A Disastrous Performance for Panathinaikos Ergin Ataman
In what can only be described as a disappointing display, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens suffered a crushing 26-point defeat at the hands of Anadolu Efes Istanbul in Round 15 of the EuroLeague. The loss not only marked a heavy defeat for PAO, but it also left head coach Ergin Ataman deeply critical of his team’s performance, as they struggled to match the intensity and execution displayed by Efes throughout the game. Following the heavy defeat, Ataman did not hold back in his post-game comments, admitting that his team played “like a junior team.”
This loss comes on the back of another significant defeat for Panathinaikos, who were defeated by Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade by 18 points the previous week. That loss was a major blow for Ataman and the team, but this latest defeat eclipsed that in terms of disappointment, with Panathinaikos shooting a mere 33% from the field, marking a new low for the season. Ataman was left to reflect on a game that spiraled out of control early on, and the frustration was clear in his post-match analysis.
Ataman’s Post-Game Analysis: A Junior Team Performance
Ergin Ataman did not shy away from criticizing his team’s performance, especially the mistakes made in the early stages of the game. The game started poorly for Panathinaikos, as the team missed numerous easy baskets under the rim, particularly from their big men. This lack of finishing ability near the basket set the tone for the rest of the match and contributed to Panathinaikos’ eventual collapse.
“We started the game very badly, missing a lot of easy baskets under the rim with our bigs. Then, we lost game control,” Ataman said during the post-game press conference. His frustration was evident as he explained how his team was unable to recover from the early mistakes. The lack of execution on offense and defense made it difficult for Panathinaikos to gain any momentum, and the deficit only grew as the game went on.
Ergin Ataman also highlighted the exceptional performance of Anadolu Efes, particularly the impact of their star player, Shane Larkin. Larkin was in superb form and played a key role in the dominance that Efes displayed on both ends of the floor. Ataman acknowledged the strength of the Efes team, especially at home, where they tend to play a different brand of basketball. However, it was clear from his comments that Ataman felt Panathinaikos should have done more to compete, especially given the magnitude of the game.
“We didn’t answer in offense. We had a terrible performance tonight. Incredible. We played like a junior team,” Ataman remarked, expressing how frustrated he was with his team’s lack of fight and composure. The statement about playing “like a junior team” was a clear indication of how much Panathinaikos fell short of expectations during this match. It was a statement that would resonate with both the fans and the players alike, as Ataman called for immediate improvements.
Missing Kendrick Nunn: A Key Factor in the Loss?
One of the most significant factors that Ergin Ataman pointed to in the aftermath of the game was the absence of Kendrick Nunn, Panathinaikos’ main offensive weapon. Nunn had been suspended by the EuroLeague after his outburst at a referee in the previous round’s loss to Partizan. His suspension meant that Panathinaikos had to face Efes without their most important offensive player, which proved to be a crucial setback.
“Ataman” noted that the loss of Nunn was a significant blow to the team, especially given his role as the key player for Panathinaikos‘ offense. “Of course, we miss our main offensive player, who is the key to our offense,” Ataman said. Without Nunn’s scoring ability, Panathinaikos found it difficult to generate consistent offense, particularly from the perimeter. The absence of Nunn left a huge gap in the team’s attack, and it was evident that the other players on the roster were not able to step up in his absence.
This lack of offensive firepower, especially from the perimeter players, played a huge role in Panathinaikos’ poor shooting performance. The team shot only 33% from the field, and this dismal shooting performance was a direct result of the absence of their key player, who often creates opportunities for his teammates as well as himself. Without Nunn, Panathinaikos was unable to create a rhythm on offense, and their struggles were compounded by their inability to answer Efes’ offensive onslaught.
The Impact of Missing Nunn on the Team’s Overall Play
Kendrick Nunn’s suspension revealed just how dependent Panathinaikos had become on his offensive contributions. Nunn, who has been instrumental for Panathinaikos throughout the season, brings not only scoring but also leadership and experience to the court. His absence exposed the team’s vulnerability, especially in crucial moments of a EuroLeague game against a high-caliber team like Anadolu Efes.
The absence of Nunn was felt not only in the scoring department but also in the team’s overall offensive flow. Without their primary offensive engine, Panathinaikos lacked cohesion on the floor, which led to rushed shots, poor decision-making, and a complete breakdown in their offensive execution. Ataman could only lament the team’s lack of response to the challenges they faced throughout the game.
Despite the challenges posed by Nunn’s absence, Ergin Ataman was quick to acknowledge the quality of the opposition, saying, “Efes played a great game tonight.” He was full of praise for Anadolu Efes, especially for the contributions of Shane Larkin, who was instrumental in the team’s victory. However, Ataman also emphasized that Panathinaikos had to be better, regardless of the circumstances. “This is a normal result,” Ataman said, accepting the reality of the heavy loss but still holding his team accountable for the poor performance.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Panathinaikos?
After such a heavy loss, the pressure is on Ergin Ataman and Panathinaikos to bounce back and address the issues that were laid bare in this game. The team has shown flashes of brilliance this season, but the inconsistency displayed in this loss to Efes and in the previous defeat to Partizan cannot continue if they are to make a deep run in the EuroLeague.
Ergin Ataman will need to find a way to adjust his team’s mindset and ensure that the players take responsibility for their mistakes. There are still many games left in the season, and Panathinaikos has the talent to be a serious contender. However, the team will need to be more resilient and less reliant on any one player, especially if injuries or suspensions continue to disrupt their roster.
For Ataman, the task will be to keep his players focused and ensure they learn from this heavy defeat. They must not let this result define their season, and they must quickly regroup to face the challenges ahead. Panathinaikos still has an opportunity to turn their season around, but it will require a collective effort from the entire team to get back on track.
Conclusion: A Tough Lesson for Panathinaikos
The 26-point loss to Anadolu Efes was a tough pill to swallow for Panathinaikos and Ergin Ataman. Despite the absence of Kendrick Nunn, there was no escaping the fact that the team’s performance was far below their usual standards. Ataman’s frank assessment of his team’s display, calling it “like a junior team,” served as a reminder that in the EuroLeague, no team can afford to take a night off, regardless of the circumstances.
While the loss was painful, it may serve as a wake-up call for Panathinaikos, and especially for Ergin Ataman, who will no doubt be looking for a response in their upcoming games. The team’s ability to bounce back and learn from this defeat will define their season, and with a renewed sense of focus and discipline, they can still achieve great things in the remainder of the EuroLeague campaign.
