Departure statement from Ergin Ataman
Ergin Ataman, head coach of Euroleague team Panathinaikos, announced in a statement following their loss to Maccabi that he would leave the team if they fail to reach the Final Four.
AA
The Greek team Panathinaikos, coached by Turkish head coach Ergin Ataman, was defeated 91-87 at home by Israeli representative Maccabi Playtika in the first game of the Euroleague play-off series.
Maccabi Playtika finished the first period of the match played at OAKA Altion with a 26-25 lead. Panathinaikos recovered in the second quarter and went into the locker room with a 50-42 advantage.
The third quarter saw back-and-forth scoring, and Panathinaikos entered the final period leading 70-63. Maccabi Playtika closed the gap at the beginning of the fourth quarter and then took the lead with critical baskets from outside, ultimately winning the match 91-87.
"I GIVE YOU MY WORD"
With this result, Maccabi Playtika took a 1-0 lead in the series. The second game of the series, in which the team to reach three wins will advance to the Final Four, will be played in Greece on Thursday, April 25.
Panathinaikos Head Coach Ergin Ataman made statements at the press conference held after the match.
Speaking confidently about the Final Four, Ataman said, "I give my word to everyone here that we will go to the Final Four. It doesn't matter that we are 1-0 down. If we don't make it to the Final Four, I will not be at Panathinaikos next year."