Panathinaikos got to its aspired playoffs premiere clash win, although it did have one more goal in today’s encounter versus Ikaros, as stressed Argyris Pedoulakis.
“We had two goals today. We wanted to win in playoffs game one, but also to incorporate the two new players who were obtained lately and especially Gwinn, who came on a few days ago. Concerning the game, in the first half we were not so focused in backcourt, especially upon returns and on pick n roll plays; and mostly in rotations. In the second half we cleared up our act in defense, became more aggressive and around about there is where the game ended”.
When asked about Gwinn, he stressed: “He is a player who in offense has the whole package. He must adjust to the team’s philosophy. We have little time ahead of us, we know it all too well, but a player with his characteristics was necessary. Like for instance today… Tsartsaris is sidelined. We have played over 70 games and we filled these days with trainings, intense trainings took place, because they are essentially the last ones we can perform at such a pace. So, Gwinn’s presence today allowed us to share out the time so as to prevent from tiring certain players again. It is the end of the season and we are talking about many, many games”.
Ikaros Head Coach, Giorgos Kalafatakis stated: “Regardless of the outcome, to Ikaros it is very significant that for the first time in its history the team makes it to the playoffs and this is not something we can disregard. From that point forward, unfortunately the team, these last few days, as it played out with the postponements, was set out of rhythm, we were left back as far as energy, lost our unison due to the interruption of the league. And certainly all the side talk about the team being re-established has had its impact on it. We have no idea what might happen from one day to the next. I believe all this plays a very important role in our basic players performing way under expected; not only today, but in the two previous games also. Unfortunately, others decided that the league should be interrupted for such a long period of time. Not much of a loss however, since versus Panathinaikos we have few possibilities. We wanted to enjoy the game. We told our players to play as best as possible because many people would be watching them, something they could come in useful to them in the future. Unfortunately they did not present what they should have. Giannakidis had 5-for-7 triples but with the overall stats we had it was impossible to go on. Ok… Let’s fight and lose the way we should. When your first string players are facing issues, Kyritsis was missing, the result is the expected one. As I said however after the previous game, I can only congratulate the guys for the effort they have input these last three months. We have one more game, to play as best possible in our home court and come up with a dignified performance. As far as technique there is no comparison amongst the two teams. Congratulations to Argyris; let me wish him all the best next”.
When asked of the extent that all the discussion concerning Ikaros’ tomorrow has had an impact, Kalafatakis stated: “When I took over things where this way… And not only this, but we changed home courts, played in a new court with great efforts for the team to return to Kallithea to compete. Side talk that the team is to be given, that it is leaving, without a statement from the president to the boys, has certainly affected the squad. Although I mainly believe that it was us losing our pace that made the damage. As far as changing coaches, the team had talent, had good players, we changed one or two things, roles were more clearly defined, the guys got more self-confidence, brought out their talent, we made use of certain guys who, maybe due to an injury, had little game time and the team achieved its goal. The most important thing is for the season to close as best as possible”.
Ramel Curry stated: “I believe that we had quite a good game tonight. There was room to improve. Winning is a good way to enter the playoffs. It is always good to win. The thing for us is that we can play much better”.
Alexandros Mistialos stressed: “It was more of a procedural character game. It is impossible to measure up to Panathinaikos. We wanted to enjoy the game, play passionately. In any event we are very pleased in ranking 7th in the Greek League. A good job has been done these last few months. We had to face some injuries the last few days, such as Kyritsis’ for instance. What we want is to enjoy the one or two games left as much as possible”.
