By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Fournier, 32, is enjoying a great start to his EuroLeague career with Olympiakos currently third in the standings. Fans are already betting on the team to win it all this season, with the odds currently sitting at 4.30.
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While Olympiakos’ journey to the Final Four continues, Fournier spoke about the ever-going debate between the NBA and the EuroLeague.
For years, basketball fans have been discussing topics such as which league offers better basketball and which of the two produces better players. Fournier has now said that such debates are pointless and trivial, blaming such discussions on the insecurity that exists in Europe.
Fournier said that one of the key differences between the NBA and the EuroLeague is that the latter is more team-oriented and less focused on star players.
He cited the lack of stars as the main reason for this and proceeded to give an example. He said that if Kevin Durant came to the league, it’s obvious that the game would revolve around him.
Another point the Frenchman touched on was the game length. He said that if EuroLeague games were extended to 48 minutes, fans would see that the difference isn’t as big as they think.
Fournier also said that instead of debating which league is better, we should focus on the immense talent that exists in Europe and just enjoy the game. He added that it’s possible to appreciate one league without putting the other down.
He also said that the EuroLeague is getting more and more respect. He concluded by saying it’s time to build on that instead of being arrogant.
The game between Panathinaikos and Olympiacos showed us that Fournier is being reborn in the EuroLeague. In what was the 22nd time these two Greek sides have met in the league his side was leading for all but a few moments and ended up downing Panathinaikos 89-94.
After the greens took the lead for the first time through Kostas Sloukas’ free throws, Fournier was ready to respond. He hit an eight-meter three-pointer to give Olympiakos the lead back at 85-83.
He also scored in the team’s mini 4:0 run at the end of the game, before hitting another three-pointer, which also decided the game.
Fournier was the team’s top scorer with 22 points, while Sasha Vezenkov and Nikola Milutinov contributed with 20 and 12, respectively.
Panathinaikos coach Ergin Ataman said his side was soft and gave open shots to Fournier, including the crucial shot when greens were up by 1 point.
Coming out of the game, Fournier said he loved his first derby in the EuroLeague. He said that although the game was special, he and his teammates still had a long season ahead of them, before calling everyone to keep building.
Fournier said that the game was tough and that it felt wonderful to win it, especially on the road.
He also described the atmosphere as great and said that it was an unbelievable feeling to hear the crowd going.
Commenting on his reaction to a dagger in front of Panathinaikos’ Cedi Osman, he said that he was just letting his enthusiasm out and that it was nothing personal.