“First of all, congratulations to the entire team, in front of our wonderful fans who came out again to support us. We’ve deserved to be here at the Final Four. We’ve been through a lot because Maccabi Tel Aviv is a great team. We even left our souls on the court.
I couldn’t help my team in the second half as much as I wanted to, but I’m really happy because all the guys came out and gave their bodies, played great defense. Tonight, we made history here, and I’m very proud of my team,” said Kostas Sloukas, who scored 15 points in the decisive game.
He was asked about the recipe for success.
“There is no recipe. You have to have discipline, work hard every day, and of course, it was a great move by the team to bring in the EuroLeague’s top scorer Kendrick Nunn. We had character in tough times. I congratulate Maccabi Tel Aviv and coach Oded Katash, whom I deeply respect. They played without Wade Baldwin at home, and maybe the story would be different if he had played. I dedicate this win to Paris Dermannis and my entire family, my wife, all the people in the team, coach Ataman, who suffers with us, and the president.”
Panathinaikos will play in the Final Four against the winner of the Monaco – Fenerbahce series (2-2).