Kenneth Faried made an immediate impact in his first game for the Greek team Panathinaikos, recording an impressive double-double to lead them to a victory over Paris in the EuroLeague. The 35-year-old veteran showed he can still be a major force, quickly becoming a key player for his new team.
🏀 A Stunning Debut Performance
In his first appearance, Kenneth Faried delivered a fantastic all-around game, finishing with 17 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks, 1 steal, and 1 assist. Despite his great personal stats, he remained focused on the team’s success. “I don’t really care about my stats,” he said after the game. “We got the win. That’s all I care about.”
⚔️ Overcoming a Tough Opponent
Faried acknowledged that Paris was a challenging opponent. He described them as a “resilient team” that never gives up and constantly pressures their opponents with a fast-paced offense. “They keep trying to score fast,” he noted. However, he explained that Panathinaikos eventually found its rhythm, saying, “we finally settled down and figured out how to stop them, and we were able to escape with a win.”
💪 A Boost of Confidence
The strong performance has clearly boosted Faried’s confidence. Having just signed a short-term contract, he proved that he belongs at this competitive level. “I feel like I can play at this level now, especially performing like I did tonight,” he shared. This confidence will be important as the team prepares for their next tough match-up against Real Madrid.
👨🏫 Praise from the Coach
Head coach Ergin Ataman was very pleased with Faried’s contribution, especially since he had only one practice with the team. Ataman explained that Faried was exactly what the team needed. “In basketball, you want a real center to protect in the paint,” he said. He also praised Faried’s offensive impact, noting that his pick-and-rolls helped create better spacing for the team. “He was what we were missing in the last two or three games,” Ataman concluded.
