Cedi Osman was inconsolable after Mathias Lessort's serious injury during the Panathinaikos-Baskonia game. The Turkish forward talked about his teammate's character and their relationship.
Mathias Lessort's injury overshadowed everything else that transpired at OAKA on Thursday night, including Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens' 10th win in 17 EuroLeague games, this time over Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (104-69).
| Player of the Game | |
|
EFF
28
|
| Kendrick Nunn | |
| Points | 26 |
| Accuracy | 10-18 |
| Rebounds | 1 |
| Assists | 9 |
Cedi Osman, author of 8 points in 18 minutes, made it clear right from the start that he had no intention of talking about the game at all.
"I think we should talk about Mathias, about how strong that guy is," he told reporters.
The unfortunate incident took place early in the third quarter, when Lessort fell on the floor, injuring his knee. Players from both teams were in shock, as the French big man was screaming in pain. According to Ergin Ataman's postgame statements, nine persons passed out in the stands, while one of them suffered a heart attack following the incident.
Lessort stood up and almost sprinted to the locker room hopping off by himself, without asking or waiting for assistance.
"I mean, after that injury, he stood up and went back to the locker room," Osman commented.
"That just shows you how strong that guy is, man. It's sad. We're praying for him. We started this journey together. We're going to finish it together. We're with him," the Turkish forward stressed.
Lessort sustained a fibula fracture, as officially confirmed by the team. He will be out of action for approximately 4 months. On Friday, he will have surgery.
"Everybody's lost for words," a devastated Osman continued.
"I really can't describe how we feel right now. But we know that he'll be back even stronger," he repeated.
"That's Mathias, man. I've known him for just a couple of months, but we became really good friends. He's a great character, but in that period, we'll definitely miss him. Miss his energy, his happiness that he shares when he comes. Miss everything."
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