Despite numerous key absences, Panathinaikos demonstrated, from its very first preseason game in Rhodes, elements of the competitive philosophy that Zeljko Obradovic aims to instill, defeating AEK 78-56.
The “Greens” played with great intensity on defense, put pressure on AEK and forced them into several turnovers, which they capitalized on repeatedly to run the fast break and score easy points.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
At the same time, the new signings (Silven Francisco, Gerson Yambusele, Branko Badio, Isaac Bonga) saw significant playing time and showed promise, hinting at what’s to come. And all this in a game in which the “clover” took the court without Kendrick Nunn, Nikos Rogavopoulos, Nigel Hayes-Davis, Kostas Sloukas, Giannis Kouzeloglou, and Moustafa Fall.
On the other hand, AEK played without Dimitris Flionis, Derrick Williams, Greg Brown, and Kison Fizel; however, their overall performance was concerning, both on the court and in terms of their relationship with their fans. AEK fans strongly expressed their dissatisfaction with Makis Angelopoulos for granting the use of SUNEL Arena to Olympiacos, displaying a scathing banner and walking out of the stands early in the third quarter in protest.
Scores by quarter: 22-17, 42-29, 62-43, 78-56.
*photo source: Panathinaikos BC
