Bartzokas: «I’m blessed to be training these players» (vid)

The Olympiacos’ coach, Giorgos Bartzokas gave credit both to his players, as well as to the team fans on the win against Efes.

“Congratulations to the players and our fans, although the number of fans that could be here tonight was limited. They helped us a lot. It was a close game, as we had anticipated. Each Euroleague game is very critical. That’s why tonight both teams missed some lay ups and open shots and turned the ball over. Of course, the quality Efes has in every positions was a significant factor. I think we have had many opportunities to close the game during the regulation. Finally, it went the way it went and won in the overtime in this special fashion, with a huge shot by Sloukas. Congratulations to everyone for one more time. I feel blessed to be training these players. For us, it was very important to overcome the problems we had faced due to COVID. Yesterday, in the last play of our practice session, we got to lose Walkup, our best defender in the perimeter. As you know, they have good players in the perimeter and you need good defenders. Walkup’s absence was critical, but everyone tried to cover for him in the defense and we are now focusing on the next game”.

On his part, the coach of Anadolu Efes, Ergin Ataman pointed out: “With the exception of the first quarter, we played a good game. We improved on our defense. Only in the first quarter we allowed them 26 points. Afterwards, we kept them below 20. Our defense was good, we missed some open shots, but nevertheless, a very good game was played by both teams. During the game both teams had the chance to get the win, but the game remained tied to the last second. But what can I say after Sloukas’ buzzerbeater? Congratulations to the player and to Olympiacos. It was a very good win for them”.

Asked to comment on the fact that both Turkish teams (Fenerbahce and Efes) lost at the SEF to a Sloukas’ shot at the buzzer, he joked that: “Maybe he got help from all the baclava he was eating in Turkey”.

YOU CAN WATCH THE STATEMENTS BY GIORGOS BARTZOKAS AT THE FOLLOWING VIDEO