Tiago Splitter (Paris Basketball coach): “We played at the pace we wanted, and the pace they didn’t want (smile). Against veterans like them, who know all the tricks, if you play at their pace, you will lose. Nadir Hifi, TJ Shorts, Collin Malcolm had their highlight moments in scoring and our defensive effort was enormous. We stuck to what we had prepared, the way we were going to defend their players, and there was no need to motivate them for this type of match. Winning against Panathinaikos is huge! They are 105 years old and the six of us are babies (he laughs). After these two frustrating defeats, it’s good to win, even more so against the European champions. »
Ergin Ataman (Panathinaikos coach): “Congratulations to Paris. They play different basketball, it’s the first time I’ve seen that in the Euroleague: they run, they shoot in less than five seconds, they are very aggressive in defense. They had a great performance and for our part, we lost 17 balls, we gave up 18 offensive rebounds and we never found our rhythm. »
Nadir Hifi (back of Paris Basketball): “After two frustrating defeats, it’s a source of pride to beat Panathinaikos. We were told that we don’t have enough experience to win. I think this is wrong, just a matter of details. By taking this one, we send a message: we can win against anyone. We will be present whatever happens, not the team where others will tell themselves that it is easy to impose ourselves.
“I like challenges, I like being underestimated. (…) Silencing people has become my job. »
On my match (20 points, 9 in 5 minutes during his first entry)it feels good after two more difficult first ones. There is an adjustment for me to make in the Euroleague, where clearly the defenses are at a level above. I need to purify my game as much as possible. This will be the most important thing for me in the coming years, to be able to help my teammates, not frustrate them, and use the great freedom I have wisely. Personally, I don’t feel any pressure. I like challenges, I like being underestimated, it forces me to bounce back, to prove everyone wrong. No one puts more pressure on me than I put on myself. Silencing people has become my job. (he laughs). »
