By John Rammas/ irammas@eurohoops.net
Behind the usual firm support from the fans in Telekom Center Athens, Kenneth Faried and Panathinaikos Aktor topped Dubai in Round 12 of the 2025-26 EuroLeague Regular Season on Thursday.
“We got the win. Like I always say, I don’t care about my stats as long as we win. My teammates did what they do best, and we won. I’m proud of the way we played, especially in the second half,” the 36-year-old forward/center told Eurohoops after tallying nine points with 3/4 two-pointers and 3/4 free throws, five rebounds, four blocks, four assists, one steal, and just one turnover over 30:03.
“I wish I had given them something more to cheer about, a dunk or something. But it wasn’t that kind of night,” he continued with addressing the supporters of the Greens, “Dubai was constantly loading the paint, they were sending a second player on me to make sure I didn’t take off. They did a great job, but basketball is a team sport, and my teammates stepped up and did what they had to do to win.”
“The four blocks were just part of my job, which is to block shots, protect the rim, and contribute to the win,” he also went into his standout individual stat.
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Anyway, sidelined Mathias Lessort was constantly cheering for him from the bench.
“He’s a brother,” said Faried, “I’ve been playing for many years, I’ve played at the highest level there is, in the NBA, and that’s always been my style, hustle, passion, and never give up. Lessort is like that, too. He’s made a name for himself in Europe, where he won the Euroleague thanks to his skills and mentality. Now we’re teammates, and it’s nice to have someone who has succeeded by doing the same things.”
With the Greek club improving to 8-4, the Manimal had his first EuroLeague home connections with the fans, one day after the birthday of both himself and the main organized fans club of Panathinaikos.
“I was able to play all over the world, but it is a blessing to be at Panathinaikos,” Faried mentioned, “I am very happy and excited. I am not saying this only because of my teammates and coaches, but mainly because of the fans. These fans are crazy! I like it when there is such madness, which gives you a boost. They never abandon us, and it is difficult for us to abandon them. We have to give it our all every time.”