Ataman: 'It's only 1-0, we could have won more easily'

Panathinaikos AKTOR secured a crucial away victory against Valencia, taking a 1-0 lead in their EuroLeague playoff series. Coach Ergin Ataman, speaking after the game, emphasized the team's defensive solidity as the cornerstone of their success. He noted that the team successfully disrupted Valencia's offense and limited their transition points, though he also pointed out critical errors in the closing moments that prevented a more comfortable win.

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It's only 1-0, nothing has been decided yet. We need to win three games to advance to the Final Four. We must prepare for the next match.

"It's only 1-0, nothing has been decided yet," Ataman stated, reminding everyone that three more wins are needed to reach the Final Four. He stressed the need for the team to prepare diligently for the upcoming match, maintaining the same intensity and defensive aggression while playing smarter on offense.

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We stopped Valencia's game successfully. We didn't concede many transition points and played well in some isolations. We made some mistakes in critical moments.

The sentiment from the Greek press, as reflected in this report from Ta Nea, is one of cautious optimism. While celebrating the vital road win, the focus remains on the long journey ahead in the playoffs. The coverage highlights Ataman's strategic insights and his demand for continued focus and execution from his players. This victory is seen as a significant step, but the ultimate goal of reaching the Final Four requires sustained high-level performance.

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We could have won more easily but we made mistakes.