Ataman picks offense over defense in Game 5, Kalaitzakis downplays pressure / News - Basketnews.com

Ergin Ataman: "I am not thinking about stopping Maccabi from scoring, I am thinking of making more points than Maccabi."

Credit: Vangelis Stolis Credit Vangelis Stolis

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens are gearing up to defend the perfect 18-0 record of home teams winning in the EuroLeague playoff Game 5.

Points this season

49%82,5Points made:82,5Accuracy:48,7%Place in standings:7Record max:99Record min:65Best scorer:Kendrick NunnTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

The Greens bounced back after a setback in Game 3, securing a victory last Thursday to even the series at 2-2.

"After a big win in Belgrade, we once again have a home-court advantage," coach Ergin Ataman said of upcoming Game 5. "This season, we have won many big games against very good teams in OAKA. Maccabi is also a very good team, of course. We will play with 100% to win the game."

Despite the tactical maneuvers often seen in playoff series, Ataman highlighted sticking to their game plan.

"We adjusted some mistakes that we made in the previous game, but honestly, I do not like to change the tactic. We will play on the same tactic," he underlined.

"Maccabi is a very good offensive team," Ataman went on to say. "They find ways to score very well, but tomorrow [Tuesday], I am not thinking about stopping Maccabi from scoring, I am thinking of making more points than Maccabi."

PAO concede 85.8 points per game in the series.

Credit Vangelis Stolis

Meanwhile, Panathinaikos forward Panagiotis Kalaitzakis labeled Game 5 as monumental in the club's recent history.

"It's the most important game not only for this year but probably for the last decade for our club," the 25-year-old stressed. "We will play against Maccabi for the seventh time this season. It's not about basketball, it's about who wants more. We are going to play in front of our fans, we want to play great defense from the first minute to put the crowd into the game."

Regarding pressure, Kalaitzakis downplayed its significance, viewing the game as an exciting opportunity rather than a burden.

"There are a lot more things in life that have more pressure than playing basketball," he said. "Okay, it will be a lot of people, a lot of fans, but I won't say pressure because this is what we all dream about. If I speak about myself, I dream about these moments, playing games in front of multi-thousand fans. I don't think it's pressure; it's more like a big opportunity to prove ourselves and play in the Final Four. Panathinaikos have not been there for 12 years."

The do-or-die Game 5 between PAO and Maccabi at OAKA Arena is scheduled for Tuesday at 20:15 CET.

Who's Taking Game 5 In OAKA?

Support BasketNews so we could make even better content.