Papagiannis recalls rare Panathinaikos winning streak, sets goal for Olympiacos game / News - Basketnews.com

Georgios Papagiannis says Panathinaikos players are still trying to understand their roles, but the unity in the group sparked a winning streak.

Credit: Vangelis Stolis Credit Vangelis Stolis

Georgios Papagiannis swatted Keenan Evans on the second floor next to the rim, and Panathinaikos went for another fastbreak.

Player of the Game EFF 30 Derrick Williams Points 25 Accuracy 8-12 Rebounds 5 Assists 2

Derrick Williams saw a clear runway for the takeoff. Even though Kevarrius Hayes showed up for a last-ditch attempt to block the shot, Williams hammered the rim with force, declaring that Panathinaikos wouldn't stop in Kaunas.

Guests defeated Zalgiris 81-67 and achieved a third consecutive win.

Once upon a time, Panathinaikos fans were enjoying an 11-game winning streak. Today's Panathinaikos haven't experienced three wins in a row for 1043 days.

Two years and ten months ago, on January 24, 2020, Panathinaikos clinched the third consecutive victory over ASVEL Villeurbanne.

Jimmer Fredette was the top scorer of the team with 22 points. Nick Calathes dished 17 assists.

Ioannis Papapetrou was there with 21 points. Tyrese Rice added 14 points.

Georgios Papagiannis was also there. He blocked away five shots. A 25-year-old center is a single player from the 2019-20 Panathinaikos roster that still represents the Greens.

"We changed a lot," Papagiannis recalled that draining break with BasketNews.

"But as Panathinaikos, it's always what we're targeting," Papagiannis aims for an extended winning streak. "I don't know when it will be the right moment. But hopefully, this year, we can achieve something great. We haven't been in the playoffs for two years. It's disappointing for every player. We can put it as a target, but we must look at it step by step."

Like Pitino would say, Calathes won't come through that door.

Panathinaikos is continuously rebuilding, trying to find its new identity and franchise players.

Free throws this season

72%15,7Points made:15,7Accuracy:71,8%Place in standings:3Record max:23Record min:11Most made FTs:Dwayne BaconTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Dejan Radonjic's hiring set a tone for intense, physical, and defensive-minded basketball. But it took time to translate his ideas onto the court.

Panathinaikos started the season 2-6 and was in the middle of nowhere at one point in Istanbul, where Fenerbahce blew them off 107-77.

But some injured players returned and found their rhythm, newcomers got used to the new environment, the rest started to click together, and Panathinaikos rose.

"Yes, we didn't start the year well. But in the last three games, we have a streak. We want to keep going. Of course, we make mistakes, but if we manage to minimize those mistakes, that's great," Papagiannis said to BasketNews.

"We have really good chemistry. As the season continues, we have more time to work with each other and get better," the captain spoke.

Going against all odds united them.

Apparently, Papagiannis was aware of basketball commentator Rytis Vysniauskas' prediction on the URBONUS podcast. He said that Panathinaikos' streak was about to end in Kaunas.

"The motivation was the key. We were expecting this game the whole week. There were some rumors that we would not win the game in a sold-out crowd here," Papagiannis looked with a smile. "And we got the win. As a captain, I'm supposed to know everything about that, so I'm really happy about it."

"Besides that, we really did a great job defensively. Zalgiris is a really good defensive team, and they showed it in the fourth quarter," he added.

A week ago, Panathinaikos limited ASVEL to their season-low 58 points.

In Kaunas, guests stole six balls and converted them into 17 fastbreak points.

Paris Lee was chasing every risky pass. Nate Wolters blocked Evans as if he was playing against a high school team. Others stepped in. While on the other end, Derrick Williams played his best game away (25 PTS), and Dwayne Bacon showed for what he was brought to Athens (19 PTS).

Everybody played their role in this win which you can't take for granted. It was the first Zalgiris home loss this season.

"I think in December, we will have more time with each other to build the chemistry. Right now, everybody is trying to understand their role. We have guys who can score, we have guys who can defend, and we have some guys who can do both. So now it's more about understanding each other and what everyone can bring to the game," Papagiannis concluded.

He finished the game with 6 points but had season-highs in rebounds (13) and efficiency (21 PIR) and tied his season-high in blocked shots (4).

Due to injuries, Papagiannis missed the entire preseason. Instead, he had to catch his rhythm in official games, whether it was EuroBasket or demanding EuroLeague nights.

"I was out with my injury for 2.5 months. It's really difficult to go to EuroBasket, come back, and join the team without practicing. It's the toughest competition in Europe, so it's tough," Papagiannis said.

"Now, in December, I feel my body is trying to get back. My conditioning is way better," Papagiannis said with confidence.

"I know it wasn't the best offensive game for me today, but I was doing what I was doing last year at my best: rebounding and blocking. That's what I wanted to bring to the game tonight," Papagiannis recalled his performance in Kaunas.

Panathinaikos has built their confidence at the best moment. On Monday, they're visiting their rivals Olympiacos Piraeus.

"It's always good to have a streak. Olympiacos has been really good since last year. For sure, we're expecting a tough game," Papagiannis spoke of the biggest target ahead.

"We want to do our best. We don't have much time to prepare, but that's not an excuse. We want to go there and get the win no matter what."

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