Kendrick Nunn delivered another spectacular performance against Real Madrid, but his value to Panathinaikos extends well beyond the points he scores. The American guard possesses the ability to influence opposing defensive schemes and create opportunities for his teammates, even when he is not the player taking the final shot.
Panathinaikos secured a remarkable 115-112 overtime victory against Real Madrid, with Kendrick Nunn producing one of the finest performances of his EuroLeague career. The American guard finished with 33 points on 11-of-13 shooting and a perfect 8-of-8 from the free-throw line. His 23 points in the fourth quarter also set a new EuroLeague record for scoring in a single quarter.
Beyond those impressive numbers, however, there is another important aspect of Nunn’s game. His offensive threat can influence opposing defenses even when he is not directly involved in finishing a possession.
The Attention He Commands
Whenever Nunn receives the ball, defenders must make immediate decisions. His ability to score off the dribble, attack the basket and shoot from long range creates several different problems within the same possession.
When a second defender moves towards him or the defense adjusts its positioning to take away his shooting opportunities, space can become available elsewhere on the court. That is one of the most important elements of his offensive impact, even if it does not always translate into assists on the box score.
Making Life Easier for His Teammates
Mathias Lessort provides a particularly interesting example of how Panathinaikos can benefit from Nunn’s presence. The French center is an effective finisher around the basket, while his screening and movement towards the rim can create difficult choices for opposing defenses.
Nunn can use the available space to shoot or attack, while Lessort becomes another option when defenders focus their attention on the American guard. Similar opportunities can emerge for other perimeter players, who may find better shooting positions as the defense adjusts to Nunn’s scoring threat.
Kendrick Nunn caught FIRE in Madrid 🔥☘️ ⠀ 33 points, including 23 in the fourth quarter 11/13 FG • 8/8 FT • 32 PIR ⠀ Panathinaikos takes a 115–112 overtime win over Real Madrid 💚 ⠀ #EuroLeague #KendrickNunn https://t.co/trodu0a6OE
— SKWEEK (@SkweekSports) November 5, 2026
The key is not simply giving the ball to Nunn and expecting him to create everything himself. It is finding ways to use his individual quality within the team’s overall offensive structure.
Beyond the Box Score
His performance in Madrid demonstrated how difficult it can be to stop an elite scorer once he finds his rhythm. But the real advantage for Panathinaikos is being able to benefit from that threat even on possessions when Nunn does not take a shot.
For Zeljko Obradovic, the challenge is to combine the American’s individual talent with an effective collective offense. Great scorers can win games through their points. Those who force an entire defense to adjust to their presence can make their teammates better in the process.
