The Olympiacos center delivered on both ends of the floor when it mattered most
Nikola Milutinov overcomes illness, comes up big in crunch time against Partizan
Game Report
3 Mins read
Regular Season
Round 9 of 38
Regular Season
Olympiacos PiraeusOLY
8071
Partizan Mozzart Bet BelgradePAR
Overview
w
w
l
w
w
l
l
l
l
w
Preparations for the game against Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade didn't go as everybody at Olympiacos Piraeus may have hoped, with Evan Fournier and Nikola Milutinov listed as doubtful due to illness ahead of Friday’s clash. And while the former looked rusty in the 8 minutes he spent on the floor, the latter had a telling impact in the latter stages to help his team beat Partizan 80-71.
Showing no signs of fatigue, Milutinov started strong and recorded 4 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists in the first quarter alone. Yet, Partizan tightened up its defense and dealt the hosts blow after blow in the paint across the next two periods. In fact, the guests went 22 for 32 from inside the arc in the first 30 minutes and held Olympiacos to just 15 points in the third quarter, taking a 53-58 lead into the fourth.
What followed was a tit-for-tat exchange, as Partizan was up 66-68 when Milutinov checked back in with 3:32 left on the clock.
The Serbian center forced Shake Milton to commit a turnover before setting up Thomas Walkup for a triple that put the hosts ahead. Sterling Brown responded from deep and Tyler Dorsey missed a layup on the other end, but Milutinov was there again to grab the offensive rebound, drawing a foul and making 2 of 2 from the line to tie it up at 71-71.
Shaquielle McKissic turned his steal into a dunk in transition to give the hosts a narrow lead, then Milutinov made sure to finish the game off.
A huge block on Milton was followed by a defensive rebound and a big steal with the score at 76-71. Dorsey drew a foul and on his way to the line, the arena erupted in applause before the Peace and Friendship Stadium began to echo with chants of Milutinov’s name.
“It was a really special moment for me and I really appreciate what they did. Really big thanks to them,” the Olympiacos big told EuroLeague TV after the game.
Having overcome illness, Milutinov finished the contest with 8 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and a block in 21 minutes on the court.
“The most important [thing] was the win tonight,” he added. “I had an issue, not only me but some other guys too. This should not be an excuse for us. We should come to every game to fight for this club, for this team, and try to win the game like we did tonight.”
The 30-year-old extended his contract with Olympiacos back in the summer, becoming the team’s go-to starting center following Moustapha Fall’s serious injury at the end of last term. Having hit the ground running in 2025-26, Milutinov is averaging 11.4 points and a league-high 8.4 rebounds. He also tops the charts in offensive rebounds with 29 in nine games so far this season.
But more importantly, he provides his teammates with the confidence that he’s got their back on both ends of the floor.
“What an unbelievable season he’s having,” Walkup told EuroLeague TV. “Knowing that he’s behind you, knowing how he controls the boards, knowing what he gives us on offense… what an asset to play with. I really enjoy playing alongside him.”
With a double-round week coming up, Olympiacos is set to host Zalgiris Kaunas before visiting EA7 Emporio Armani Milan. The Reds may have not impressed with their performances so far this season, but they are aware that in Milutinov they have a big who doesn’t shy away from responsibility when everything is on the line.
