Ataman: "Now the playoffs begin and we will face a very good team, like Valencia"

Panathinaikos has achieved a crucial victory, defeating Monaco 87-79 in a tense EuroLeague play-in game to secure their place in the coveted playoffs. The team delivered a performance that pleased coach Ergin Ataman, who singled out the impactful contributions of T.J. Shorts and Kenneth Farida. This win propels the Greek powerhouse into the next stage of the competition, keeping their Final Four aspirations alive.

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We made a fantastic appearance in the first half. In the second, we missed quite a few open shots. Tonight Shorts had an amazing game, the same as Farida, while the others played very good defense.

Coach Ataman expressed satisfaction with the team's display, particularly noting a strong first half. While acknowledging missed opportunities in the second half, he commended the overall defensive effort and the standout performances from his key players. "We made a fantastic appearance in the first half. In the second, we missed quite a few open shots," Ataman stated, before adding praise for Shorts and Farida, and the team's defense.

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Now the playoffs begin and we will face a very good team, like Valencia. We have to be as combative as today and play with the same intensity in defense. We will need to be aggressive and focused, especially on Valencia's running game and their rebounds, as they are the best team in the EuroLeague.

Looking ahead, Ataman stressed the heightened challenge that awaits in the playoffs against Valencia. He underscored the necessity for the team to maintain their fighting spirit and defensive intensity, especially against Valencia's strong rebounding game. "Now the playoffs begin and we will face a very good team, like Valencia. We have to be as combative as today and play with the same intensity in defense," he warned.

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Offensively today we functioned well, we moved the ball correctly. Two difficult games await us away from home, but this year we have seen that there is not much difference between home and away.

Despite the daunting task, Ataman remains optimistic about Panathinaikos's chances. He pointed out the team's ability to perform well both at home and away this season, suggesting that the upcoming challenging away games against Valencia are not insurmountable. The coach is confident that his team will battle hard to earn their ticket to the Final Four, demonstrating the resilience and determination that have characterized their journey so far.

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We will fight to get our ticket to the Final Four.