By Vangelis Papadimitriou / info@eurohoops.net
Olympiacos picked up where they left off last season, triumphing over Panathinaikos in the EuroLeague season opener at the OAKA. The Reds defeated Panathinaikos 78-88 after a thrilling derby that was decided in overtime.
Alec Peters stood out for the winners, and immediately after his outstanding performance, he spoke to Eurohoops about his team’s significant victory.
“It was overwhelming. Every match against Panathinaikos is overwhelming, in a good way of course. We fell behind in the game, but we all had the same mentality and attitude. We weren’t concerned with how many points we were down; we believed we would have our chance. Fortunately, Sloukas missed the game-winning shot at the end of regulation. In overtime, we had the momentum, and ultimately, that’s what we needed for the win,” Peters said.
None of this would have happened if Kostas Sloukas had made his shot at the end of regulation while the scoreboard read 74-74.
“Now that I think about it, the media would have been writing about the… ultimate story, if that shot had gone in, if he had scored for the win against his former team in the first game of the European season. But we were on the luckier side of things and we won.”
The American forward recorded 17 points (5/7 two-pointers, 2/2 three-pointers, 1/1 free throws), 10 rebounds, four assists, and four steals, setting two career highs in PIR (31) and rebounds.
“It’s the first game of the season in the EuroLeague. I’m not perfect, and I won’t become perfect. The fans’ expectations are simply their opinion, their expectations and the results don’t concern me, but how I can become the best version of myself for me, the team, my teammates, and my coaches. I try to give my best, and if that requires more opportunities, more minutes, or more shots, so be it. I’ll make sure I’m in the right condition for whatever opportunity arises.”
The atmosphere at the OAKA, with nearly 19,000 Panathinaikos fans, impressed Peters, and he eagerly anticipates what’s to come.
“I love it, I can’t wait for the next derby. It’s special to tell your friends or your kids that you play in such games and to show them the atmosphere in the videos. There’s nothing like it.”
The 28-year-old also commented on clutch moves from Nigel Williams-Goss, with his compatriot scoring 16 points in the fourth period and overtime.
“He took charge; he takes the ball and creates plays when needed. And he made some incredible plays, especially when we needed them desperately.”
Of course, he couldn’t refrain from giving his comment on the new Panathinaikos, making it clear that things have changed for the “Greens” now.
“It’s difficult to give them confidence as a player of Olympiacos. They offered an amazing match, and we know that facing them in the future will be highly competitive. I don’t expect to step on the court and have the expectation that we’ll win, as happened in some matches last year. It’s a team ready to play, and they showed it tonight. But fortunately, we won in the end,” Peters concluded.