Bartzokas: 'Our greatest achievement has been to make Olympiacos' fans believe in us' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Olympiacos BC Credit Olympiacos BC

Olympiacos Piraeus delivered a defensive clinic against EuroLeague's most effective offense, holding AS Monaco down to only 54 points in Game 1 of the EuroLeague playoff series.

That's exactly 30 points less than Monaco's scoring average in the current campaign (84) and, by extension, a new season-low for the EuroLeague newcomers.

The game was held in front of a sellout crowd of 11.580 that pushed the Reds to victory.

"I would like to congratulate our players and fans on the win," coach Giorgos Bartzokas said.

"The atmosphere was awesome," he went on to say.

After the game against Crvena Zvezda in Round 23, which ended up in Olympiacos' first and only home loss in the EuroLeague season, Bartzokas lamented the low attendance due to the Greek government's restrictions limiting the allowed capacity in the arenas.

Now that restrictions have been lifted, and full capacity is permitted, the Reds saw their crowd back in action.

"That's Olympiacos's brand name," Bartzokas commented.

"The team has made fans believe in it. That's our greatest achievement, far more important than our good EuroLeague run. Fans have embraced the basketball team."

In a similar vein, Kostas Sloukas said the hosts had pressure and knew that it would be a difficult game, but with these fans, you can't lose.

"Our fans were amazing, and we are proud of them. We are waiting for them again on Friday," he told Greek broadcaster NOVASPORTS.

Olympiacos were struggling offensively in the first quarter, but their defensive tenacity unlocked more doors to hand them an easy win.

Nevertheless, Bartzokas holds that Monaco are a very strong team and proved it in the second part of the year.

"I expect nothing short of hard games in this series. It's just 1-0 and nothing more. We're getting back on Friday to play, being mentally and physically ready."

Team captain Giorgos Printezis, the most experienced of all players to take the court on Wednesday night, had his best game of the season, a performance Bartzokas described as "complete".

The 37-year-old forward, probably in his career-last playoffs, gave the home fans another token of his unparalleled post skills. He scored a team-high 12 points on perfect shooting from the field (4/4) and the charity stripe (4/4).

"These are special games, I want to be here and give my best. We used to take for granted that a Greek team would be in the Final Four, but it doesn't work this way. It's a great opportunity, but we have to keep our heads down and keep going," the seasoned veteran told NOVASPORTS.

"I'm happy to help my team. I'm trying my best, but it takes management. The physical aspect is the most important."

Credit Olympiacos BC

"Offensively, he didn't miss a shot, and defensively he was very good," Bartzokas described Printezis's accomplishments.

However, the Greek forward wasn't the only player to receive his coach's praise. Bartzokas called Thomas Walkup, the player every coach wants to have.

That was befitting of the Texan's guard contribution to the outcome, as Walkup shut down Mike James, who left the court with 14 points on 3/9 shooting from the field, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and as many turnovers. Walkup put up 11 points and 4 steals.

"I don't like to talk about players individually, but working with him makes a coach happy. What you ask from him, he translates it on the court," Bartzokas continued.

Talking about Olympiacos competing in the playoffs, the Greek tactician said it's been 3-4 years that the club was out of this process.

"Now, we have to enjoy it, but at the same time challenge ourselves to do what it takes to go to the Final Four."

"We have the hunger to get to the Final Four. Everyone wants to fulfill the team's goal, you can never predict how a game will turn out. We're a serious team, we won't be arrogant. We want to get better shooting percentages," he pointed out, referring to Friday's Game 2.

If there was some bad news that could spoil the party for Olympiacos, it was related to Hassan Martin's injury. His availability remains uncertain in view of Game 2. The American big man suffered a hematoma in his right thigh and might sit out another contest.

"He took a blow to the knee in the game against Promitheas. He received an injection. His thigh is still swollen. He'll get another injection tomorrow (Thursday), and we will see if his condition improves," Bartzokas said.

On the other hand, Sasa Obradovic congratulated Olympiacos, stressing that Monaco took this game too emotional and didn't play smart enough to win.

The Serbian coach, who led the 2021 EuroCup winners to their first-ever EuroLeague playoffs, thinks his side's lack of experience influenced his players' decisions and decided the game.

"Defensively, we can do much better, although we were not bad. It was the first game, and it was expected to turn out like this," he admitted.

Asked whether he thinks Monaco wasted a good opportunity given the hosts' pressure, Obradovic said his team was also nervous in the second quarter.

"We started pretty well defensively, not giving them easy looks. But you can't expect to win here, regardless of how big a lead you have. We need to be more patient defensively, not attack right away and feel the game."

He also underlined Monaco's 18 turnovers: "It means that the opponent team can convert everything off fast-breaks."

Since 54 points marked a scoring low for Monaco, it is essential for the experienced coach to see his players control their emotions.

"You can't play this game without any plan. You can play at a fast pace, but you must choose the right moment to do that. This is something to think about," he concluded.

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