Barcelona coach Svetislav Pesic referred to the complaints of Anadolu Efes head coach Ergin Ataman regarding the officiating of Game 4 of the playoffs.
Here is what the experienced coach told reporters in the post-game press conference of the match against Anadolu Efes:
“We played some games against Efes and we congratulate them. I have great respect for what Ataman has done this season. A very modern basketball, with players of high quality and offensive talent. If you ask me, I’m a little surprised. He always has shown great respect to Barça and to me as a coach.
It is possible that he didn’t analyze the statistics. I have them here. In the first 20 minutes, 0 free throws for us. Almost 30 minutes without free throws. At the end of the game, 26 free throws for them and we had 9 when the game was already won. He wants to motivate the fans for Istanbul, it’s a tactic. Everyone motivates their team as they need.”
Barcelona rallied past Anadolu Efes (82-72) and evened the series to force a Game 5 (2-2), which will be played in Istanbul on Wednesday (01/05). The winner will win the series and will qualify for the Final Four.
