Garrison Mathews had the opportunity to send Olimpia Milano’s EuroLeague clash with Panathinaikos into overtime, but his final three-point attempt missed everything.
With the score at 78-75 in favor of the Greek side in the closing seconds at Telekom Center Athens on October 27, the American guard found himself wide open beyond the arc. The shot resulted in an airball, and Panathinaikos eventually secured an 80-75 victory after Mathias Lessort converted two free throws.
Mathews finished with two points, shooting 0/3 from three-point range in approximately 11 minutes. The result extended Milan’s losing streak to six games, adding to the pressure surrounding a team still searching for consistency.
For Mathews, however, the challenges extend beyond a single missed shot. After seven seasons in the NBA and a prolonged period away from competitive basketball, the 30-year-old guard is navigating his first experience in European basketball.
Speaking with SKWEEK after the game, Mathews reflected on the decisive possession, the adjustments required in the EuroLeague, and the considerable difference in pressure between European basketball and the NBA.
He also explained why he chose Milan over Crvena Zvezda, discussed his uncertain professional future, and made it clear that, despite the difficulties he has encountered, he would not exchange his basketball career for anything.
“I didn’t think I was going to be that wide open”
What made the difference for Panathinaikos and against Milan?
It came down to the last shot. They played well. It was close. In games like that, it usually comes down to the last shot.
What were you trying to exploit in Panathinaikos’ defense in that final three-point attempt?
I remember that. The coach drew up a great play. I was wide open. I didn’t think I was going to be that wide open, but I was. And the last shot, I got to put it up.
Would you be ready to take that last shot again?
Whenever I get the chance.
“It’s been an adjustment”
How has your European experience been so far?
It’s been an adjustment. I’ve had some good games, some bad games. It’s part of it.
What’s been the biggest challenge in adjusting to European basketball?
Spacing, probably a little bit of physicality, just being able to get shots, get open shots.
You spent seven seasons in the NBA. After being released by Indiana, you spent several months without playing and even considered retirement, as you’ve previously mentioned. Has that experience changed your definition of success, or is returning to the NBA still your ultimate goal?
No, I’m just taking it day at a time. I don’t really have any expectations of what I want to do after this. I don’t know. I’m just here doing what I can do.
“Milan’s a good city, so that was kind of a deciding factor”
You recently revealed that you had offers from both Crvena Zvezda and Olimpia Milano last summer. How did you approach that decision?
Having a conversation with my agent. Like I said, I didn’t know much about Europe at the time. I had never been over here. I hadn’t really considered it. And so, just talking with him… I didn’t have much to go off of.
Did you seriously consider Belgrade as an option?
Yeah, we considered it.
Were there any other offers?
There were two that I was told.
Was there anything about playing in Serbia that attracted you or made you hesitate?
The thing was, my first time over here, I guess the goal was… I had been to Milan before, years ago, back when I was in college. And I don’t know, Milan’s a good city, so that was kind of a deciding factor.
Has living in Milan lived up to your expectations?
Yeah, it’s a nice city. I’m enjoying it. It’s better than other cities. I’m enjoying it so far.
“There’s definitely way more pressure than there is in the NBA”
You’ve previously said that three consecutive defeats in the NBA could pass almost unnoticed, whereas in Milan you immediately feel the pressure. Your team has now lost six consecutive games. Can that pressure help a team improve, or can it become counterproductive?
I think we’re building chemistry and we’re getting better. There’s definitely way more pressure than there is in the NBA. Like I said, you can win, you can lose, even six. It turns around fast. I don’t know what the future holds, but all I know is we’re getting better.
Have you noticed players becoming afraid of making mistakes because of that pressure?
I think everybody goes out there and plays with confidence.
How do you deal with the consequences of mistakes, the decisions made during games and the atmosphere after a defeat?
It’s a performance league. We get paid to play basketball, so you have to perform. If you’re not performing, then you’re going to sit.
Have any of your experiences throughout your career made you question whether professional basketball was worth the emotional cost?
I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I’ve done this my whole life. If I can continue doing it, I will. It hasn’t taken an emotional toll on me.