Ergin Ataman left the court with 16 seconds remaining in Game 4 after reacting angrily to fan chants, as Panathinaikos fell 85–82 to Anadolu Efes.
Ergin Ataman left the court prematurely during Game 4 between Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens and Anadolu Efes Istanbul — and not because he was ejected.
| Player of the Game | |
|
EFF
17
|
| Shane Larkin | |
| Points | 9 |
| Accuracy | 4-7 |
| Rebounds | 4 |
| Assists | 9 |
With just 16 seconds remaining and Panathinaikos trailing 79–76 after being called for an unsportsmanlike foul, the head coach stormed off the floor.
According to journalist Can Peker Pekcan, Ataman reacted to chants of "Ergin Ataman, take a timeout" coming from the stands. Visibly furious, he pointed toward the specific fan section before walking away.
Ataman also did not appear for the post-game interview with EuroLeague TV and at an official post-game conference. Assistant coach Christos Serelis replaced him on both occasions.
"I'm here because coach Ataman doesn't feel very well," Serelis started in the post-game conference. "He has a huge history with this club and many big achievements. I think he feels that some [people] don't respect him."
Panathinaikos went on to lose 85–82. Game 5 in Athens is scheduled for next Tuesday.
