Turkish veteran gaffer, Ergin Ataman’s Panathinaikos clinched their seventh EuroLeague title by defeating Real Madrid 95-80 on Sunday.
This victory marks Panathinaikos’ first championship in 12 years, highlighting Ataman’s distinctive wizardry.
The ultimate conflict of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four featured a head-to-head between Greek giants Panathinaikos and Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid.
Real Madrid began sturdy, dominating the primary quarter with a 36-25 lead.
Despite Panathinaikos’ efforts to get well within the second quarter, Real Madrid maintained a 54-49 benefit at halftime.
The sport took a dramatic flip within the third quarter, as Real Madrid managed solely seven factors.
Panathinaikos seized the chance, getting into the ultimate interval with a 64-61 lead.
The final quarter noticed intense back-and-forth motion, however Panathinaikos pulled forward within the latter half, securing a decisive 95-80 victory and their seventh EuroLeague championship.
Kostas Sloukas of Panathinaikos was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Final Four, reflecting his stellar efficiency all through the event.
Ataman’s historic achievement
For head coach Ergin Ataman, this triumph represents his third EuroLeague title, having beforehand led Turkish giants Anadolu Efes to victory within the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 seasons.
Ataman joins an elite group of coaches with three championships, together with Pini Gershon and Aleksandar Nikolic.
The all-time chief stays Zeljko Obradovic, who has 9 titles to his title.
Ataman’s journey with Panathinaikos started with a major problem.
The staff completed seventeenth within the earlier season, second to final.
However, beneath Ataman, they ascended to the head of European basketball inside a single season.
In a press convention after the sport, Ataman expressed his elation, calling the victory some of the vital in EuroLeague historical past.
He highlighted the staff’s outstanding turnaround and credited the unwavering help of the followers.
“Last season, we finished 17th. This year, we came to win the championship, and we did it with our fans,” Ataman said.
Emotional tribute
During the reside broadcast, Ataman took a second to recollect his late father, Ibrahim Nuray Ataman, who handed away a month prior.
“In all my previous championships, my father was there with me. This time, my players dedicated this victory to him,” Ataman shared, visibly moved.
MVP Kostas Sloukas lauded Ataman’s affect, attributing the staff’s success to his strategic brilliance.
“Ergin Ataman is the mastermind behind this victory. No one can question his credentials now,” Sloukas mentioned.
He highlighted the staff’s dominant performances in each the semifinal and ultimate, the place they received by vital margins.
Sloukas additionally emphasised Ataman’s position in constructing a cohesive and assured staff.
“From day one, he told us to book our tickets for the Final Four. His belief in us was unwavering,” Sloukas mentioned.
In addition to celebrating Panathinaikos’ victory, Ataman additionally congratulated his beloved Galatasaray and coach Okan Buruk for his or her championship win.
“Today is one of the best days of my life. Winning the EuroLeague and seeing Galatasaray triumph makes this day unforgettable,” Ataman concluded.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
