Ataman singles out two players: 'Erdogan called me after the game' / News - Basketnews.com

Ataman praised Panagiotis Kalaitzakis and recalled how Kendrick Nunn was signed, calling him the best offensive player in the EuroLeague. Ataman revealed Turkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called him after Game 5.

Credit: Vangelis Stolis Credit Vangelis Stolis

Back in November, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens head coach Ergin Ataman claimed the team's fans would have to prepare to buy tickets for the Final Four. After a grueling series against Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, the coach kept his promise.

Player of the Game EFF 27 Kendrick Nunn Points 26 Accuracy 8-17 Rebounds 5 Assists 4

Panathinaikos defeated Maccabi in the do-or-die Game 5 in the famous OAKA in Athens. After the match, the Turkish coach thanked everyone who believed in them despite having a 1-2 series disadvantage after Game 3 in Belgrade, Serbia, last week.

"I'm extremely happy for all the people who believed in us, our supporters, all Panathinaikos fans in Greece and around the world. There is a lot of passion for [the] Panathinaikos basketball club," he told Amerikanos24.

Ataman revealed he was in constant contact with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan throughout the entire series.

"And also [congratulations] to all Turkish people who supported me and supported Panathinaikos, starting with the President of the country, Mr. Erdogan. He watched all [the] games and called me immediately after the game," he revealed. "I'm proud of the guys."

Panagiotis Kalaitzakis, who averaged just under three minutes of playing time per game in the playoffs, was crucial in turning Game 5 around in the fourth quarter. He made two quick steals at the very beginning of the quarter and set the tone for the ultimate PAO win. Kalaitzakis played more minutes in Game 5 than in all four previous playoff games combined.

"Kalaitzakis changed the rhythm of the game tonight. Maccabi started to slow the game down with zone defense. Lorenzo Brown is one of the best point guards in Europe, it's very important to stop him. With Kalaitzakis, we improved the tempo, we put pressure on the ball, and he did a great job," Ataman praised his player.

While Kalaitzakis made a difference defensively, Kendrick Nunn was the offensive firepower Ataman needed in a do-or-die Game 5 on Tuesday. Nunn, who joined the team after the EuroLeague regular season had already started, scored 26 points and grabbed 5 rebounds for a game-leading 27 PIR.

Nunn was tremendous in the entire series, averaging 19.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists for 16.6. PIR.

"They told me there was a possibility for Nunn to come to Europe. I watched his two-three games, he was amazing. For me, he's an amazing NBA player. I told the staff to sign him, I told [PAO President] Dimitris [Giannakopoulos], 'If you can reach this guy, it will be a big job.' And we could reach him," Ataman recalled signing Nunn.

"He's a great character, great player, and tonight, he showed that he's the best offensive player in the EuroLeague," Ataman concluded.

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