Ergin Ataman: 'If we can reach Final Four, we will win it' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: imago images/Seskim Photo-Scanpix Credit imago images/Seskim Photo-Scanpix

Anadolu Efes managed to win two crucial games in their last home games against ALBA and Bayern Munich and took important steps to solidify their place for 5th place.

Player of the Game EFF 26 Shane Larkin Points 20 Accuracy 6-12 Rebounds 0 Assists 4

If Maccabi Tel Aviv loses to Barcelona tomorrow, they will officially finish the regular season there.

"I am very satisfied with the game tonight despite the fact that we made some mistakes with fouling. We also gave them open shots from time to time," head coach Ergin Ataman said.

"We made a good defense, good hustle. We did not have our two big players in the offense. Overall, I believe that we controlled the game," as he expressed relief.

Efes had to play without two of their best scorers in these crucial games against ALBA and tonight, Bayern: Vasiljle Micic and Rodrigue Beaubois.

But in their absence, Shane Larkin was the biggest scoring ace once again with 20 points and 4 assists.

But Ataman also underlined the side roles and bench unit's contributions, who had extensive responsibilities.

"We controlled the game through the leadership of Shane Larkin, but he was not alone."

"Other guards like Bugrahan Tuncer improved the tempo, become involved in the offense. James Anderson made great defensive plays against Vladimir Lucic. Adrien Moerman was scoring in our forward positions," Ataman continued.

Ataman also praised the latest improvement in Krunoslav Simon'scontributions, who played in his second game with double-digit scoring (16 points against Bahcesehir and 13 points on Wednesday).

"That is a very positive effort from him. We talked to Simon and lowered his minutes on the court. Last season, he was playing 30 to 32 minutes. Nowadays, he is playing for around 20 minutes.

He had to miss almost half of the season, which hurt him physically. But he is now in the position to make the most out of that 20 minutes," Ataman said.

Anadolu Efes Istanbul / Schedule

Anadolu Efes Istanbul ALBA Berlin87-77 Anadolu Efes Istanbul FC Bayern Munich81-76 Crvena Zvezda Belgrade Anadolu Efes IstanbulFri19:00

For the entire night, Anadolu Efes crashed the boards, which proved critical to stopping the Bayern surge late in the game. While James Anderson had 4, Chris Singleton and Bryant Dunston had 3 each, Efes got a total of 15 offensive rebounds, the highest figure of the season.

Was this out of a strategic plan designed for tonight?

"No," clarified Ergin Ataman.

"We did not have such a talk like 'Ok, let's go for the offensive boards'. We don't have such a system. We had a lot of energy tonight with some freshness. The rebounds were a natural result of that. They were very critical and gave us extra possessions," added the Turkish coach.

Ataman also gave some insight about Rodrigue Beabois' and Vasilje Micic'sinjury situation, saying that both are expected to be ready for the playoff games.

The coach expressed the possibility of Micic's return against Crvena Zvezda, but that game could become a formality depending on some results on Thursday.

"I might make some rotations," Ataman hinted.

Lastly, Ataman also gave some remarks about their potential playoff matchup.

"My gut feeling tells me that it is going to Armani Exchange AX Milan. We lost two games against them in the regular season, but the playoffs will be different."

"We are a champions team, and we have the experience and the will to fight against anyone, regardless of the opponent. I believe that if we can find our way to Final Four, we will win it. I believe that wholeheartedly," Ataman concluded.

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