Double overtime thriller with Lavrio, evidently, wasn't enough for cardiac test for all Panathinaikos fans and team wanted to "give" another thriller ending, with "just" one overtime but probably with double or treble heart attacks. But both times Greens catch victory and both were, for different reasons crucial for the continuation of Esake and Euroleague seasons.
But against Zalgiris Kaunas it's impossible to not remark that, at about four minutes to halftime score was 43-23 and all were practically perfect for Pascual's players but, as a lot of times before, something breaks and suddenly team stop to play, lose concentration, allowing comeback to opponents that, to be honest, didn't do something of special. But, after cut the difference at halftime, Jasikevicius' players took confidence and, taking also advantage of locals' distractions, touch at least two times a victory that could change season's story for both team. But, after a three pointer by Pangos for 78-82 at 55" to end of regulations, five consecutive points by KC Rivers, with 1/2 behind the line by Toupane in the middle, gave the overtime where, after a comeback from 83-90, missing also a lot of possibility to close the game, Zalgiris found again with Pangos the two pointers for 92-93 that could have closed the game with 4 seconds to end without time out. But a man with number 33 jersey took the last ball, run all over the court, and with a not easy driving lay up beat the buzzer for gave a crucial victory, even if have been missed the possibility to reverse the advantage of tie breker. The indelible signature of Nick Calathes again!
Honestly maybe Zalgiris Kaunas didn't deserved the defeat, confirming that Jasikevicius are doing a fantastic job with his team and his players, but Panathinaikos this season have a great value: never gives up in any games, despite team sometimes have problems, above all about concentration during 40 (or 45, or 50...) minutes. Maybe, for a mystical vision, also someone over the sky love Panathinaikos, but lucky and good things don't come accidentaly and Pascual's players are able to going look for them.
But "hot January" still not finished, despite emotions and thriller are already been very huge: next Monday there will be the game of the games, the eternal fight with Olympiacos for ESAKE Basket League at OAKA. And, as we are usual to say, no words are necessary for presentations!
