Ataman questions Efes' luck, promises to take a break from his signature gestures / News - Basketnews.com

Ergin Ataman referred to Anadolu Efes' win over Zalgiris Kaunas, pointing out that the Lithuanian side made some too many tough shots. He also pledged to stop making a gesture indicating his team will win a third straight EuroLeague trophy.

Credit: REUTERS-Scanpix Credit REUTERS-Scanpix

Anadolu Efes Istanbulstarted the double week with a win (80-70) against Zalgiris Kaunas, snapping their two-game losing streak.

Player of the Game EFF 27 Will Clyburn Points 19 Accuracy 7-13 Rebounds 7 Assists 3

"We played very good defense tonight,"Ergin Atamansaid in the postgame presser.

"We only had two problems. Ignas Brazdeikis made 80% of his field goals and had one of his career-best games from the 3-point shot."

In fact, the Lithuanian-Canadian forward scored 25 points and was a constant threat to the hosts throughout the contest. But appearing in Istanbul short-handed and without a solid point guard following the injuries of Keenan Evans and Isaiah Taylor.

"Anyway, we pressured the ball and didn't let them play easy," Ataman continued before expressing complaints about some tough shots he thinks Zalgiris made.

"In the second half, they made some impossible baskets in the last seconds. It happens every time against us. I don't know if it's our lucky year. Every time, our opponents make impossible shots," he argued smilingly.

That was Efes' 11th win in the season, which means the back-to-back champs are still in playoff contention. Ataman couldn't help but take notice.

"It was very important for us to win this game because now we're only one victory from playoff range, and we beat Zalgiris twice this season. It's an important win for the playoff standings," the Turkish coach repeated.

Three weeks ago, Ataman was met with boos upon his return to Palau Blaugrana. Around 10 minutes before the game vs. FC Barcelona, fans whistled the Anadolu Efes head coach as soon as he appeared on the court.

As he made his way to the bench, Ataman held up two fingers, reminding the Catalan fans that he returned as a two-time champion. He did this intentionally and was smiling.

When the game was over, and Efes had downed the Catalans once again, Ataman celebrated the win with his raised fists and his fingers forming the number 3.

However, the experienced tactician now makes clear that fans aren't likely to see him raise his fists or indicate that a third EuroLeague trophy is on the way for Efes. Ataman prefers to remain low-key instead.

"Because of our position in the standings, we cannot think of the third straight EuroLeague," he argued.

"Everyone should forget about it. We just have to focus on winning the next games and getting the playoff ticket.

We have had a lot of problems so far this season. We lost many games, especially due to our poor performance in the last parts of some of the games we played. We have to learn from our mistakes and win the next games," Ataman pointed out before making the promise to stay away from gestures.

"From now on, I won't make a "3" with my fingers until we get the playoff ticket," he pledged.

Subscribe to BN+ and get access to exclusive content.