Ataman Hopes Emotional Bond with Giannakopoulos Carries Panathinaikos to EuroLeague Final

Key facts

• Panathinaikos leads the EuroLeague Quarterfinal series 1-0 against Valencia.
• Game 2 is scheduled for the next day at OAKA, Panathinaikos' home ground.
• Ergin Ataman is the head coach of Panathinaikos.
• Dimitris Giannakopoulos is the owner of Panathinaikos.
• Kendrick Nunn was fouled with 1.9 seconds left in Game 1.
• Nunn missed the first free throw and made the second, securing the win.
• Kostas Sloukas was absent from Game 1 for Panathinaikos.
• The EuroLeague Final Four will be held at OAKA if Panathinaikos qualifies.

A Gritty Win Sets the Stage

Panathinaikos head coach Ergin Ataman is already looking past a narrow Game 1 victory over Valencia, focusing on the adjustments needed to clinch the series in Game 2. The Greens won the opener but squandered a double-digit lead, a flaw Ataman is determined to correct. "Yesterday we started the game very well, taking control from the first quarter. However, in the remaining quarters, we made many mistakes on offense and gave Valencia easy points from quick shots. We risked losing the game," Ataman said.

Defensive Solidity Amid Offensive Struggles

Despite the offensive lapses, Ataman praised his team's defensive performance. "We saw that defensively we were very good; we didn’t allow Valencia to score on the fast break except after our own mistakes. We didn’t attack well, only occasionally when we shared the ball. But defensively, we played one of our best games this year," he noted. He acknowledged that both teams struggled offensively but were stout defensively, setting up a tactical battle for Game 2.

The Need for a Complete Performance

Ataman emphasized the need for a full 40-minute effort. "Yes, we need to play better. We need to attack like we did in the first period. That is, like we played in the first half. Throughout the first half, we were ahead by 8-10 points. In the last 30 seconds, we missed a shot, then they scored and closed the gap to 7 points. We had the opportunity to finish with over 10," he said. The coach is demanding consistency to avoid another late-game scare.

Emotional Embrace with the Owner

The post-game hug between Ataman and club owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos captured the emotional stakes of the series. Ataman explained the moment: "Emotions! In the last timeout, we said the ball should go to Kendrick Nunn. He did it very well, won a foul. And we said to make the first free throw and miss the second. There were only 1.9 seconds, so it was 99% sure. But everything went the opposite. He missed the first. Then he had to make the second. We knew they had a timeout and 2 seconds. In basketball, these are always dangerous situations. When we won this very crucial game, we shared our emotions. We always have the same emotions with Mr. Giannakopoulos. We shared them for yesterday’s game. I hope these emotions exist in the EuroLeague final as well."

Sloukas Absence and Series Outlook

Ataman also addressed the absence of star guard Kostas Sloukas, though no further details were provided. With the series shifting to Game 2, Panathinaikos aims to secure a spot in the Final Four, which will be held at their home arena, OAKA. The prospect of playing for a title on home soil adds extra motivation for the Greens and their passionate fanbase.

The bottom line

• Panathinaikos leads the series 1-0 but must improve offensively to close out Valencia.
• Ataman and Giannakopoulos share a strong emotional bond that could fuel the team's run.
• Kendrick Nunn's free-throw sequence in the final seconds was a dramatic turning point.
• The Final Four at OAKA is a powerful incentive for Panathinaikos.
• Kostas Sloukas' absence remains a key variable for the Greens' depth.