A few days after their meeting in the third-place game of the Euroleague Final-4, Panathinaikos and Olympiacos face off on Friday night (29/5, 21:00) in the first game of the Stoiximan GBL finals series.

After delivering the European crown, the green team wants to maintain their dominance in Greece, with Ergin Ataman (not in the best mood) stating that everything will depend on the performance of his players on the court, leaving all options open regarding who will be in the 12.

“We played many games against Olympiacos this year. We know the team and will be ready for the finals. We will try to win the title. That’s all.”

Regarding what Panathinaikos needs to change for the first game:
“To have a good performance on the court.”

Regarding the message to his players ahead of this match after the Final Four:
“The Final Four is now over. We need to win the title and perform well on the court.”

Regarding the key ingredient for Panathinaikos to win:
“Performance. We need to have a good performance on the court. That’s all.”

On who will be available for Game 1:
“Tomorrow night I will decide on the roster. I don’t know at this moment.”

Regarding home-court advantage:
“The only advantage in this series is playing at home.”

On whether Matas Lesor will be available:
“I don’t know. As I told you, I don’t know right now.”

Slukas: “These derbies with Olympiacos are different from all others – Our season is at stake”
Kostas Slukas sent a rallying cry for regrouping and defending their achievements in Greece, speaking to reporters at today’s training at OAKA, two days before the first final against Olympiacos.

Here’s what the captain of Panathinaikos said in detail:
“After the disappointment in Abu Dhabi, we basically didn’t perform as we should in the semi-final, and we were below expectations. We deserved to lose.”

He emphasizes the remaining crucial goal:
“We’ve worked nine months for the championship, and we want to be ready at our home court with our fans and make it 1-0. This derby is different from all others, and it decides the season for both teams. If we don’t win the championship, the season’s outlook will be negative. It will come down to willpower and ability. We want to defend our home.”

He adds:
“We are professional players. We need to leave the past behind and work for the present and future. We must conquer the championship and show that we are the best team in Greece.”