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What was once a great derby seems to be only a formality today

Panathinaikos got very close to losing the last game, and their approach will definitely change for today. If they assume the right approach, the difference in quality of these two teams is two great for us to expect an interesting game

Panathinaikos didn't have the best possible preparation for this Cup final game. They played Dramas on Wednesday, and instead of winning by 20 or more points like everyone expected, they struggled till the very end of the game, only to win in overtime. That is something coach Pedoulakis cannot be happy with. 

- Our approach in the game was off. We lacked focus and power. We had no offensive rebound in the first half time, and that is usually our strong suit. It was not a good game, and we have to learn from it.

Another problem for PAO is fatigue - they played quite a few European games. This break from the Euroleague games is just what they need to rest for the game today. Everyone is now fit and ready and motivation is high:

- We are more than ready for the wins and the trophies. We have the opportunity to reach one of the goals we set for this season, and we're completely focused on it. Playing aggressive defense for 40 minutes, setting our own pace and going after their weaknesses will be the crucial - assistant coach Manolopoulos said.

That means the game pace will be extremely slow, with very tough defense, and Diamantidis' pick game in offense. He should take advantage of the fact Aris' centers are not that fast. Since this is the final game, Panathinaikos will be completely focused. Roko Ukic said:

- While respecting the young and talented team that are Aris, both me and my colleagues know that the outcome of this final will depend only on us. If we manage to play like we can for the entire 40 minutes, they stand no chance. 

He is definitely right - the difference in quality of these two teams is huge and there's no need for Panathinaikos to give the usual speeches of how good the opponents are. The last game against Dramas was a great warning to Panathinaikos what can happen if they don't stay focused. That is a mistake they definitely won't repeat today.

The game is taking place on Crete, which is good for Panathinaikos. PAO already played few games this season here - it was the punishment for the riots their fans caused. Gist missed the two last practice sessions and may not play. But with Fotsis and Jankovic, and even Lasme in the game, that should not be a problem.

This is the greatest game of this season for Aris, possibly even the greatest game of the decade. The last time they won the Cup was in 2004. They were a much better team then, but they're rebuilding it again today. The team is young and they can't really hope to win the title today. But, there is always hope, as young point guard Gikas pointed out:

- Let's hope the history repeats itself and David beats Goliath again. It's only one game and anything can happen. We're motivated and ready to fight.

His approach definitely deserves respect, but the lack of experience could turn out to be a problem. It's more than obvious they simply cannot wait for the game to start, and this is the first truly great game most of these guys ever played. Diamantidis and his colleagues, on the other hand, have played more great games than they can remember and that counts for a lot. Aris's well experienced coach Minić is more than aware of it:

- There is hope and no one can take if away from us, but realistically, we can't really hope to do well against them. They're playing EuroLeague, the quality they possess is amazing, not to even talk about experience. But, we are young and willing to fight. If even the slightest chance for us exists, we'll be ready to seize it.

Their fist head to head game this season was exactly what we can expect today. It was a tough game, the defenses were had to get past and not many points were scored (59-79 for Panathinaikos). It is unusual that Aris did better in rebound, they recorded 10 rebounds more than PAO. Lasme will play for them today (he didn't play that time). Center Sarikopulos might not play for Aris. He recorded 11 point and 6 rebounds in their first head to head game.

This game would have been a true spectacle had it taken place some ten years ago. But, since Aris are now only a shadow of their former self, we can only expect Diamantidis and his team to win easily today. 

Rarely do you ever get to witness a Cup final in which the outcome is so easy to predict. The difference between these two teams is huge, and the winner of this game is set even before its start. That is precisely why you can use this handicap, which is, I think, set very low. The game atmosphere for PAO will be as if they're playing home. Unlike Aris, they played a few games here this season, and the arena was always packet with their fans. Another important thing to mention here is the last Panathinakos' game. They played Dramas and won only after overtime because of bad approach. Pedoulakis will definitely not allow something like that to happen today - this game is too important. Panathinaikos will therefore be at their best. When they do so, the best teams in Europe struggle against them. Such a young team as Aris will struggle a lot. In their head to head game this season, Aris were the home team, with all of the players at their disposal, while PAO on the other hand were in poor form. But, they managed to win by 16 points anyway. PAO will have the advantage atmosphere vise, they're in the best form this season, Lasme is on the team, and center Sarikopoulos might not play for Aris. I think there's no way this can end with the point difference of less than 20 points for Panathinaikos.