Panathinaikos head coach Ergin Ataman didn’t mince words after his side’s crushing 26-point defeat to Anadolu Efes in EuroLeague Round 15 on Friday night. The loss, which marked the team’s second consecutive heavy defeat, was met with disappointment and frustration from the veteran coach, who had little positive to say about his team’s performance. Ataman’s sharp criticism of the team, especially in comparison to a “junior team,” reflected his dissatisfaction with Panathinaikos’ lackluster effort against the Turkish powerhouse.
A Disastrous Performance
From the very beginning of the game, it was clear that Panathinaikos was not on their game. The Greek side struggled to execute basic basketball fundamentals, missing several easy baskets under the rim. Ataman was quick to point out the team’s poor performance, especially from the big men, who failed to capitalize on easy scoring opportunities. “We started the game very badly, missing a lot of easy baskets under the rim with our bigs. Then, we lost game control,” Ataman remarked during his post-game interview.
The defeat was especially painful for Ataman as it came on the back of another heavy loss just one week earlier, when Panathinaikos were defeated by Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade by 18 points. That loss had already been a huge blow, but Friday’s performance surpassed it, both in the manner of the defeat and the poor execution on the court.
Ataman didn’t hold back in his assessment of the game, stating, “We didn’t answer in offense. We had a terrible performance tonight. Incredible. We played like a junior team.” His frustration was evident as he expressed how far below their usual standards the team had fallen.
Efes Dominates Throughout
Anadolu Efes, on the other hand, were dominant from start to finish. They played a clinical and well-executed game, particularly led by the sharp playmaking and scoring of Shane Larkin, whose contribution was crucial in guiding Efes to an easy victory. Efes’ offense was fluid, and they executed their game plan flawlessly, making it difficult for Panathinaikos to get any momentum going. “Efes played a great game tonight. Especially with Shane Larkin’s contribution, they play differently. We know that they play that kind of game at home,” Ataman said, acknowledging the superiority of the Turkish side.
The game saw Efes quickly pull away, and despite a few attempts from Panathinaikos to mount a comeback, the game was never in doubt. Ataman noted that his team’s inability to respond to Efes’ offensive prowess was a key factor in the lopsided scoreline.
Missing Kendrick Nunn
Adding to Panathinaikos’ woes was the absence of Kendrick Nunn, who was suspended by the EuroLeague for his outburst at a referee during the previous round’s game against Partizan. Nunn, who has been one of the key offensive players for Panathinaikos, was sorely missed, and Ataman acknowledged the impact his absence had on the team’s performance. “Of course, we miss our main offensive player, who is the key to our offense,” Ataman admitted. “In the night we didn’t use Nunn, we had terrible field goals from our perimeter players. This is a normal result.”
Nunn’s suspension left a significant hole in Panathinaikos’ offensive structure, and the team struggled to compensate for his absence. The perimeter shooting, which had been inconsistent throughout the season, became even more erratic without Nunn’s scoring ability, and that further contributed to the team’s poor showing. Panathinaikos shot just 33% from the field, which was their worst shooting performance of the season, further emphasizing how badly things went wrong for the Greek side.
A Bleak Outlook and Need for Improvement
This defeat highlighted the significant work that remains for Ataman and his team as they continue to try and find their form in the EuroLeague. With the team failing to find consistency in their performances, Ataman was keen to emphasize the need for improvement. Despite the disappointing result, Ataman remained gracious towards Efes, congratulating them for their solid performance. “Congratulations, Efes played a great game,” Ataman said.
However, the coach also made it clear that Panathinaikos cannot afford to continue this kind of form. The loss left the team with more questions than answers, and Ataman will need to find solutions quickly, especially with tougher fixtures ahead in the EuroLeague.
The upcoming weeks will be crucial for Panathinaikos, who are struggling to maintain their place among the upper echelons of European basketball. Ataman’s criticisms are unlikely to be the end of the matter, and the team will need to regroup and refocus if they are to recover from back-to-back heavy losses.
Looking Ahead
The loss to Efes and the poor shooting performance are a stark reminder that Panathinaikos must drastically improve if they are to compete at the highest level in the EuroLeague. Ataman’s blunt assessment of the game shows the seriousness of the situation, but it also presents a clear message to his players: they need to perform far better in future games if they want to make an impact this season.
With a lack of consistency on both ends of the court, Panathinaikos must find a way to bounce back quickly. Ataman, despite the tough loss, will be hoping to refocus his team and restore their competitive edge in the coming rounds of the EuroLeague. The road ahead is tough, but with the right adjustments, Panathinaikos can still salvage their campaign.
