Ataman: “Our attack will be key in Kaunas – Control the pace and not make too many mistakes”

Panathinaikos AKTOR left for Kaunas where on Friday (2/2) they will face Zalgiris in Kaunas for the 25th matchday of the Euroleague.

During the departure of the team for Lithuania, Ergin Ataman, emphasized that the defense of Zalgiris essentially forces Panathinaikos to have a very good offensive function, while he emphasized that they should avoid mistakes.

Among other things, he revealed that although he has not watched the match of Trinkeri’s team against Efes, he will do so on the plane with his partners so that he can outline their style of play.

The statements of the Turkish technician in detail:

“Zalgiris played a perfect game yesterday against Efes. He got a huge win and they scored 96 points. So obviously defense will be key. Especially at home they play more aggressively, with speed, with good transition. So we have to control the pace, not make too many mistakes. The attack will be the key to get the victory in these kinds of games, especially in the hot atmosphere of Kaunas.”

For what will be judged the entry into the top four in the last 10 matches: “There are 10 games left until the end. Some have 6 in, 4 out, some 5-5. Let’s go step by step. Every game, every win will be important to secure a place in the playoffs and continue to our goal which is the top four.”

For Zalgiris’ strongest point: “I didn’t watch yesterday’s game, I’ll check it now on the plane. Yesterday I finished one o’clock in the evening and I was tired. We will watch the Zalgiris game against Efes with the assistants on the plane.”

On the intensity of Panathinaikos in defense: “The problem is that sometimes when you play away from home the defense starts with the attack. If you get tough shots, off balance and miss them it’s not easy to protect the transition defense. For me, the key is the attack, to play smart in the attack. The set play will not be a problem, but the transition defense will be a problem.”