Ergin Ataman warns Barcelona: 'They should be afraid of us' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Tolga Adanali/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Tolga Adanali/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

The defending champions Anadolu Efes are in familiar territory again. For the 3rd time in 3 full, by Covid, not affected seasons, a well-experienced Turkish powerhouse reached the EuroLeague semi-finals after winning the series against AX Armani Exchange Milan 3-1.

Player of the Game EFF 37 Tibor Pleiss Points 25 Accuracy 8-9 Rebounds 6 Assists 0

"Technically, it is hard to make an analysis and find something very interesting to say about the tactic and strategy," Ergin Ataman admitted.

"During the game, there were some moments that we led the game by 10 points, but we did not have the chance to break the game," Ataman continued. "Gigi Datome surprised us with an excellent effort, we did not expect him to even play in these games. After having surgery two weeks ago, he made a rapid recovery to play his best game of the season perhaps."

Indeed. Luigi Datome, whose case was questionable while coming to Istanbul, led his team with 19 points, hitting 9/18 from the field.

Besides, Bryant Dunston's injury after being stepped on the foot also helped Kyle Hines dominate the boards with 8 offensive rebounds. The game was contested.

"It was a great series. They caused us a lot of trouble and kept coming back," Ataman said. "Finally, it was like the same scenario in the last four games. Both times they fought well and made a great defense, but we found a way to win in the last 2-3 minutes. Only the second game, they beat us."

Ataman went more on reaching the Final Four and what it actually meant for him.

"Yes, we are in the Final Four three times in succession. We found great stability, playing basically with the same player group for the last 4 years almost. But for a defending champion, coming to Final Four back to back is not enough. You need to actually win the title," Ataman added.

"But more, there's more than that," Anadolu Efes, the head coach, continued. "In these tough economic conditions in Turkey, it is not easy to support sports and basketball, and for that, I would congratulate the entire organization.

Free throws this season

82%14,3Points made:14,3Accuracy:82,1%Place in standings:1Record max:42Record min:4Most made FTs:Nikola MiroticTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

This team rejuvenated the love of basketball for everyone in Turkey, and therefore, everybody should be proud. We are playing with huge, sell-out crowds every time, people struggle to find tickets. That is the greatest thing."

In an earlier statement, Ataman predicted that they would play against Milan, and despite losing two games in the regular season, the playoffs would be different.

"It was actually a psychological trick," he admitted. "I was trying to motivate my team for the series. The standings indicated that Milan was the most likely opponent. So I sought to prepare the team beforehand. My team needed that psychological move."

Ataman also gave his guesses and first previews of the semi-finals already.

"I think Olympiacos are going to be our next opponent. Monaco made a great late surge, but Alpha Diallo is injured, and he was pretty important for them. It would be hard for Monaco to come back if he does not recover," Ataman said.

He also did not refrain from making a bold statement for the probable final, referencing back to the regular season game against Barcelona.

"When you remember that game that I was ejected against Barcelona, I was not fairly treated, and therefore, I raised my hands to the crowd. I was criticized a lot for doing that. Many people did not approve of such behavior.

But there was a message hidden there: That message was for today. Now Barcelona should wait for us. I hope we will meet Barcelona in the final," Ataman said.

"Those who won against us in the overtime, they should be afraid of us. We are going there to defend the title," he concluded.

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