By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
The injury of Panathinaikos Athens center Mathias Lessort during the EuroLeague game against Baskonia was dreadful to see and hear as the French big man’s cries of pain were heard in the arena and across TV screens.
Nine Panathinaikos fans actually fainted in dismay. Lessort’s teammates were particularly shocked.
“That’s my brother, it’s bad to see him down like that and I am at a loss for words,” Panathinaikos guard Lorenzo Brown said right after the game. “I hope he has a speedy recovery and it’s going to be tough for us to move on.”
“It’s not easy to see Mathias, who’s a beast, to writhe in pain,” said Panathinaikos forward Panagiotis Kalaitzakis to Nova TV. “He’s a strong guy and the fact that he went to the locker room all by himself, limping, says a lot. I believe he’ll be back much faster than what we expect.”
“That just shows how strong he is,” Panathinaikos swingman Cedi Osman also mentioned to Nova TV.
“For him to stand up and even by limping go back and quick to the locker room, I think that’s something no one will forget. We are with him. We are praying for him. Everybody knows how much Mathias loves Panathinaikos and how much fans love him. Great character. We started this journey together and we will finish it together.”
At the end of the game, both Panathinaikos and Baskonia players gathered at the center of the court and prayed for the injured big man.