Pablo Laso and Jeff Taylor spoke to the press before Real Madrid's showdown against Khimki in the final game of the first phase of the Top 16. The Whites' coach underlined just what a difficult game awaits his charges in Russia: "They're a very talented side. We're going to have to put in a good all-round performance and perform for the whole 40 minutes, and not just rely on a few moments of magic because this is a team that, with the quality they have, are capable of punishing you in no time at all".

"On the outside, they are amongst the best in Europe, with players capable of offering a lot. The injury to Paul Davis is likely proving to be very damaging because he's a key inside player, but Augustine, Todorovic and Monia — the latter as a false center — give them a lot of options on court. They're very dangerous offensively and we need to be aware of our defensive balance, and not allow them to run and play quick basketball".

Winning on the road
"We have to go about things in the right way, just like you do when you play at home. We're in a very tight group and we've seen many road wins, and they just speak of just what a difficult group it is. All of the games in the Top 16 will be critical. We're in an extremely tight group and we're in need of the wins. We're just focusing on winning our next game, and not looking any further than that".

Medical report
"Reyes is out with a shoulder injury. He's doing better, but he's not ready to play and we need to continue to monitor his progress. Rudy, who is still working his way back from a long-term injury, is also ruled out and Lima is not yet eligible. Maciulis has now started to train with the rest of the group".

Covering for the missing inside players
"Thompkins can play in the Euroleague and he's a number four who can bring things to the team. In comes Maciulis, who when required is able to play as a power forward. It would seem as if we're better off than we were against Estudiantes. These things do change your playing style a bit, but we need to be focused on the players who are available, and not those who are out".

LASO: ”THIS IS PROBABLY THE TOUGHEST TOP 16 GROUP IN EUROLEAGUE HISTORY”.
"In this group you've got the winners from the last few years, along with most of the teams who have contested the last few Final Fours. If to that we add in the fact that Brose Baskets are the German champions and they're having a great season domestically and in the Euroleague, then there's Baskonia too, and Khimki, who are the reigning Eurocup winners, it's a very tough group".

Respect for the referees
"To speak of a lack of respect would be harsh. Real Madrid are a well respected team. We are deserving of this, but not any more than other teams. We should get the same respect as everyone else, but I can understand the players who have the feeling that we've been on the end of some refereeing decisions which have been detrimental when you look back on the games. But we mustn't see this is a distraction, and we've got to remain faithful to our game".

Taylor: “It'll be a challenge for us”
"It's going to be a very tough match because we're up against a very tough team. We've already played them twice this season, and it'll be a challenge for us. We still haven't recorded a road win in the Top 16 and we need to change that. We hope that we do just that against Khimki".

Key areas
"We need to perform very well defensively, move the ball well in offense and all work together. We can't make mistakes in defense or in offense and not allow them easy baskets".