Just one EuroLeague game on the schedule. A rare chance to give one matchup our undivided attention.
The names promised plenty. Of course, that doesn’t always guarantee a great game. This time, it did.
In the best game of the season so far, Panathinaikos ended Real Madrid’s six-game winning streak with a 115–112 overtime victory in the Spanish capital.
Tactical chess matches, unlikely heroes, moments of pure individual brilliance and a finish that had everything – one of those games that serves as the perfect advertisement for the EuroLeague and basketball itself.
Kendrick Nunn – “I’ve Never Worked With Anyone Like Him”
Where else could we start but with a man capable of pouring in 23 points in a single quarter?
Nunn finished with 33 points on an extraordinary 11-of-13 shooting from the field, all in fewer than 24 minutes.
There’s no secret to his game – just an extraordinary ability to score from anywhere. From beyond the arc, from mid-range, attacking the rim or creating his own shot in isolation, Nunn can hurt you in just about every way.
In the long run, that’s excellent news for Panathinaikos following his injury.
Zeljko Obradovic rarely singles out individual players when speaking to the media, but this time he made an exception. And that says something.
“Never in my career have I had a player who has played more games than he’s had practices. He hasn’t had a proper preseason. His first game came after just half a practice session. It’s not easy for him. He’s someone who loves basketball. He works hard individually, with some coaches, and everyone knows how talented he is,” Obradovic said.
Damian Jones – The Unexpected Difference-Maker
Obradovic opened with Mitoglou at the five, and the idea was obvious – stretch the floor and pull Tavares away from the basket.
No wonder Obradovic celebrated so emphatically when Mitoglou knocked down a three on Panathinaikos’ very first possession.
The plan worked. His players read the game extremely well and showed patience, creating plenty of open looks and, consequently, plenty of made threes.
That’s not to say Tavares had no impact, particularly on the glass. But this time, he received enormous help from Damian Jones.
Jones threw down a legitimate dunk-of-the-season contender, showed real aggression on hedges and set excellent screens – apart from one offensive foul. He was also one of the key figures in Real Madrid’s comeback after falling 15 points behind early on.
Real Madrid’s Guards – An Unlikely Hero Emerges
Pedro Martinez was without his best player of the season so far, Theo Maledon, as well as the engine of the team, Facundo Campazzo.
Real made up for their absences through a collective effort, starting with veteran Sergio Llull, who finally got some EuroLeague minutes.
Alberto Abalde was particularly impressive. He’s established himself at Real Madrid as a defensive specialist, but on a different EuroLeague team, one where he had a bigger offensive role, he’d almost certainly be putting up much better numbers.
Gabriele Procida is earning more and more playing time, and the same applies to him: he would likely have a bigger role elsewhere in the EuroLeague. He’s still only 24.
But perhaps no Real Madrid player has changed the perception of his game more over the past year than Andres Feliz.
His 27 points and six assists against Panathinaikos were another reminder of just how far he’s come.
Mathias Lessort – Looking Like His Old Self
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We’re seeing more and more of the Mathias Lessort we remember.
Beyond everything he normally brings – energy, rebounding and powerful screens – he played this game with exceptional focus.
The numbers tell the story: 20 points on 8-of-10 shooting from the field and a perfect 4-of-4 from the free-throw line, along with nine rebounds and five assists.
Francisco started brilliantly but faded again as the game went on. He’s not quite at his best at the moment.
Kostas Sloukas, meanwhile, offered a glimpse of the composed, calculating floor general we know so well – the one who can dictate the tempo almost at will. There were a couple of uncharacteristically careless passes, and Real went after him defensively. Still, he’s only just returned from injury.
