“You are only NBA champs!” – EuroLeague champions coach challenges Boston Celtics to world champions title match

Boston Celtics challenged to a game by veteran coach Ergin Ataman against the EuroLeague champions, to prove their world dominance worth.

“You are only NBA champs!” – EuroLeague champions coach challenges Boston Celtics to world champions title match

Boston Celtics challenged to a game of champions

It seems this conversation has a thing for comebacks, as the debate over the superiority of the NBA versus the Euroleague has been reignited by Panathinaikos coach Ergin Ataman. Ataman, a highly decorated coach with three Euroleague titles and six Turkish Super League championships, had issued a challenge to the 2024 NBA champions, the Boston Celtics.

It can be recalled that this move comes after Noah Lyles, an American track star, questioned the accuracy of the term “world champions” in sports, which had sparked a heated discussion. Sadly, the debate has spilled over into the basketball world, as NBA players like Paul George weighed in on the matter.

The NBA has a different mentality. Respect. But I want to say one more time… Boston Celtics, you are not world champion. You are only NBA champion, American champion. We are the Euroleague champion. If you wants to be world champion, come to play with us. This is a challenge, come. Come to play, then beat us, you can be the world champions.

Ergin Ataman said on the Off the RECourt with Shane Larkin podcast

There is no doubt that fans will love a Panathinaikos vs. Boston Celtics showdown. And regardless of who is crowned the world champions, the matchup would bring together two well-coached teams, which will provide fans with an exciting display of basketball.

As of the time of writing this report, the Celtics haven’t responded yet. Fans will be eagerly anticipating what might be the greatest game of our time.

Boston Celtics hold off Hornets to avoid losing streak

While the argument for world champions is currently held, the Boston Celtics avoided a losing streak with a hard-fought 124-109 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Friday. Despite being without key players Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis, the Celtics managed to pull away in the fourth quarter.

During the game, the Hornets, led by their young core, kept the pressure on throughout most of the game but ultimately imploded, as they committed multiple flagrant fouls that allowed the Celtics to seal the victory.

For the C’s, they were led by a strong team effort, with reserve big man Luke Kornet getting his first start of the season in place of Horford. However, the Hornets, refused to go away, as they cut the Celtics’ 15-point lead midway through the second quarter to within single digits.

With that win, the defending champions improved the Celtics to 5-1 on the season, while the Hornets dropped to 2-3. It’s certain that the Celtics won’t have it easy this season in their quest to defend their title.