By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Panathinaikos guard Kendrick Nunn sent a message to Fenerbahce Beko ahead of the big EuroLeague clash between the two teams Friday (9/2). The two teams are tied at 15-10 and competing to secure a spot in the Top 4.
“That they [Fenerbahce] are coming here to lose. That’s all I say about it,” Nunn told reporters when asked about his thoughts about Fenerbahce and what he has to say for the Turkish side.
Both Panathinaikos and Fenerbahce are coming from EuroLeague losses at Zalgiris Kaunas and AS Monaco respectively. Nunn’s Panathinaikos also suffered an upset to Aris Thessaloniki at home in the Greek League, getting beaten for the first time after 16 straight domestic wins.
“We just want to come in focused,” Nunn mentioned. “We came here today and had a great practice. We have to come here physically and mentally ready for the game.”
Nunn was absent from the first-leg game of Panathinaikos against Fener in Round 3 of the regular season since he hadn’t signed with the club yet back then. The Greens were beaten 83 – 69 and now will look to get some payback.
“They’re a good team,” Nunn added. “Honestly, we’re not going to underestimate them. Obviously, they’re playing well right now. We just watched the film and they’re playing really aggressive. We have a game plan for them to get the job done.”
Since he arrived at Panathinaikos, Nunn has emerged as the leading scorer of the team with 13.9 points, apart from 2.8 assists and 2.5 rebounds. He’s one of the main reasons his squad is now flirting with the homecourt advantage in the playoffs.
“Obviously I’m doing a good job flourishing within the system,” Nunn said on how well he fits in Ergin Ataman’s system. “A lot of ball screens which is one of my strengths. I have a great support cast from my teammates who do a great job of giving me the ball where I need it. And on our defense, we play together very well right now.”