SARAJEVO, Bosnia and Herzegovina – Panathinaikos AKTOR coach Ergin Ataman emphasized his team rediscovered its identity in the fourth quarter of a hard-fought 107-104 victory over Dubai BC on Tuesday, a result carrying significant weight as the EuroLeague regular season nears its conclusion. With just five games remaining, the win provides a crucial boost for Panathinaikos’ playoff aspirations.
Ataman, speaking at a post-game press conference in Sarajevo, explained how his squad navigated a challenging evening, particularly after losing Kendrick Nunn to foul trouble early in the contest. The team found themselves trailing by as many as ten points, forcing a shift to a smaller lineup featuring Hayes-Davis and Juancho Hernangómez. Mitoglou and Lessort, according to Ataman, were instrumental in stabilizing the defense and initiating the comeback.
“In the last quarter, we expressed our true basketball,” Ataman stated, highlighting Nunn’s ability to deliver key points down the stretch. The coach likewise praised the performance of Osman and the contributions of Nigel Hayes-Davis, emphasizing the team’s collective experience as a key factor in their gradual resurgence. This victory, he added, was “very significant” given the high pace of the game and the fact that Panathinaikos outscored Dubai BC overall.
The win against Dubai BC is particularly important as teams jockey for position in the EuroLeague standings. The EuroLeague, a premier European professional basketball league, features some of the continent’s top clubs. Panathinaikos, a historic powerhouse in Greek basketball, is aiming to secure a favorable seeding for the playoffs. The team currently holds a record of 21 wins and 12 losses as of March 25, 2026, placing them among the top contenders. [1]
Ataman acknowledged the quality of the opposition, specifically mentioning Musa and Bacon as demanding players to contain. Dubai BC presented a formidable challenge, pushing Panathinaikos to the limit. However, Panathinaikos’ resilience and ability to execute in the crucial moments ultimately proved decisive.
Ergin Ataman’s arrival at Panathinaikos in 2023 marked a new chapter for the Athens-based club. He previously coached Anadolu Efes, leading them to three EuroLeague championships in 2021, 2022, and 2024. [2] His track record of success has instilled a winning mentality within the Panathinaikos organization. He also secured the Greek League championship in 2024 and has been recognized with the EuroLeague Coach of the Year award in 2021. [2]
The loss of Kendrick Nunn due to early foul trouble presented a significant hurdle for Panathinaikos. Nunn is a key offensive player for the team, and his absence forced Ataman to adjust his strategy and rely on other players to step up. Hayes-Davis and Hernangómez responded effectively, providing valuable minutes and contributing to the team’s offensive efforts. This adaptability is a hallmark of a well-coached team, and Ataman’s ability to make in-game adjustments proved crucial.
The game against Dubai BC was characterized by a fast tempo and high scoring. Both teams traded baskets throughout the contest, creating an exciting and competitive atmosphere. Panathinaikos’ ability to maintain its composure and execute its offensive game plan in the face of adversity was a testament to its mental toughness. The team’s focus on defense and rebounding also played a key role in securing the victory.
Looking ahead, Panathinaikos faces a challenging schedule as it continues its pursuit of a playoff berth. The team will need to maintain its intensity and focus in order to overcome its remaining opponents. Ataman will undoubtedly emphasize the importance of teamwork, discipline, and execution as the team prepares for its upcoming games. The coach’s experience and leadership will be invaluable as Panathinaikos navigates the final stretch of the regular season.
The Turkish coach is also currently managing the Turkish national team, adding another layer to his already demanding schedule. [2] He has a long and distinguished coaching career, having also led Galatasaray and Beşiktaş, among other teams. [2] His success extends beyond the EuroLeague, with multiple Turkish Super League and Turkish Cup titles to his name. [1]
Recent reports indicate that Ataman is not yet focused on discussions about a potential Final Four appearance, emphasizing the need to concentrate on securing a playoff spot first. [3] This pragmatic approach reflects his commitment to taking things one step at a time and avoiding complacency.
However, Ataman recently received a fine and a conditional one-game suspension from Euroleague Basketball, details of which were reported by Eurohoops. [4] The specifics of the infraction were not detailed in available reports, but it underscores the high level of scrutiny and accountability within the league.
Panathinaikos’ next confirmed match is against Maccabi Tel Aviv on March 28, 2026, at OAKA Indoor Hall in Athens. Fans can follow the game live on Panathinaikos’ official website and through EuroLeague’s broadcast partners. The team will be looking to build on its recent success and continue its climb up the EuroLeague standings.
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