Flamengo alternated between two distinct moments in this Sunday's match against Pinheiros at Arena Carioca 1. Initially, the red-and-black team started relentlessly, giving their rival no chance. Flamengo completely dominated the first half, finishing with a 12-point lead (42-30). A third-quarter blackout, with Pinheiros scoring just eight points and conceding 23, made things difficult for the final 10 minutes. But the team overcame the difficulties and emerged with a 72-68 victory, maintaining their unbeaten streak in Rio de Janeiro this NBB (four wins in four games).
For coach José Neto, once again the victory must be credited to the players, who knew how to find the difference in the last quarter, overcome the problems of the previous stage and played with the fans to come away with the victory in the end.
"They show it in every match: their character, their spirit of wanting to win. They always have this spirit of overcoming difficulties, and when we lose an important player like Marcelo, it's a huge loss. But we always want to keep the focus on the solution, not the problem," said Neto, who also commented on the string of home games. Flamengo has already faced Vasco and Pinheiros at the Arena. This Tuesday, the team hosts Mogi das Cruzes at 21 p.m.
"It's important to maintain consistency, have a winning streak, and fight for the lead in the next match. Playing at home is very important, it's fundamental. The most important thing is to win the playoffs, but we need to give the team consistency and meet the expectations of this fan base that is so loyal to our team."
In addition to the victory, Neto also celebrated Olivinha's 200th game for Flamengo, in NBB matches. A key player in the coach's scheme, the winger has been with Neto's team since 2012, and together they've won everything they've played in.
I'm biased when it comes to him. Olivinha manages to bring my own personal sense of coaching to the court. I don't have that opportunity. And when I see a player do it the way he does, it comforts me. In recent seasons, he rarely doesn't finish a game. Olivinha works incredibly hard, has an exceptional character, like the entire team, and is laser-focused on giving his best. I'm happy he achieved this success today, this milestone."
The basketball teams of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo receive funding from their sponsors – thinkseg, Estácio, AmBev, Rede D'or, IRB Brasil RE, CSN, Brasil Plural, and EY – via the Federal Incentive Law/Ministry of Sports (IR) and the State Incentive Law/Rio de Janeiro State Secretariat of Sports, Recreation, and Youth (Seelje), in addition to support from the Brazilian Club Committee (CBC) resulting from the decentralization of resources from the Pelé Law. The Anjo da Guarda Rubro-Negro Project, a personal tax transfer, benefits all Olympic sports of the Most Beloved.
For coach José Neto, once again the victory must be credited to the players, who knew how to find the difference in the last quarter, overcome the problems of the previous stage and played with the fans to come away with the victory in the end.
"They show it in every match: their character, their spirit of wanting to win. They always have this spirit of overcoming difficulties, and when we lose an important player like Marcelo, it's a huge loss. But we always want to keep the focus on the solution, not the problem," said Neto, who also commented on the string of home games. Flamengo has already faced Vasco and Pinheiros at the Arena. This Tuesday, the team hosts Mogi das Cruzes at 21 p.m.
"It's important to maintain consistency, have a winning streak, and fight for the lead in the next match. Playing at home is very important, it's fundamental. The most important thing is to win the playoffs, but we need to give the team consistency and meet the expectations of this fan base that is so loyal to our team."
In addition to the victory, Neto also celebrated Olivinha's 200th game for Flamengo, in NBB matches. A key player in the coach's scheme, the winger has been with Neto's team since 2012, and together they've won everything they've played in.
I'm biased when it comes to him. Olivinha manages to bring my own personal sense of coaching to the court. I don't have that opportunity. And when I see a player do it the way he does, it comforts me. In recent seasons, he rarely doesn't finish a game. Olivinha works incredibly hard, has an exceptional character, like the entire team, and is laser-focused on giving his best. I'm happy he achieved this success today, this milestone."
The basketball teams of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo receive funding from their sponsors – thinkseg, Estácio, AmBev, Rede D'or, IRB Brasil RE, CSN, Brasil Plural, and EY – via the Federal Incentive Law/Ministry of Sports (IR) and the State Incentive Law/Rio de Janeiro State Secretariat of Sports, Recreation, and Youth (Seelje), in addition to support from the Brazilian Club Committee (CBC) resulting from the decentralization of resources from the Pelé Law. The Anjo da Guarda Rubro-Negro Project, a personal tax transfer, benefits all Olympic sports of the Most Beloved.