The head coach of Panathinaikos OPAP, Rick Pitino, stated after the game against Anadolu Efes:
"What I said to the players about shooting is that, right now if you look at the EuroLeague, the probability of us going to the playoffs is not great. That is probability, that’s based on statistics. But I said the other thing, probability and statistics: it is possible only if you improve. And tonight, they put all the work to execute better offensively, they took a team that was averaging 84 points in the last five games and they destroyed us at their place with 18 points off the fast break. And tonight it was 19-3 on fast break. I am also absolutely delighted for Ian Vougioukas. He’s been disappointed he hasn’t played, so I told him I will meet you half way. If you get in better shape, work on your body, I will play you. And we were +15 with him on the court."
"Rebounding was the key. When you give a great shooting team a second look at the basket, that’s when you get threes. That’s when you are not in your defensive set. Long rebound, they make a three. They are a great shooting team, great offensive basketball team. I've coached against Magic Johnson, Bird, some of the greatest guards - Maurice Cheeks, Isaiah Thomas - in the game, Nick Calathes is the best passer I've seen in my lifetime. Now, if he shot as well as some of those guys, I would not have the honor of coaching him. We know our weakness has been shooting, and our guys are literally putting in four hours every day, including an hour and 20 minutes of shooting [after practice]. I got to take my hat off to their work ethic."
