This also applies to Panathinaikos OPAP, it passed. The game against Barcelona at the Palau Blaugrana is history for the Greens, who – given their absences – knew they had nothing substantial to claim. No reason for victory.

So what’s left? Health. Yes, because the shamrock is the most important part of his daily life. Especially when the time comes, with Dimitris Priftis working with the backdrop on February 18 when the Greek Cup semi-finals will be played.

After all, the quality is limited, so the slightest loss causes big problems. Therefore, the moment Jeremy Evans fell to the ground after colliding with Nicolas Laprovitola in the first ten minutes, everyone on the green bench froze for a moment.

The innocence of the first few weeks

There can be no question of automation and smooth running in the front half of the field, not without the two main regional pillars of the team, from whose hands most possessions are lost. So what’s left? The effort of others to do as much as possible and the freedom (sic) of Daryl Macon to run the boss of the attack.

Only the 26-year-old guard failed because of the (expected) Spanish pressure that was put on him from the first minutes. In many cases, it worked with the naivety that characterized him in the early weeks of the season. He held the ball in his hands more than he should, thereby delaying the greens’ possession manifestation, but more importantly guiding decisions made under the pressure of opposing defense and time.

The double digit score he scored (12) doesn’t tell the truth considering he had 3/8 two points and 0/3 three points. At the same time, the errors he made were bigger than the assists he gave (4 instead of 3).

Regular tracks can no longer be criticized. It’s not possible, because at this year’s event we are talking about two opposite sizes, with different goals and concepts.

The decision that shows the goal

Panathinaikos OPAP’s final regular-season placement is obviously of little consequence. In fact, the story cannot be changed for the rest of the event. The only goal that currently stands is the Greek Cup and that’s the direction everything is moving in the Cloverleaf.

Nemanja Nedovic’s decision to stay in Athens to rest clearly “points” in that direction.

Does an organization like Panathinaikos OPAP find it difficult to suspend EuroLeague games? At other times it would be like that. However, at the moment only realism and perception of the prevailing situation will help.

The Greens cannot risk anything in the EuroLeague with the risk of falling behind or losing what they have circled. In this case the Final Four. In “Dyo Aorakia” they are judged. Both for the result and for their image.

As for the EuroLeague? Each race is – for quite some time – a commitment that can bring more problems than wins – given the situation. That’s why ‘damage control’ is key after nights like Palau Blaugrana.