Failed in OAKA...
Olympiacos lost to Panathinaikos at the OAKA 79-70, for the 6th day of the Betshop Basket League.
The terrible percentages of the ‘reds’ in the first quarter (only 3 for 12 2pointers!), did allow them to play their game and take advantage of the poor perimeter percentages of the hosts (0/7). The hosts closed the first quarter leading 15-14, however, the beginning of the 2nd quarter was cause for nervousness among the ‘reds’, since following an imagined first foul, Nikola Milutinov was charged with a technical because he asked for a clear foul by Calathes to be called!
David Blatt was forced to bench the Serbian center to protect him, however, the line up with LeDay and Timma seemed to be working… With the two players leading the offense, our team built a +6 difference (20-26 at 14’), but wasn’t able to keep it… Panathinaikos exploited on our team’s subpar defense and replied with a partial 12-1 (32-27, at 19’).
Printezis shaped the 32-29 score that marked the end of the first half, while Williams-Goss closed in 32-31 at the beginning of the 3rd quarter… in the next three minutes, nevertheless, nothing worked correctly for Olympiacos on either end of the floor, and hence Panathinaikos got to lead by 10p. (44-34). Zach LeDay made it a personal mission to lead the counter attack and closed in at 4p. (46-42, at 26’), while, despite having his fourth foul called at 27’ and getting benched thereof, Olympiacos found solutions with Spanoulis and Timma making a one point game (51-50).
Relying on their good perimeter percentages, the hosts regained control (58-51, at 31’) however, Janis Timma once again scored closing in at 1p. (58-57). The same scenario was executed once again at that point… Olympiacos suffered a complete offensive “black out”, Panathinaikos got to lead by +9 (72-63 at 37’) and it was all over at almost that point, since the ‘reds’ were lacking the stamina to start anew…
• Axel Toupane did not play, since he has suffered a ligament contusion in the right foot and will be off action for the next 10 days.
The quarters: 15-14, 32-29, 55-51, 79-70.
PANATHINAIKOS (Pasqual): Papapetrou 5 (1), Calathes 7 (1), Lasme 4, Τhomas 10, Langford 11 (1), Lojeski 1, Gist 9, Pappas 24 (4), Vougioukas 2, Μitoglou 2, Antentokounmpo 4, Lekavicius
ΟLYMPIACOS (Blatt): Printezis 11 (9 reb), Spanoulis 9 (2), Μilutinov 6, Papanikolaou 1, Williams-Goss 9 (1), Vezenkov, Bogris 2, Μantzaris, Strelnieks 2, Τimma 10 (2 3pm., 9 reb.), LeDay 20 (3)
"We need to stick to our plan"
David Blatt stated: “Congratulations to Panathinaikos. There was another tough game between the two teams. We have had our chances, but we lost them. I saw improvement, I’m proud of my team. We are at a tough sport, we need to get through this… We need to stick with our plan, work and improve”.
Asked on whether Sasha Vezenkov is facing any problems, he replied: “He’s healthy. Sometimes players go through phases when they get to play less. I hope he will be completely ready to help us when he gets back».
When asked to comment on the performance of Nigel Williams – Goss, he said: “I will answer with a question… When Nick Calathes joined Panathinaikos, how long did he get to play in his first season? Was he a decisive factor? Today, he’s one of the top-5 players with the Euroleague, with an NBA tenure, he’s respected be all of us and everyone knows of his impact on the Panathinaikos’ game. Our players need to learn from these games, learn to manage this atmosphere, so they reach the Promised Land. We need to stay together to the end”.
On the increased minutes for Giorgos Printezis, he explained: “At this moment we need him, until we find someone to do the job. Lebron has been playing 36 minutes for 82 games in the season. The same goes for Printezis”.