“Thanks for your support” (NBAE/Getty Images)
We have the honor to
share with you the interview we did with Tiago Splitter few hours before Game 4
between San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat. It was a quick chat, but it was very
worthwhile.
Interview by Sonia Cury
and Danilo Villas Boas.
1) One of the greatest
features of your game is the box out, where you give space for other players on
the team to pick up the rebound. Do you give any special attention to this
tactical aspect or is it just a consequence of the natural evolution of the
game?
Tiago Splitter: It’s a
tactical aspect. It's really important to prevent the rebound or make the box
out. It was especially important against the Grizzlies. We all put attention to
it!
2) You have a fantastic
understanding of the space in the court and you give great passes, this makes
you execute the pick and roll with mastery. How was the process to fit this play
with Parker and Manu?
Tiago Splitter: It's not
complicated, after many games together you learn. Always played pick and roll
in Spain and I keep doing that here with great players like Manu Ginobili and
Tony Parker.
3) One of your greatest
virtues is patience, you always did your job without complaint and waited for
your chance in three years of Spurs. But how to keep calm during a game? Are
there any provocation?
Tiago Splitter: There
are some provocation, but I don’t care, I'm focused and concentrate on what I
need to do. I've always been that way and here at Spurs, most of us are like
that.
4) Although maintaining
basically the same team as last season, defensive efficiency has grown
significantly this year and it came to be one of Spurs’ trademarks. Beside
Duncan, you form the duo that better contests kicks in NBA. What led to this
performance far superior defensively compared to last year?
Tiago Splitter: Some
changes in the defense and also the rapport of this group after so much time
playing together.
5) You have a chance to
be the first Brazilian NBA champion. How does it feel to be able to experience
such an incredible experience as an NBA final?
Tiago Splitter: Truly an
honor, I'm happy to be in this situation and of course I want to be champion!
Be the first? It's just a detail, we will still have many Brazilian champions!
6) To finish, we would
like you to leave a message for all those who follow your work here in Tiago
Splitter Brazil.
Tiago Splitter: Thank
you so much for your support. A hug for you guys!
Translated by: Sonia Cury and Regiane Morais
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