebounding numbers to drop, but when on the floor, Reyes remains a force to be reckoned with. Now, Reyes will apply all his skill and strength to rally Madrid to Paris for what would be its first Euroleague Final Four since 1996. "It is going to be a make-or-break fight between both teams," Reyes says. "We hope to be the last team standing and make it to the Final Four."

Real Madrid comes off a tough loss against Maccabi that forced a playoff series with Barcelona. How does that fit into the context of the season so far you and your teammates?

"Truth to be told, it was really hard to lose that game against Maccabi because it was a do-or-die chance to win our Top 16 group and get the homecourt advantage in the playoffs. We had a bad game at home right at the worst moment. It is a shame because we had a good regular season and were in a very good position. But we have to accept it and go to Barcelona to try to steal a road win. We have to play with confidence and try to beat Barcelona in the playoffs."

Madrid has played against Barcelona already this season, but lost two finals so far, in the Spanish SuperCup and the Spanish King's Cup. What impresses you about their team?

"What I like about Barcelona is that they have a very deep team, with no big weaknesses at any position. That is what makes Barcelona so strong this season. We cannot focus on just one player, but rather we must see them as a team and try to stop them that way."

Barcelona is unbeaten at Palau Blaugrana in all competitions this season. How important can the home court advantage be in this series?

"Well, let's hope it is not a decisive factor in this series, at least not as decisive as it could be. Having the homecourt advantage is always important, especially in a long series, but I think we can beat Barcelona at Palau Blaugrana. If we play a good game in there, like we already did on the road sometimes this season, we can definitely beat them."

After getting past some injuries, you are playing your best basketball of this season. Does this series arrive at the right time for you, personally?

"I still have to keep working hard and improving because it has been a tough start of the season for me because of injuries. That has prevented me from being in the right shape, as I would have expected. It has been difficult to get in shape, because I came out of an injury and seemed to find another one. But now it looks like I have started to find my rhythm and stay away from injury problems. I am feeling better, little by little, playing with more confidence and starting to feel in shape."

Last but definitely not least, what would it mean for you to play in your first Final Four and for the club to be back in the big event after so many years?

"It would be very important, because like you said, Madrid has not made it to the Final Four for a long time. It is also one of the goals we set at the beginning of the season. We know we are facing a strong opponent like Barcelona, that is playing at a very high level right now but it is going to be a make-or-break fight between both teams. We hope to be the last team standing and make it to the Final Four."
Friday, March 19, 2010
Euroleague.net
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