Kevin Punter shared that negative comments from fans drove him in December when the club had only a 4-9 record in the EuroLeague.
Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade overcame Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana in the ABA League on Sunday. With Mathias Lessort being rested, the team had to fight until the very end to overcome the roster from Slovenia.
After the game, Kevin Punter said that ABA League games reveal the true character of the team.
"I always tell the boys that ABA League games show what kind of team we are. When we are tired and the opponent wants to beat us at all costs, that's when our character can be seen," he told Bojan Brezovac from Mozzart Sport.
"We don't want to be lazy or take a shortcut because such things are then transferred to other games. You always have to stay focused and play at a high level regardless of the opponent, that's how titles are won," the player continued. "I don't want to offend any team in the ABA League, I respect them all but I look at those games as an opportunity for all of us to practice focus and to always stay sharp."
Partizan are currently in top form, winning the last 12 ABA League games as well as four of the last five EuroLeague games. Back in December, the times were completely different.
Partizan lost against Cedevita on December 11th, then they got beaten by LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne in the EuroLeague two days later. At the time, Partizan had a record of 4 wins and 9 losses in the EuroLeague.
Punter remembers the month of December and says that it gave him extra motivation.
"I always tell people to not read the comments on social networks," the player told. "I'll be honest - I don't forget some of the comments about the team and me. Such comments motivated me even more. They 100% motivated me to work even harder and to believe in this team."
"I have a feeling that people like to exaggerate. I remember well, it was December, and people were panicking because of some defeats. It was literally December, the beginning of the season, and complete panic among some fans. I think to myself 'I've been playing basketball for 20 years, why should I panic in December?' That's why I stay focused on the present moment," he said. "Now people are saying something completely different but I don't forget when they said some crazy things. But that's life. Let's move on."
Partizan are now just one or two wins away from clinching a EuroLeague playoff spot. This week, the club faces off against FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, both at the Stark Arena in Belgrade.
"Of course, we can beat anyone. When we play our game, we can outplay anyone. This season has shown that anyone can beat anyone," Punter said about the matchups.
