By Kostas Giataganas / info@eurohoops.net
Panathinaikos takes on a new challenge this Wednesday as the team travels to Madrid in order to face the reigning EuroLeague champions in their playoffs matchup. DeShaun Thomas spoke to Eurohoops before the first big game of the two in Madrid and gave insight on the motives of the team.
The Greens sealed a place in the playoffs for the first time in years, under the guidance of Rick Pitino, a great boost for the team as Thomas notes.
“When there’s a change in the bench, both mood, and energy change, but the most important part was the trust he showed to every one of us and the faith that we could make it to the playoffs, despite the slight chances up until to a point in the regular season. He quickly noticed what we could do well in order to focus in these and improve, and on the other hand, he highlighted the weaknesses we had and made sure to work with us in order to improve them. When the results started rolling, our confidence was boosted and our coach kept telling us that he had faith in us, asking us to work even harder. I think we’ve worked hard enough to please him, though he will be more pleased if we make it to the Final Four!”
As for Panathinaikos‘ keys against Real and how Nick Calathes can turn the tide of the game, Thomas tells that the whole team is ready to back up for him and let him lead them to the victory. “When you face such qualitative teams as Real Madrid, you have to be totally concentrated and there is no room for dead time. In our recent game at OAKA, we paid the price for our dead time towards the end. I think it will be crucial to beat them within the rin. Of course, Nick is our leader and the guy we can always count on. His performance will play a key role and Real knows that in order to win, they will have to stop him. Though, I, and the rest of the guys will be there to help Nick lead us to the win”.
For Panathinaikos, it’s expected to be a tough series, without having the homecourt advantage, though Game 3 at OAKA is already sold out by the Greens’ fans. “There is always pressure. Real will also have a lot of pressure, even though they beat us two times this season. They even won with a crazy shot. At the back of their mind, they know that Panathinaikos is strong and is coming to Madrid to play its game and win. Real has great players, and so do we. The fight will be intense.”