He could not comment further on Ąžuolas Tubelis’s health condition. One of “Žalgiris” leaders injured his leg in the third quarter and did not return to the court.
“We communicated that today we definitely won’t let him play more, but for now I can’t say more. The doctors will tell,” explained T. Masiulis.
– We definitely have many players, so today there was no thought to let him back on the court after that injury. Like an ankle, but I don’t know anything more yet.”
The ambitious “Žalgiris” roster in this game included Deividas Sirvydis, Kaodirich Akobundu-Ehiogu, and the injured Saben Lee.
“About Saben, I also can’t say anything specific yet. Day by day. He might make it, he might not. It’s an injury you can’t rush. The doctors will give their verdict later,” the coach answered when asked if the foreign player would recover in time for the EuroLeague start next week.
“Congratulations to everyone on the start of the season. Also to our fans, quite a few gathered here. We definitely heard them. Speaking about the game itself – typical first game. Quite a lot of mistakes, miscommunication, maybe a bit of nervousness, especially at the start. Mistakes in easy situations… In the second half, we moved the ball better, shared it, won the game and move on,” said T. Masiulis.
VIDEO: T. Masiulis: “Typical first game”
T. Masiulis: “Typical first game”
– For me personally, the preparation was the same (as in friendly matches). Maybe just that we watched more about the opponents, prepared. The routine is more or less the same.”
“The newcomers are looking for their place, want to understand. They definitely make a lot of mistakes, especially in defense. It’s a normal process. They are used to one way, but in some situations we want to play differently. That’s how it is and, I think, there will be a lot of time, but in every game, as a coach, I would like to see fewer and fewer mistakes,” noted the strategist, also commenting on the new quick throw-in from out-of-bounds rule.
VIDEO: LKL, sponsored by Betsson, game review: “Gargždai” – “Žalgiris” [2026-09-17]
LKL, sponsored by Betsson, game review: “Gargždai” – “Žalgiris” [2026-09-17]
– We haven’t practiced it much yet, but we will need to… EuroLeague is one way, here – another. That’s why it’s a bit harder. I like this rule because there are fewer stoppages, it’s really more fun for the spectator to watch the ACB league.
We don’t emphasize this innovation much yet. The main thing is that we don’t let ourselves concede points, and whether we miss shots or not – it doesn’t make much difference to me yet. It’s important not to get caught off guard, get back to defense and not give away easy points.”
“Žalgiris” leader did not dramatize yet about Carsen Edwards, who missed shots both in friendly matches and this game (2/8 three-pointers):
“In training, you really think he can make those shots. Maybe that’s why he gets a bit off track, gets nervous and starts thinking less about basketball. But it’s our, the coaches’, job to calm him down a bit and explain that he must always be focused on the game, make the right decisions, and I believe those shots will go in.”
On Sunday, “Žalgiris” will play another LKL game – in Klaipėda against “Neptūnas”.
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“A fun debut because there was a celebration in the city. The arena was full. An extraordinary team came, one of the strongest in Europe. I hope the spectators liked what they saw,” said Paulius Malašauskas, debuting as head coach of “Gargždai”.
– That high-level team punished us in small things. That’s why they play where they play. The guys really fought, gave their heart. I was satisfied with some episodes. We have a lot to improve, but I think we have a team that will grow during the season. We are young, so I want aggression both in offense and defense. That will be our style.”
Paulius Malašauskas himself worked for a long time alongside Virginijus Šeškus and Nenad Čanak: “The brightest thing they have in common is humanity. I think that’s a big key to the players’ hearts. I try to be somewhat like them, but at the same time be myself.”
