Bartzokas: «We made the first step»

Olympiacos is leading the finals series against Panathinaikos 1-0 and according to Giorgos Bartzokas, his players should remain focused, so that they get the two more wins they need to win the League title.

“We made the first step. We controlled the game from the start through our defense, but we could have been better with our offense, were we not that nervous. In all final series teams are under pressure, it’s hot, there’s anxiety. We could have played better basketball, but the important thing is we won. These games have a special importance, they are different to one another. We have to stay together, play together and get the three wins we need. Congrats to Panathinaikos, we’ll be meeting again on Tuesday…”

On his part, the Panathinaikos’ coach, Giorgos Vovoras, pointed out: “Olympiacos has won Game 1. They deserved the win. It is only certain that we were nervous in the first couple of quarters, we were making bad choices, we weren’t able to match up Olympiacos’ energy. In the second half we tried, we were tougher, however, when you allow Olympiacos to make that kind of start in their own court, then you have a long road to walk. It’s 1-0 now in a series that you have to have a short memory. On Tuesday, the game is going to be very different. We will need to start with a lot of energy and intensity so that we get to control the game”.