Panathinaikos secured a huge road victory against Real Madrid, handing the Spanish team its first home loss of the season. After the impressive win, coach Ergin Ataman was full of praise for his team, especially for the standout performances of newcomers TJ Shorts and Kenneth Faried.
The contributions from Shorts and Faried were crucial, showcasing their quick adaptation to the team’s system. Their energy and skill provided the boost Panathinaikos needed to overcome a tough opponent on their home court, with the coach highlighting the team’s smart and effective defense.
💡 A Turnaround for TJ Shorts
Coach Ataman shared that he recently had a conversation with TJ Shorts about his performance. He explained, “I had a little meeting with TJ Shorts. I told him he struggled… We talked to each other, and he also played really well in Paris. Tonight he played his best game with Panathinaikos.” The coach added with a smile that while he was previously unhappy with “90% of his performance,” he is now “90% satisfied.”
💪 Faried: The Team’s ‘Medicine’
Kenneth Faried also received high praise, with Ataman calling him “our medicine” in the last two games. The coach expressed surprise at how quickly the veteran big man, with his impressive NBA and international background, has made an impact. “He gave us what we need,” Ataman said. “He is a high-level player… Now he is very important for our future.”
😊 A New Beginning for Faried
Speaking after the game, Kenneth Faried shared his own excitement about his recent move. “I came from Taiwan to Greece, I’m here now in the Euroleague, and I love it,” he said. Reflecting on his journey and the warm welcome from the team, he added, “It’s beautiful that they accepted me like this… it’s like I was reborn here.”
