Matt Thomas shares his thoughts after Panathinaikos debut / News - Basketnews.com

Matt Thomas thinks he's one of the best shooters in the world.

Credit: Vangelis Stolis Credit Vangelis Stolis

Matt Thomas made his debut for Panathinaikos Athens in the EuroLeague yesterday. Even though the newcomer was third in scoring on his team, the first night with the green jersey ended in a heartbreaking defeat.

Player of the Game EFF 33 Chris Jones Points 24 Accuracy 8-10 Rebounds 4 Assists 5

"It was disappointing the way the match ended, as we played well enough to win. We needed to work better both defensively and offensively in the last minutes. We made a lot of mistakes that we could at least control," Thomas told Gazzetta.gr after the game.

"As far as I'm concerned, being out there is important because it's been a while since it last happened. It felt good doing what I love but I understand at the same time that I had enough of a gap. I'm not quite in the shape I'd like to be at the moment but that will come soon."

Thomas finished the game with 13 points on 4-for-10 shooting, making 2 three-pointers along the way. The guard added 4 rebounds and 3 steals for 14 PIR. The Panathinaikos newcomer hopes to be in his best shape pretty soon.

"I think I'm familiar with the way of playing in Europe, but I arrived in Athens a week ago, I have a new team with new teammates. I haven't had a five-on-five competition in a while, so I can't put a time frame on it," Thomas explained. "I will work hard on a daily basis and I hope to feel myself out there as soon as possible."

The 28-year-old did not hesitate to shoot whenever he had a chance. Most notably, he hit a tough triple coming out of a stagger, forcing Jared Harper's foul at the same time, which made the crowd in OAKA go crazy.

"This is my game, I have to feel myself and that's why I was brought here," Thomas said. "I feel like I'm one of the best shooters in the world, so I shouldn't let any opportunity on the floor go by."

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