Bartzokas: 'There are three different competitions within the EuroLeague' / News - Basketnews.com

Giorgos Bartzokas thinks Olympiacos should feel blessed for being able to compete for another Final Four.

Credit: Vangelis Stolis Credit Vangelis Stolis

Olympiacos Piraeus have concluded their preparation ahead of Game 5 against Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul. The only problem for the Reds is Kostas Papanikolaou's condition since the team's captain has been suffering from tonsillitis.

Player of the Game EFF 27 Kostas Sloukas Points 22 Accuracy 7-11 Rebounds 3 Assists 6

The 33-year-old forward participated in Monday's practice session, but coach Giorgos Bartzokas said Papanikolaou's readiness will be evaluated a few hours before the contest (20:30 CET).

"He's taking antibiotics, but his condition is doubtful. I can't tell you for sure right now," the Greek tactician said.

Bartzokas was asked whether Olympiacos' season will be labeled as successful if the Greek side gets eliminated by Fenerbahce in Game 5. That's where he put Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James in the conversation.

"There will be criticism like everywhere in sport. There are people who criticize Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James. There's no way you won't take criticism. It's part of sports. The question is how much it affects you," the experienced coach replied.

According to Bartzokas, the fact that Olympiacos have been struggling vs. Fener is explicable. "There are three different competitions within the EuroLeague: regular season, playoffs and Final Four," he said.

"If people believe that Olympiacos will win by 30 points and that we will score 100 points in playoff games, I assure you that it will not happen and it cannot happen," he clarified.

Bartzokas then went on to praise Fenerbahce, adding that Game 4 "was tougher than normal because the players have more pressure than they have all year.

In essence, what we have achieved is to get the home-court advantage, which hasn't made any difference in the first four games. The advantage will show in Game 5. It's what we've been fighting for all year. We have our chance, in our arena and with our fans, to do what we think we deserve," he argued.

Points this season

50%83,1Points made:83,1Accuracy:50,0%Place in standings:5Record max:117Record min:60Best scorer:Aleksandr VezenkovTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Bartzokas thinks the atmosphere will be difficult for Fenerbahce, as it was for Olympiacos in Turkey. "All we wanted was to play the last game here, like last year against Monaco," he pointed out.

"Second, the fact that Olympiacos are fighting for the second straight season to go to the Final Four is a blessing, it is something very important. Our players have done that. It's a process that makes us better."

The 57-year-old play-caller also referred to the fans' support. Olympiacos will have another sell-out game, while the club received 85.000 requests for tickets. Bartzokas recalled that when he re-joined Olympiacos two years ago, the team started to build a closer relationship with its fanbase.

"It's impressive that the entire sports community is currently interested in this series. It is unprecedented for basketball in Greece that we received so many requests. I think this team has generated that interest with the game they've played all year, their fighting spirit, and their effort to make it to a second Final Four."

Bartzokas said he wanted to impose a style of play on Olympiacos that would potentially bring the team to the top.

"I think this has been proven so far. We won the domestic titles we played for. Now we have a chance to go to another Final Four. We will do our best to make this happen. I am very optimistic, but again, the opponent is playing well. Fenerbahce are a very strong team and very experienced.

They have talent and roster depth. Two months ago, they added a very important player in Tyler Dorsey," Bartzokas commented.

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