While Ergin Ataman remains hopeful for Lessort’s return by the Final Four, the uncertainty surrounding his recovery timeline leaves questions about his immediate playoff availability.
Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens head coach Ergin Ataman expressed uncertainty about whether center Mathias Lessort will be available for the upcoming EuroLeague playoffs. The French big man has been recovering from a fractured fibula suffered in December, and his return remains in doubt.
Speaking after Panathinaikos secured home-court advantage with an 88-76 road victory over AS Monaco, Ataman addressed Lessort’s status, saying, “I’m not sure about his return. I hope that we will advance to the Final Four. If we advance to the Final Four, I think that 90 percent he’ll be in the Final Four. Regarding the playoffs, I can’t say much right now because there are 20 days until then.”
Lessort sustained his injury on December 19 during a EuroLeague matchup against Baskonia. The severity of the fracture immediately ruled him out for several months, with early medical projections estimating a four-month recovery period. The EuroLeague playoffs begin on April 22, just over four months after his injury, leaving his availability uncertain.
Before his injury, Lessort had been an essential piece for Panathinaikos, averaging 13.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 26:34 minutes per game. His presence in the paint and defensive capabilities were key factors in the team’s strong performance throughout the season.
Ataman also reflected on the team’s dominant first quarter against Monaco, which set the tone for their victory.
“I think the first period for us was the key to the game. Because we played perfect defense and in offense, we found the right options, and we gained confidence for the game. Because we knew it would be a difficult game for both sides, but starting like that in the first period gave us a lot of confidence.
Mathias Lessort
| Team: |
Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens |
| Position: | C |
| Age: | 29 |
| Height: | 206 cm |
| Weight: | 113 kg |
| Birth place: | Martinique, France |
And then throughout the game, except for the beginning of the third period when we missed open shots—because that’s how Monaco is, a team you cannot relax against and make mistakes. Especially with Okobo and James in that period, we lost a bit of control. We did a great team job, but this was the best individual performance I have ever seen in the EuroLeague—that of Kendrick Nunn. In such a game, away from home, to make such a performance with incredible stats, with field goals, with assists, was the key to winning the game.”
Ataman also commented on Nunn’s heavy minutes, as he played 39:15 in the game: “He’s lucky he rested for 35 seconds. If he talks to Larkin, he will tell him that he used to play 40 and 45 minutes in games. That’s basketball. When a player is playing well, you let him play. He wasn’t tired—if he was, he would have told me. So why should I rotate, why shouldn’t I give him playing time? But he rested for 35 seconds.”
