Ergin Ataman: 'I believe we are much better than Olympiacos' / News - Basketnews.com

Ergin Ataman expresses confidence in his team's improved performance, emphasizing their dominance and positive trajectory.

Credit: Vangelis Stolis Credit Vangelis Stolis

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens secured their second consecutive victory in the Greek derby against Olympiacos Piraeus on Monday, with coach Ergin Ataman making bold statements post-game.

Points this season

48%82,1Points made:82,1Accuracy:48,1%Place in standings:8Record max:99Record min:68Best scorer:Konstantinos MitoglouTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

The 58-year-old specialist acknowledged his team is gaining shape and looks much better than their archrivals on the court.

"We deserved to win by a bigger margin, but we will learn how to manage these games for the EuroLeague and the domestic league," Ataman said post-game, via SDNA.

"We played good basketball," he continued. "The team is playing well in the EuroLeague as well. We have gained confidence, and my players know how to play. Tonight was like another EuroLeague game.

"I believe that on the court, at the moment, we are much better than Olympiacos. We were even better in this derby where we played without [Kostas] Sloukas. Olympiacos are a great team, who knows what will happen until we reach the [Greek] championship finals."

The Greek derby, concluding with a score of 85-80 in favor of the OAKA Arena hosts, was marred by injuries. PAO veteran guard Kostas Sloukas did not play in the second half due to discomfort in the left adductor, while Olympiacos center Nikola Milutinov suffered a severe ankle sprain.

Looking ahead, both Greek powerhouses shift their focus to EuroLeague Round 23. Panathinaikos are set to face Maccabi in an away game, while Olympiacos will take on Real on the road this Thursday.

Derby highlights:

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