Ataman provides injury update on Hernangomez, explains Game 1 mistakes / News - Basketnews.com

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens head coach Ergin Ataman talked about Juancho Hernangomez's situation and explained what the team did wrong in the Game 1 loss to Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv.

Credit: Vangelis Stolis Credit Vangelis Stolis

Ergin Ataman and Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens are seeking to finish the season on a strong note by triumphing over Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv and making it to the EuroLeague Final Four.

Free throws this season

75%14,9Points made:14,9Accuracy:74,7%Place in standings:4Record max:25Record min:8Most made FTs:Mathias LessortTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

A difficult journey, Ergin Ataman announced that PAO's situation will be a little bit more complicated as Juancho Hernangomez will be out for Games 3 and 4.

"Juancho will not play in these two games."

As for the team itself, the Turkish specialist believes that they committed some key mistakes in Game 1 that led them to defeat and to lose their homecourt advantage with a score of 87-91.

"After the first game, we analyzed our mistakes and played with more attention, especially in the attack, because when we make mistakes, Maccabi has a very transitional game. ..." Ataman explained.

"Defensively, in the first match, we made a lot of mistakes. In the second game, we were much better, and of course, Maccabi, so far in the EuroLeague, is the best team in offensive rebounds," he continued.

"We had a problem in defense with the rebounds, so we have to push and have the same quality in rebounds like that, and that's going to be the key to the games."

Finally, the Turkish tactician took a detour to address Wade Baldwin's possible absence in Game 3.

"Baldwin is a very good player. He is one of the best scorers in the EuroLeague," Ataman praised the guard. "We'll see if he plays or not."

"But there are other players like Tamir Blatt, [John] DiBartolomeo, [Antonius] Cleveland, who played a very good match in Game 2, but if he [Baldwin] plays, we will change our strategy," Ataman concluded.

At the moment, the series is tied 1-1, which means that Game 4 will be played at the least.

Thank you for reading us! We have even more content for you.