A walk in the park against Promitheas
Olympiacos beat Promitheas 86 - 59 for the 26th and last day of the Basket League.
Promitheas remained competitive for the first five minutes of the game (13-11). Then the 'reds' put pressure in the defense, controlled the rebounds, moved the ball very well and got a + 14 lead (31-17 at 12'). They did not stop there… Following the same plan and with multiple players scoring, their lead went up to +20 (50-30) at the end of the first quarter. The outlook of the game did not change in the second half… David Blatt's players continued playing spectacular basketball for their fans that attended the game at the SEF and got to lead by +29 at 35' (81-52).
The quarters: 24-15, 50-30, 72-48, 86-59
Οlympiacos (Blatt): Printezis 6 , Vezenkov 9 (1), Μilutinov 10 (9 reb), Papanikolaou 9 (5 reb, 4 as), Μantzaris, 10 (6 as), Αgravanis 3, Bogris 2, Williams-Goss 7 (6 as), LeDay 13 (7 reb), Zevgaras, Κοloveros, Cherry 17 (6 reb).
Promitheas (Giatras): Κaselakis 7 (1), Gkikas 5 (1), Lypovyy 4, Ellis 10, Brown 4, Κatsivelis 2, Μeier 7 (1), Geromihalos 2, Hall 6, Sandramanis 2, Parks 10 (6 reb).
"I'm devoted to Olympiacos"
David Blatt commented on the victory over Promitheas: "Just like we have been doing for weeks now, the team came out and played right. We left everything behind. We have been training every day and have been playing every game at the highest level with professionalism. Promitheas is a quality team, that has had a great season and I congratulate them. I think that the way we played, we showed our real quality".
Asked about the fans and the atmosphere they created, he replied: "I think they were amazing. The fans warmed our hearts and we thank them for their support and love for the team. We truly thank them".
On how difficult it is to prepare the team under the circumstances prevailing and if he agrees with what Rick Pitino has said, that he had never lived through the things he has experienced in his three months in Greece, he said: "For real, these last few weeks have the best in our season! The players have been great. They work each day with purpose, professionalism and with the desire to be the best they can. I congratulate them for that. Because the easy thing would be to do the total opposite. And the reason I'm still here, despite everything that has transpired, is because I brought them to this team, I kept them here and I owe it to them. They have 'paid me back' in full. In regard to the second part of your question, I don't have anything to say. I'm part of this world and I know that things are never clear and easy. It's true that this is a unique situation for me as well, but we all need to decide how we are going to handle it and what it is we want to do. My decision has been to support my team in what we have envisioned and the course we want to follow. Whether I always agree or not is not important. I'm devoted and support my team. And beyond all that, I support and stay devoted to the end to my players and the fans that have been standing by the team for all these years ».
When asked to 'reveal' how he keeps his players focused despite all that's been happening, he stressed that: "I simply ask them to be professionals and to respect the team they play for and the people who have come to see them. Today was a big example of just that. The fans came to support the team and the players. We owe them and the organization to always be the best we can. That's our job. We are employees and that's what we need to do. I'll tell you something because you are young. Nothing is easy in life or comes the way you want it to come. But if you commit to something you have to live with it, fight and hope for better days".
Given the present situation, Olympiacos will be playing against Panathinaikos for the first round of the playoffs and this is something the coach had not been expecting, as he admitted answering a relevant question. "I have obviously not been expecting that, just like I hadn't been expecting a lot of other things! Sincerely, up until we played, I hadn't been aware of that development. Because on game days, I never talk with anyone except for my close associates. I'm 100% in the game. So until someone told me about it, I wouldn't know. But even if I had known, I would have thought that this was going to change in the next five minutes! That's what I'm going to be doing tomorrow… I'll be preparing the team for the next game, no matter who the opponent might be. I wish and hop to know who they are before the game! If you wish you can come and check that I will be at my office tomorrow. I have no problem with that. I'll be at work".
Asked on whether he's fully up to date on whether the administration's moves are not reflexive, but the result of injustices suffered for many years, he replied: "I was certainly aware of things that had happened in the past. I had heard about them. The decisions and the course my administration is moving on are absolutely clear, just like the reasons that led to these decisions. I made a decision, that regardless of me totally agreeing or not, I stand by my team and I have said this many times before. I will continue doing so".
On whether he would be suggesting to a friend to come and work in Greece, he commented: "I would be definitely tell them to come. Greece is an amazing place. I have worked in many countries, so I would know. I would simply tell them to be prepared. But it's a beautiful country, with beautiful people".
Finally, asked whether he feels disappointed by the fact that what he had agreed upon would constantly be changing throughout the season, he said: "Maybe someone is testing me", he said laughing and went on: "Maybe I've been really lucky during the past 20 years and I had to be tested lately. But I really have no reason to be complaining. I was lucky enough to work with the best players in the world, under the best circumstances in the world, I have coached the NBA finals, I have won titles in Europe and have been working for one of the most historic clubs in Europe. So I think you have to give something to get something. No complaints. My situation is far better compared to most. I'm grateful for that".