Ergin Ataman’s ejection on incorrect call, Panathinaikos topples Zalgiris with 29-2 win

In the EuroLeague 23rd-week match, Panathinaikos, coached by Ergin Ataman, secured an 89-76 victory over Zalgiris Kaunas. However, a controversial referee decision marred the game, leading to significant tension on the court.

With around 3 minutes remaining in the third quarter, referee Damir Javor called a technical foul on the Panathinaikos coaching staff. However, it later emerged that the foul had been committed by a fan, not a coach.

Since the foul was called on the bench, it was mistakenly attributed to Ataman, who had already received one technical foul earlier in the game. As a result, Ataman was ejected from the match.

Ergin Ataman’s furious reaction

Ataman expressed his frustration vehemently, but the referee’s decision was not reversed. As he left the court, Ataman raised his fist in his signature gesture, signaling his anger toward the decision to the fans in the stands.

Zalgiris head coach Andrea Trinchieri also commented on Ataman’s ejection, saying: “Ergin Ataman made a great effort and was very clever in his moves. I have immense respect for him. However, the game’s flow changed, and it was no longer basketball. I remember a sequence when Walker hit a three-pointer, followed by a technical foul and another after that. I’m not sure where this is going, but we’re seeing too many technical fouls being called in every game. I still haven’t found a solution to this issue.”

Panathinaikos’s strong comeback despite the controversy

Panathinaikos, trailing 60-70 going into the final quarter, mounted a remarkable comeback. They dominated the last period, finishing with a 29-2 run to secure the win.

Zalgiris had control in the first half, leading 34-51 at the break. However, Panathinaikos emerged from halftime with a stronger performance. Their defense and a 29-2 run in the final quarter allowed them to complete a remarkable comeback and win the game.

Standout performances

Kendrick Nunn led Panathinaikos with 26 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Kostas Sloukas contributed 16 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 assists. For Zalgiris, Lonnie Walker posted 19 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist, while Deividas Sirvydis added 15 points and 2 rebounds.

With this win, Panathinaikos improved to 14 victories in their 23rd game of the season, while Zalgiris suffered their 12th defeat.