In the CBA playoff quarterfinal series, Shanxi Fenjiu lost 81-86 to defending champions Zhejiang Guangsha at home on May 10, leveling the series at 1-1. After the game, Shanxi head coach Pan Jiang spoke to the media about the defeat.
Regarding the loss: “It’s a disappointing result, but this is the intensity of the playoffs. I feel we didn’t play as decisively as we did in the first game. We kept telling the players to relax and not overthink, but they still hesitated on offense and in decision-making.”
“Our defense against their key players was decent, but we lost the game in the rebounding department, especially in the final stages.”
On the impact of a fragmented game rhythm on his coaching: “There is definitely an effect, but as a professional team, we need to adapt quickly. All we can do is focus on ourselves.”
On the rotation of interior players: “We made active adjustments throughout the game. Several big men rotated in and out. We’ve been trying to protect Ge Zhaobao and keep him for the crucial moments.”
“As you mentioned, their guard Brown is very aggressive offensively. Regarding Liu Chuanxing’s playing time, the coaching staff discussed it before the game and made a collective decision.”