By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Kendrick Nunn saw Panathinaikos at their best as the team lifted their second consecutive Greek Cup in Crete, with resilience and teamwork on full display.
The guard highlighted the club’s championship DNA and the boost from new arrival Nigel Hayes-Davis, who he believes will take the “greens” to the next level.
The victory reflected a roster built for high-stakes games, where every player stepped up throughout the tournament. Nunn praised the collective effort, emphasizing that the team’s balance, defense, and unselfish play were key to securing the trophy.
“We are built for games like this. Our roster has been put together for games like this. We have the players and the DNA for it, and everyone stepped up. Not only in this game, but throughout the tournament. We played well and strong and controlled the games,” Nunn admitted speaking to Eurohoops.
When asked if this is the win that can “turn” the team’s mentality, Nunn responded:
“I think it helped us. We showed what we can do. And everyone on our team is not selfish, everyone plays to win. No one worries about their minutes, about their shots, everyone gives their all on defense and that is the most important thing.”
Nunn explained what winning the trophy means:
“It means a lot. You always want to be the champion. And tonight we won a trophy. That’s why we play, to win championships. And this was one of them. It means everything.”
At the same time, the Panathinaikos guard commented on the arrival of Nigel Hayes-Davis and what he will bring to the “greens.”
“You will see a more balanced game from Panathinaikos. It could be someone’s night, their game. So that will be huge, it will raise us to the next level,” he said.
Kendrick Nunn also spoke to the press, saying that winning the Cup could be the turning point of the season.
Regarding whether he feels pressure when the noise around the team increases:
“No. No, I don’t feel pressure. I’m not that kind of player. I am very calm and collected, no matter how much the noise increases. I am always composed and always have my eyes on the goal.”
About Sloukas’ choice to give the trophy to him and Grant:
“It’s the second consecutive time we get this trophy. Last year he gave it again to me, Grant, and Juancho, and lifted it with us. It was an amazing feeling.”
On whether this is Panathinaikos’ turning point:
“As I said, every season has its ups and downs. This season we had many downs. Now, this can officially be the turning point. We won a medal, this Cup. The way we play in the last games looks different. Everyone is aggressive. Our defense has improved. We also have balance in the offense. So you can officially mark it as the turning point.”
On whether he feels 100% after his injury:
“Yes, I do. I feel completely healthy and I have returned. If I didn’t feel that way, I would have stayed out a bit longer.”
On one trophy gone and two remaining:
“Yes, one is gone and two remain. We don’t get excited about these wins. We have a champion mindset and know that bigger goals are coming that we need to achieve.”