Ataman names difference-maker in Game 4, puts pressure on Maccabi / News - Basketnews.com

Ergin Ataman's celebrations deferred until a potential Final Four berth: "The celebrations only if we reach the Final Four."

Credit: AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic - Scanpix Credit AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic - Scanpix

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens forced Game 5 with their 95-88 win on the road against Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv.

Player of the Game EFF 32 Kostas Sloukas Points 20 Accuracy 6-11 Rebounds 8 Assists 6

After the game, head coach Ergin Ataman dedicated the victory to a legendary team equipment manager who had suffered a heart attack the day before.

"About the game, this series is very difficult for both teams," Ataman said. "I have great respect for the Maccabi team; they put in a great effort tonight, especially with extra players like John DiBartolomeo and Tamir Blatt. Their extra points gave us a lot of defensive problems.

"I think we played good defense, but the difference tonight was Kostas Sloukas, who once more showed great character on the court," Ataman praised the guard, who had 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists. "He scored, and he created the situations for us. Overall, I believe we played with more effort than in the previous game that we lost. Now, 2-2, of course, the OAKA will be on fire. We need to be ready to play good basketball."

Home teams always win when the EuroLeague playoff series goes down to Game 5, with a record of 19 out of 19. Does this put extra pressure on PAO?

"Honestly, it's not a pressure for us," Ataman stated. "It will be more pressure on Maccabi in this situation to play in OAKA. This is a basketball game so we must be ready. But I have a big confidence in my players' character."

As for celebrations, Ataman emphasized that they would only come if they reached the Final Four.

"The celebrations only if we reach the Final Four," he noted.

Game 5 is scheduled for next Wednesday in Athens.

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