Ergin Ataman explains why he left the game vs Fenerbahce early / News - Basketnews.com

Ataman said he left the court to avoid being exposed to fan chants that were directed at him. He explained that Will Clyburn barged toward Fenerbahce bench because an assistant coach wanted to increase the lead when it already was at 17 points.

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With over half a minute left in the game against Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul and with the Anadolu Efes Istanbul's elimination from Euroleague playoff contention already clear, Ergin Ataman left the court. After the game, the specialist explained his action.

Player of the Game EFF 32 Nigel Hayes-Davis Points 26 Accuracy 9-13 Rebounds 4 Assists 4

He left the floor to avoid hearing insults that were directed toward him, Ataman said in the post-game press conference.

"Fenerbahce fans started the insults. To avoid exposure to them, I shook Dimitris Itoudis' hand, congratulated him, and went to the locker room," he said.

Later on, he commented on Will Clyburn barging toward Fenerbahce's bench with just a single second remaining on the clock.

"When the gap was already 17-18 points, Will Clyburn was pissed off when the assistant coach continually yelled from the bench to score points. The difference is 17 points, it's already done," Ataman explained. "I think he got angry with him and there was an argument there. An unpleasant event."

The assistant coach in question was reportedly Stefanos Dedas.

"It's probably the inexperience of the assistant coaches on the Fenerbahce bench. It was the first time they see such an environment. It probably made them a little too happy to eliminate the yearly champions Anadolu Efes who left their mark on the EuroLeague and Turkish basketball," the coach said being his usual self.

With 16 wins and 17 losses, Efes will not be higher than 10th place in the final EuroLeague regular season standings.

Even if they reach 17 wins,Ergin Ataman's squad will not have the head-to-head advantage in a possible tie-breaker even ifCazoo Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteizlose the two remaining games.

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