Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Panathinaikos Analysis: Quality Can Turn Impossible into Possible

Once again, it was proven that he cannot be written off. Despite having a tough night against Maccabi Tel Aviv, Panathinaikos managed to secure a crucial victory ahead of the EuroLeague Final. The game was challenging for the ‘seven-star’ team before the jump ball, as Ergin Ataman had to deal with numerous absences. Beyond the known absentees like Grigonis, Lesour, and Yurtseven, the Turkish coach also had to field a team without Papapetrou and Osman, who were sidelined due to injuries. Grantham even felt sudden discomfort but gritted his teeth to play in order to help his team and teammates. Although it initially seemed like both teams would go head-to-head, a sudden blackout from Panathinaikos, which appeared to lack strength and endurance to keep up with Maccabi’s pace, allowed the hosts to build a series until the fourth quarter, making a comeback seem difficult. However, the ‘greens’ weren’t done yet. Nan and Huertas, in particular, stood out, scoring significant baskets at critical moments when the score was -15, turning the tide and unsettling their opponents. Ergin Ataman highlighted after the match that his team played its worst basketball of the season for 35 minutes, though his criticism might have been harsh. Behind these words lies Panathinaikos’ biggest weapon: its refusal to lose mindset. This winner mentality, combined with tactical plays and big shots, helped them overcome adversity. With the third place secured in the Regular Season, Panathinaikos now focuses on maintaining concentration and seriousness in the remaining games, proving they still have fuel in the tank to push all the way to the end.