Overcoming obstacles is, indeed, the most striking characteristic of Flamengo's basketball team. The team has a strong defense, a fast offense, and excellent shooters, but none of these compare to the grit the players display on the court. And, once again, this dedication made the difference. This Sunday, the red-and-blacks wore themselves down against Paulistano, but they left São Paulo with another victory under their belt.

\

Star forward Marcelinho Machado, who scored 33 points in the match, praised the team's commitment but expressed some concern about the group's physical condition. The team has been playing many games in a few days and still has significant absences. In this match, for example, Fred and Jefferson did not play.

\

"I felt the team was tired today. But despite that, the team gave their all, fought hard, and achieved this positive result. A victory at this decisive moment, when you can't afford to slip up, is always essential," he analyzed.

\

João Batista, the red-black assistant coach who led the team in the last two games (Paulo Chupeta did not travel with the group due to an intestinal infection), did his job well, but demonstrated the same concern as Marcelinho.

\

"We were already expecting this level of fatigue, and the important thing is to highlight the strength of the squad, which proved why it is a two-time Brazilian champion. Everyone who came on in the game did very well, and Marcelinho, once again, was decisive in the end," he observed.

\

Marcelinho, by the way, is the red-and-black team's greatest safety valve. According to point guard Hélio, the team recognizes that the number 4 is in great form and seeks to provide him with support whenever possible. The number 5 also emphasizes the importance of defense.

\

"He's having a great time, and the team is being humble enough to recognize that and, when it's difficult, give him the ball. But I think the team won once again because of the defense. Attack wins games, and defense wins championships," he concluded.

\

Flamengo returns to the court on Friday (March 19.03) to face Franca in a decisive match. The red-and-black team is in second place (tied with Brasília on points, but behind in head-to-head records), and the São Paulo team is in third place. The duel will be at the HSBC Arena, and a large crowd is expected.