Before Zalgiris’ EuroLeague Playoffs start – launch of documentary film “We’re Back” 1

Zalgiris Kaunas tips off in the EuroLeague playoff series against FC Barcelona on Wednesday night in the Palau Blaugrana Arena. Ahead of the matchup, Zalgiris TV presents the documentary “We’re Back”, a behind-the-scenes look at the process of qualifying for the TOP-8 stage.

The documentary looks at Zalgiris’ preparation and performance in the crucial EuroLeague regular season game in Munich against Bayern. Zalgiris TV cameras captured all the behind-the-scenes footage, from the last training session at Zalgirio Arena before the trip to the soaking of Kazys Maksvytis in the locker room after the victory.

“We put in a lot of work, we had ups and downs. We started the season with two defeats. We got into shape and then Keenan got injured. That hurt us. Then we got two new players, which allowed us to rise again. Isaiah and Polonara. With their help, with their belief, their attitude and their commitment, we were able to do our job. Obviously, there were many nervous moments. I talked to Isaiah: if Baskonia and Fenerbahce win, then there’s no motivation to play this game,” said Zalgiris’ Ignas Brazdeikis in the film “We’re Back”.

After receiving favorable results from other arenas in the last round of the EuroLeague, Zalgiris still had to fulfil part of their plan by beating Bayern on the road. The need to keep their heads cool before the decisive game was also stressed by Kazys Maksvytis heading into the training session in Munich.

“I don’t quite know what your experience has been, but I can speak for myself. Everybody’s sending congratulatory messages, congratulations on making it to the next stage. We’ve got to work hard today. Don’t let the surrounding stuff let you relax. All of you, especially the Lithuanians, should turn your phones off. You don’t need or have to respond to any calls or messages today, except your family. Concentrate on the game, it’s extremely important.”

After winning the game against Bayern in dramatic fashion, 83-80, Zalgiris booked their ticket to the next round. In the documentary “We’re Back”, the Zalgiris team also talked about the work they’ve already done and the next challenge ahead – a play-off series against FC Barcelona.

“Nobody believed we could be where we are. They didn’t even believe it when we were 15-15 in the standings and needed to win the last 4 games to make the Playoffs. Even at that point, not many people believed in us. This is a Cinderella story and nobody wants it to end now”, explained Brazdeikis.

“We have not finished our job yet. We have a very important series against FC Barcelona, but given where we were in pre-season… Knowing the situation we were in, seventh place in the regular season is a huge achievement for us,” added Taylor.

The “We’re Back” film is now available for all Zalgiris fans to watch on Zalgiris’ official YouTube channel.