Argyris Pedoulakis referred to the importance of the encounter for Panathinaikos, while speaking also about the fans in Trikala, at the press conference that was held after the game.
"We had the chance to split time to all the players, which was one of our goals today. We have one trip after the other and the players are a little bit tired. In the beginning we played with intensity, we were focused and we got a margin that kept raising. But at one point we let go a little bit. We must look at every game as part of the practice and we have to improve through the games. I wish all the best for Trikala. We played in a great atmosphere, with a lot of fans".
Nikos Pappas, stated at the press conference: "We played in a great atmosphere. We were serious from the tip off to the end of the game, getting a big lead, which we kept till the end. We did our job exactly the way we should. On the other hand we had the opportunity to test some plays and line ups for the games to come. Trikala play well at their home court, they have a team with enthusiasm and at some points they played really well today".
Kostas Flevarakis (Trikala, coach) stated: "Panathinaikos both against us and Panelefsiniakos reached an incredible level. Our team, because of its capacity, but also because of the problems encountered during the week, couldn't be that competitive. I wish Panathinaikos good luck for the rest of the season. For us the league really begins now. Our profit from these first games of the season are the experience the players earned and the amazing crowd that flooded the gym. Our objective goal is to get the wins we need".
Marios Matalon (Trikala, guard) stated: "We knew that we had a difficult mission ahead of us. Panathinaikos is in great shape, they got a big lead since the tip off and in the second half we tried to cut the margin a little bit. We have to remain focused and to claim what we deserve in the games to come".
500 for the captain
Dimitris Diamantidis was accurate in his first attempt behind the arc and it was enough to get to the 500 three point shots made in Basket League OPAP. He became just the 6th player to get to this number in the competition's history. Diamantidis came closer to two of his own records. He needs 6 rebounds to get to 1723 and the fourth place of the all time list in Basket League OPAP. He also needs 5 assists to be the first player to reach the 1700 mark.
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