Spanoulis says Panathinaikos players use 'a lot of flopping' in the series vs. Peristeri / News - Basketnews.com

Vassilis Spanoulis had a lot to say following Peristeri's dominant win over Panathinaikos for the Greek league playoffs. The Greek coach praised his players but also highlighted what he perceives as flopping from the opponent side.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Panathinaikos Athens demolished Peristeri 101-57 last Monday afternoon, recording their biggest win of the season.

3-pointers this season

36%9,0Points made:9,0Accuracy:36,3%Place in standings:11Record max:13Record min:4Most made 3FGs:Paris LeeTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

With the Greek playoff semifinal series at 1-0 for the powerhouse, the team from the Western area of Athens had a chance to redeem itself for that blowout and it took it.

On Saturday night, Peristeri responded in deafening fashion, cruising past the Greens 73-58 and tying the best-of-five series that will continue with Game 3 at the OAKA arena next Tuesday. The team coached by Vassilis Spanoulis had the upper hand right from the start and gained a double-digit lead in the third quarter that paved the way for an easy win.

Miro Bilan and Marcus Denmon scored 14 points apiece for the winning side that racked up its second win in the season against PAO. On the other hand, only Mateusz Ponitka (17 points) and Panagiotis Kalaitzakis (13) scored in double digits for the Greens.

Credit Vangelis Stolis

That was Panathinaikos' 9th overall loss in the current domestic campaign and 6th if the derbies against Olympiacos aren't taken into consideration. Dejan Radonjic was on the team's bench in four of those defeats, while Christos Serelis has suffered five.

However, what came as the perfect supplement to the on-court action was Vassilis Spanoulis' postgame quotes.

"We are within the 2-3 most stable teams in the league," the 40-year-old coach said.

"We are playing against a EuroLeague team, a huge club with great history. Today, we didn't win by 15 points," Spanoulis argued. "We won by 59 points. Why? Because it's difficult for any team to react to such a big slap like the one we received in Game 1," the EuroLeague legend continued.

"We are the underdogs in the series. We play against Panathinaikos, who are the favorites, but we will chase our fair share of chances. The stats of the players don't say anything, for me, it's the team that counts," he stressed.

Credit Vangelis Stolis

Spanoulis went on to refer to the way he thinks Panathinaikos' players are making use of their experience against his squad in the series.

"We're playing against experienced players. We see a lot of flopping in the series from many Panathinaikos players because they are experienced and know how to get free throws. They are brilliant," the Greek tactician said.

"We have to deal with it and be ready for the next game. Today is a great day for everyone in the city, but from tomorrow onwards, we will concentrate on Tuesday's match. Congratulations to Panathinaikos for being competitive, they are a great team," Spanoulis praised the opponent.

Then, he again referred to his team's mentality.

"It's amazing how a newly built team reacts. We don't have more than two straight defeats. I've played basketball for 20 years and I know how tough it is. It shows character and that's what I want to pass on to the team, this winning character," he concluded.

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