Pedro Martínez expects a closely contested Game 5 between Valencia and Panathinaikos, as the “Orange” coach emphasized ahead of tomorrow’s match that will decide who advances to the Final 4.

“The home-court advantage isn’t that significant, as we’ve already seen in the series. The series seems very evenly matched. All the games were decided by very narrow margins, and it doesn’t make sense to think that tomorrow will be any different. We need to stay focused, not let our guard down, try to stick to what we’ve been working on in practice for a while now, and trust ourselves,” he emphasized.

“If we qualify, it will be a great joy, and if not, a disappointment. But our EuroLeague season has been very good, no matter what happens on Wednesday. I try not to overestimate any moment. It’s a very important game, and we’d like to win it, but we’re prepared for anything. Panathinaikos is an excellent team. It will be very difficult. Our chances of advancing are 50-50, but even though they’ve beaten us twice here, they’re the favorites,” added the Spanish coach, who was named Coach of the Season.

Referring to Braxton Ke’s injury—he suffered a broken nose on Sunday and trained today wearing a protective mask—he said: “As a club, we’ve done everything in our power for Braxton. He’s a fighter and has a great attitude. They brought him his mask this morning, and it’s not very comfortable. He’s practically not trained at all. Tomorrow we’ll do whatever he wants regarding his participation.”

Finally, he sent a message to the team’s fans. “We share the same passion as they do. They need to be as they always are: pressuring but playing very fairly against their opponents. They need to give their all but with the sportsmanship that Valencia has always shown.”

*photo source: CNA