By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
A lighter and some glass bottles were hurled at Panathinaikos Athens center Mathias Lessort while the player was walking to the area designated for halftime flash interviews, during the game of his team against Crvena Zvezda in Belgrade.
Lessort was the player picked by EuroLeague to represent Panathinaikos in the halftime interview since he had the highest PIR among his teammates. He was visibly tense as the reporter asked him a question about the first half, staying silent and not answering while staring at the Zvezda fans for a moment.
Panathinaikos’ press officer told Lessort to leave if he wanted to, given what had just transpired. The reporter once again asked the French player what does Panathinaikos needs to do better in the second half, after trailing 46 – 38 at the break.
“We have to play stronger and match their fuc–ng intensity. Be ready for that s–t,” Lessort said before heading to the locker room.
“It was a tough game, a tough environment”
Panathinaikos eventually prevailed, taking the victory in the final moments, and the French center finished the match on the verge of a double-double with nine points and nine rebounds, earning a team-high PIR of 18.
“It was a tough game, a tough environment… Just as we expected, but we remained calm, played as a team, and played hard. In the end, we won,” Lessort said to Meridian Sport after the game.
It seems Lessort thrives in atmospheres like those in Belgrade, which he is very familiar with as a former Crvena Zvezda and Partizan player.
“I don’t know if it’s due to the environment, but I can’t say much more about it. I shot one out of six from the free-throw line. I missed a lot of free throws. My legs let me down a bit. I should have played much better. I’m shooting myself in the foot by missing. That depends solely on me. In the end, I’m used to it, but I have to be better.”
The Frenchman also made a comment about Crvena Zvezda’s team.
“I think they are stronger than before, but I don’t worry too much about them. I care about my team and what we can do. Like I said, they are not my concern.”
He also touched on his former club Partizan and their start to the season.
“Of course, I follow them. You know, when I was there, we also didn’t start well. The start of the season doesn’t mean anything. Last year, we didn’t start well either. It’s just the beginning of the season. It’s always difficult for teams with a lot of new players and a new coach. Željko is very demanding, and it takes time to adapt. You know, this means nothing right now. I believe they can do great things this season. They can be really, really good. As always, I wish them all the best. I hope we’ll see them in the Final Four,” Lessort concluded.