Rick Pitino praises Knicks and PAO: 'Two special teams' / News - Basketnews.com

Former Panathinaikos head coach Rick Pitino took time to praise his former team and the New York Knicks after both teams achieved huge playoff wins on Thursday.

Credit: BasketNews.lt/V.Mikaitis Credit BasketNews.lt/V.Mikaitis

Rick Pitino, who used to coach Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, expressed praise for the Greek team and the New York Knicks after crucial wins obtained by both teams on Thursday.

3-pointers this season

37%13,1Points made:13,1Accuracy:36,9%Place in standings:11Record max:22Record min:5Most made 3FGs:Donte DiVincenzoTeamNBAStatisticsSchedule

"Thursday was a special day," Pitino posted on X (formerly Twitter). "Started with a thrilling victory by @paobcgr to force game 5 in Athens, followed by an amazing performance by the @nyknicks. Two special teams that play with tremendous heart!"

On Thursday, PAO won out in the do-or-die Game 4 against Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv to bring the series back to the OAKA Arena for a fateful Game 5 that will decide which team advances to the 2024 EuroLeague Final Four.

As for the Knicks, the New York team beat the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 6 of the first round of the NBA playoffs to advance to the second round. The Knicks progressed forward with a 4-2 outcome in the series.

Pitino, who currently coaches St. John's University in NCAA Division I, has a special connection to both teams. He was an assistant coach at the Knicks in 1983-1985, while he was their head coach in 1987-1989.

He had a memorable stint at PAO in 2018-2020 as well and has maintained his support for the Greek team over the years, even though he is no longer their coach.

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