Ataman shares concerns on the Larkin's injury situation: 'It looks serious' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Seffi Magriso/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Seffi Magriso/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

Just like in the game against Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade, Anadolu Efes Istanbul beat Panathinaikos OPAP Athens with a final shot that came following a free-throw miss.

Player of the Game EFF 20 Bryant Dunston Points 14 Accuracy 6-9 Rebounds 4 Assists 0

Back in late December, Micic's layup saved the day. This time, it was Adrien Moerman who came to the rescue.

Despite all, Ergin Ataman did not seem to be happy not only with the overall effort but also, more injury problems. Shane Larkin played over 30 minutes but intriguingly missed the clutch moments of the game after going to the bench with 1:53 remaining to the end.

"Larkin had a serious injury, "explained Ergin Ataman. "After the Barcelona game, we could not play him domestic league for two games."

"In the last 3 minutes of the game, there was a possibility of an even more serious injury," Ataman continued. "He wanted to be out. He is going for MRI tonight, and I hope there is no problem with the lateral ligaments. His situation looks serious. Otherwise, neither I would take him out in the last part of the game nor he would be taken out."

As Ataman pointed upon, Larkin was visibly hurt and seemed to struggle with his moves before leaving the game in the final stretch.

Larkin's importance for the defending champions needs additional explanation and, once again, reflected in the boxscores. Larkin gave a +49 plus/minus differential in the last six games where he played +30 minutes in all these games.

In a win against Panathinaikos, Larkin played more than 31 minutes and accumulated 11 points (1/2 2PT, 3/7 3PT), 5 assists, 4 rebounds, and 15 PIR.

This season, Larkin averages 14.2 points, 5.1 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 18.9 PIR.

Besides the injury of Larkin, James Anderson's situation does not look very good as Ergin Ataman noted that he had a muscular tear, and that is why he had to be taken out of the game early in the first quarter.

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