By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The next encounters between Panathinaikos Aktor and Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv will lead the team to reach three wins in the Final Four of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.
“This is the playoffs, and after a very strong regular season, all the series will be very tough. There is no easy series,” explained Ergin Ataman, “We finished second and Maccabi seventh, but the series will start 0-0.”
“They play especially well in offense, they have been together for the last two years. They move the ball really well. We must play our aggressive basketball, be ready for the rebounds and get the synergy with our fans to fight for all possessions, in defense and offense. Maccabi is the best offensive team this season, but we will play our defense, especially at home. We have to play aggressive transition and score more than Maccabi. It’s not realistic to stop Maccabi at 65-70 points,” added the Turkish head coach of the Greens.
Following practice on Monday, a clean bill of health emerged for the team guided by Ataman. Training alongside their teammates, Jerian Grant (knee) and Mathias Lessort (illness) are expected to return to action.
“This is more on the line than the regular season, but we have to go game by game,” noted Marius Grigonis, “We need to be concentrated, I know the arena will be electric, it’s an important game. But we need to keep the distractions away as best as we can and do our jobs.”