By Alex Molina / info@eurohoops.net
Valencia Basket kicked off what is probably – for many reasons – the most exciting and anticipated playoff series with a defeat. The game against Panathinaikos ended in a victory for the visitors at the Roig Arena, with the Greeks winning 67-68. As the final score indicates, everything came down to the last play of the game, in which the home crowd called for a foul on Jean Montero before he received the ball. When asked about the officiating, Josep Puerto was clear: “It’s the first game of a best-of-five series against Panathinaikos, the team hosting the Final Four. Whether there’s a foul or not, we all know what the referees are going to do.”
Despite the initial setback, the Valencia Basket players know the series will be a long one. “We’re very clear that each game is a new opportunity; it will be a long series. We’re really looking forward to tomorrow so we can be back on the court and fight for the win. It’s a historic moment here in Valencia, and we’re grateful for the opportunity. We’re all eager to enjoy the atmosphere and a EuroLeague playoff game again, which is something truly unique.”