With the familiar energy of the Telekom Center Athens crowd behind them, Kenneth Faried and Panathinaikos Aktor defeated Dubai in EuroLeague Round 12 on Thursday.
Faried delivered a strong two-way performance and afterward emphasized that winning mattered more than his stat line.
“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 told Eurohoops.
He finished with nine points, five rebounds, four blocks, four assists, a steal, and only one turnover in just over 30 minutes.
He admitted he hoped to give fans a signature dunk but explained why the night didn’t allow it.
“I wish I had given them something more to cheer about, a dunk or something. But it wasn’t that kind of night,” he said, noting Dubai crowded the paint and sent extra defenders.
“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.”
Faried downplayed his four blocks, saying it was simply part of his role. Lessort, sidelined, cheered him on from the bench.
“He’s a brother,” the player said, praising their shared mentality and work ethic.
With Panathinaikos improving to 8–4, Faried said the connection with the home crowd – arriving just after his birthday and the supporters’ club anniversary – meant a lot.
“I was able to play all over the world, but it is a blessing to be at Panathinaikos,” he said. “These fans are crazy! … We have to give it our all every time.”
Kenneth Faried shares his excitement about playing in front of Panathinaikos fans
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) November 21, 2025
🗣️ “I like it when there is such madness, which gives you a boost”https://t.co/m6CxJPgDXL
