Ergin Ataman exits Game 4 early, points to Efes’ EuroLeague banners in defiant gesture

Ergin Ataman exits Game 4 early, points to Efes’ EuroLeague banners in defiant gesture

Panathinaikos coach Ergin Ataman left the court with 16.6 seconds remaining, responding to boos from Efes fans by referencing his back-to-back EuroLeague titles

Ergin Ataman stormed out of the Basketball Development Center in Istanbul during Game 4 between Efes and Panathinaikos, just 16.6 seconds before the final buzzer. As the crowd booed following a controversial unsportsmanlike foul on Cedi Osman, Ataman reacted by pointing to the two EuroLeague banners he had helped the club win during his tenure with Efes.

The move was seen as a direct message to the fans criticizing him. Ataman then left the court amidst heavy jeers, ending the night with a gesture loaded with symbolism.

According to information gathered, it all stemmed from a slogan that the Efes fans copied from their hated Fenerbahce cousins of previous years (“take a time-out, Ergin”).

Upon hearing this, Ataman signalled for a time-out and then displayed the Efes coach’s banners. Ataman then left the court, saying he was stunned, and did not show up for the press conference.

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