Valencia Basket’s Darius Thompson addressed the media on the eve of the decisive Game 5 of the EuroLeague playoffs against Panathinaikos. After rallying from a 0-2 deficit, the team now stands one win away from reaching the Final Four for the first time in franchise history. Thompson, who rediscovered his rhythm during the two victories in Athens—where his performance was pivotal—emphasized the magnitude of the upcoming clash. “This is the most important game I’ve ever been in because it can send us to the Final Four, but at the same time, it’s just another game,” the American guard stated. The 31-year-old, playing in his fifth EuroLeague campaign after stints with Baskonia and Efes, has never appeared in the tournament’s Final Four. He stressed the need to maintain focus and execution: “We have to try to follow what we did in the last games, stick to our game plan, do the things we know, and have fun. We must enjoy the moment.” Citing the tight nature of the series—each of the first four games decided by narrow margins—Thompson noted that “minimizing mistakes” will be crucial. He also highlighted the team’s confidence and chemistry: “We’ve been very competitive all year. The series started 0-2, but we believed in ourselves before going to Athens, and we will do the same in this last game.” The guard explained that every player understands their role, adding, “We play as a team. Everyone plays between 17 and 21 minutes, and we all trust each other. I think the most important thing is the team’s chemistry.”
