Ergin Ataman spoke about Panathinaikos’ series against Maccabi in the context of the Euroleague playoffs, with the Turkish coach stressing that his players must play aggressively to qualify.
Ergin Ataman, in his statements before the first match of Panathinaikos against Maccabi Tel Aviv for the Euroleague playoffs, mentioned the very good course of the Israelis throughout the competition, with him underlining that the “clover” must play aggressively and get the victory with the help of the people.
Ataman’s words about Panathinaikos – Maccabi in detail
For the series with Maccabi Tel Aviv and the form of the Israelis:
“It’s the playoffs. After a strong regular season I believe that all the series will not be difficult. There are no easy series, for sure. We finished the regular season in 2nd place and Maccabi in 7th.
But, now the series starts from the draw. Maccabi is a very good team, with quality and experienced players. He knows how to play, especially in attack.
It plays very well. For the last two years he has had the same team and has been moving the ball correctly. We will have to play our own, aggressive basketball, be ready for rebounds and help each other. We have to fight in every possession, in attack and defense.”
On whether Panathinaikos will have more chances if the games go to 70-80 points:
“Maccabi is the best attacking team in the Euroleague so far. We will play our game. We will play our defense, especially at home.
We have to be aggressive, find moments in transition, score more than Maccabi. It is not realistic to say that you will stop Maccabi at 65-70 points.
It is important to be aggressive in defense and attack, to play our game, to score more than them.”
On the fact that several of his players do not have many performances since the Euroleague playoffs:
“They are all basketball games in the playoffs and the regular season. We have treated all our last games like finals. Now we start the playoffs. We have to think step by step.
Tomorrow is the first match and we want the victory.
Indeed, Maccabi has 24 wins in 25 matches. However, the fact is that we have not lost a single match in the last three to four months at OAKA. Tomorrow we will play aggressively, together with our people and we will win”.
