Ahead of the highly anticipated basketball final, coaches Tomas Masiulis of Žalgiris and Giedrius Žibėnas of Rytas, along with team captains Edgaras Ulanovas and Artūras Gudaitis, shared their insights and strategies during a press conference. Masiulis emphasized the importance of focus and discipline over the course of the game, acknowledging that while the semifinals were challenging, the final represents a fresh opportunity filled with its own unique challenges. Gudaitis echoed this sentiment, expressing relief over a tension-free lead-up and reflecting on the significance of the game for both teams.

Zibėnas pointed out the formidable depth and discipline of the Žalgiris team, urging his players to prepare adequately for the threats posed by their opponents. The comments from both coaches reveal a strategic emphasis on player performance and mental preparation, which are crucial in determining the outcome of championship matches. Materials from previous tournaments, like Gudaitis’s victory in the first Citadele KMT championship in 2016, highlight the importance of experience and the need to perform under pressure, an aspect both captains acknowledged in their statements.

Ultimately, the pre-game atmosphere is charged with anticipation, underscoring the gravity of the final, as both teams aim to deliver their best performances. The captains and coaches alike stress that the focus should not only be on winning but also on the completeness of their effort, ensuring they have no regrets regardless of the final score. This mentality suggests a deep-seated commitment to the sport and a recognition of the larger significance of the game within the Lithuanian basketball landscape, tying into the cultural importance of the event.