A matchup with major significance in the battle for playoff positions takes place in Athens when Panathinaikos (12-8) hosts Monaco (11-9).
Ergin Ataman, Panathinaikos: 'It's the EuroLeague. We must play every game like it's a final'
Seasons
3 Mins read
Regular Season
Round 21 of 34
Regular Season
Panathinaikos AKTOR AthensPAO
8863
AS MonacoASM
Overview
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December's meeting between the teams produced one of the most thrilling finales of the season, with Marius Grigonis hitting a three-pointer on the buzzer for the Greens to net a 90-91 victory. Grigonis was again on top form earlier this week, netting 24 points to help overcome Efes. Monaco also tasted victory on Tuesday, as the unstoppable Mike James drained 26 points to down Baskonia and snap a two-game losing streak. James has at least 20 points in six of the last eight games and stopping him is a clear key for the Greens.
Ergin Ataman, Panathinaikos head coach
"It's the EuroLeague. We must play every game like it's a final. Maybe with one win you stay in the first four places or a loss puts you out of the playoffs. For that reaso we focus on every game, because every game is different. In OAKA, the atmosphere gives us energy and motivation to try to win for ourselves and also for the people that come here to support us. Every team has different potential, but tactically Monaco is somewhat similar to Efes: dangerous permieter players who score and create joined by hard-working big men. Nobody has much time to prepare something special, so we will play our regular game."
Dinos Mitoglou, Panathinaikos player
"We have to trust our plan. We are playing at home, we will have the help of our fans and we have to take advantage of it. Monaco is a good team. They will come for the victory and will definitely have in mind how we won in the first round game. We are very happy with the presence of our fans. We are building something different this season and we know that with their help, all of us together, we can achieve something very good."