By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Panathinaikos is back at the EuroLeague Final Four.
Ergin Ataman’s side defeated Maccabi Tel Aviv in the decisive Game 5 of the playoff series, with Kendrick Nunn scoring 26 points.
The US guard again proved crucial for the Athens team, continuing to have a great first season in European basketball.
“I‘m just proud of the work we’ve put in, of our team, of the coaching staff that trusted us from top to bottom. I am so proud. They put this team together this year, we’re playing for the first time with each other, we came together, became brothers, we bonded, and chemistry has been growing ever since. We have two more matches for the EuroLeague championship, which probably hasn’t been done with a new team like us. I am proud and happy for us,” former NBA player shared his impressions for Eurohoops after a big win that provided Panathinaikos with a ticket for Berlin.
He doesn’t plan on stopping with just a place at the Final Four.
“Of course I’m here for the Euroleague title, this is a step to get there, we checked the box to get to the Final Four. Two games left for the title, no more series, you just leave it all on the line.”
The US guard gave credit to the coaching staff and his teammates after taking down Maccabi in five matches.
“My preparation was amazing. We prepared well to win this game, we prepared well the whole season. Kudos to the coaching staff and our guys. My preparation and attention to details, to see how we can succeed and become victors in this series. I was not satisfied with how I played in the first match, having a problem with the fouls, which basically took me out of the match. In the following matches, I came out with the same approach, just played smarter, and my teammates came forward, it was a team effort.”
The OAKA Arena was packed, and the fans even chanted his name.
“I love this atmosphere, it’s crazy. The fans are amazing, even in the city, every day, I appreciate them a lot,” concluded Nunn, who signed a new deal with the Greens for two more years, but with an NBA out for the upcoming summer.