Bartzokas: 'We must forget fatigue – the first game is always the most important' after Olympiacos win

Olympiacos coach Giorgos Bartzokas stressed the critical importance of the opening game in the Greek basketball league finals after his team secured an 82-76 victory over rivals Panathinaikos. Bartzokas acknowledged the intense and fluctuating nature of the match, noting that while Olympiacos started strong defensively and built a first-half lead, they lost control in the third quarter as Panathinaikos mounted a comeback. Despite the momentum shift, he praised his players for their composure in the crucial final moments, highlighting their ability to make the right decisions on the last possessions. "We can't say we are tired at this period," Bartzokas stated, emphasizing that a team aspiring to win titles must push past any fatigue. He pointed to contributions from players like Hol and Nikilina, while also noting offensive struggles with turnovers. The coach plans to analyze the game and use video sessions to prepare for the next match, underscoring that the first game is always the most significant in a championship series.

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We can't say we are tired at this period. The team that wants to win titles cannot say it is tired at this period.