In a dramatic EuroLeague playoff showdown, Valencia Basket secured a crucial 91-87 victory over Panathinaikos, seizing a 2-1 advantage in their best-of-five series. The game, held at the Telekom Center, was marked by intense on-court action and a fiery sideline incident that resulted in the ejection of both head coaches.
Valencia established control early, building a 24-18 lead after the first quarter. Their dominance continued into the second period, as they took a commanding 52-39 advantage into halftime. The Spanish side maintained their momentum through the third quarter, extending their lead to 75-66 heading into the final frame.
The pivotal moment of the match occurred during the third quarter. Panathinaikos head coach Ergin Ataman vehemently protested a referee's call, drawing a technical foul. Valencia's head coach, Pedro Martinez, then became involved in the situation, leading to a heated exchange between the two sideline leaders. The confrontation escalated, and both Ataman and Martinez were subsequently ejected from the game.
Despite the loss of their head coach, Valencia's players and staff held their composure. They successfully defended their lead through a tense fourth quarter, ultimately securing the four-point win. The victory gives Valencia a significant psychological and series advantage as they head into the next game.
Following the game, Valencia assistant coach Xavi Albert provided insight into his team's mindset. He praised his squad's performance, particularly highlighting their execution of the game plan in the first half. Albert emphasized that the team was prepared for the physical and emotional challenges of playoff basketball.
Albert also directly addressed the sideline incident, stating that Coach Ataman's actions were an attempt to influence the game's flow. He affirmed that Valencia would remain vigilant and not allow such tactics to disrupt their rhythm. The assistant coach stressed that their basketball philosophy is built on adapting to changes, embracing physical contact, and controlling the tempo to create fast-break opportunities.
The series now shifts with Valencia holding the momentum. Panathinaikos will need to regroup and find answers to avoid elimination, while Valencia aims to close out the series on their home court. The ejection of Ergin Ataman adds another layer of intrigue and potential disciplinary review as the playoffs continue.
Based on reporting from Hürriyet.