The head coach of Panathinaikos OPAP, Rick Pitino stated after the end of the game against AX Armani Exchange Olimpia Milan: "Our strategy tonight was we knew we were going against an outstanding offensive team, and we wanted to take turns pressuring James, and get Calathes off the point guard so we can play him most of the game. So by doing that, Calathes could play 39 minutes - 27 points, 14 assists and 8 rebounds. In other games, he’s now running the offense and dogging the other team’s point guard and that just takes a lot out of him. So the whole team not only played great basketball but they played with a great mental IQ down the stretch."
"It’s one thing to make the playoffs, it’s a second thing to be playing great basketball going into the playoffs. We keep getting better every practice, every game, every week, every month. And that’s what basketball is all about. Our fans were great for one more game".
