The collapse of Greek powerhouse: Why Panathinaikos keep losing? / News - Basketnews.com

After losing fourth time in a row and giving Zalgiris Kaunas their first win in the Euroleague, Panathinaikos OPAP Athens are in a rough spot. Only two victories in the first ten games are not the standard Pao fans are used to.

3-pointers this season

33%8,2Points made:8,2Accuracy:32,9%Place in standings:12Record max:15Record min:3Most made 3FGs:Daryl MaconTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

BasketNews' Augustas Suliauskas offers an insight into the difficulties of the Greek giant - falling to the last winless team is just a glimpse of a larger problem that has tormented Pao since the start of the season.

As the popular saying goes, defense wins championships. Panathinaikos, however, have the 2nd worst defensive rating in the league, allowing 115.3 points per 100 possessions. Their issues here start with defending the pick and roll and leveraging Georgios Papagiannis as a defensive presence.

If you want to have an even deeper statistical look, check out ourAdvanced Team Statssection, where you'll be able to find offensive/defensive rankings and much more.

The Greek powerhouse uses a one-step show on defense that relies on defenders' individual capabilities to stop the opponents. The opposing teams see this as an opportunity to target Papagiannis and Nemanja Nedovic.

The greens lack defensive responsibility, which is best seen when defending the ever-popular Spain pick and roll, the potential of which was best exemplified by the Slovenian national team. Having gathered mostly offense-oriented players, Pao struggle communicating on the defensive end.

Individually solid but otherwise selfish Panathinaikos guards are just a part of the overwhelming lack of results. Poor screen quality, lack of spacing, and inferior decision-making trouble the Greek powerhouse's offense throughout the entirety of the first 10 games in the Euroleague.

Strong individuals do not always form a decent team that works like a well-oiled machine. This year's Panathinaikos exemplify that better than ever.

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