Fenerbahce Beko defeated Olympiacos BC 82-71 in the standout fixture in Round 1 of the 2024-25 EuroLeague season.

Gritty Fenerbahce sinks Olympiacos, 82-71, thanks to second-half onslaught 

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul earned a hard-fought 82-71 win over Olympiacos Piraeus in the blockbuster clash of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague’s opening round, having fought back from a 32-36 first-half deficit with a stellar performance after the break.

The game was marred by what has turned out to be [a serious knee injury to Fenerbahce guard Scottie Wilbekin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-confirms-the-worst-scottie-wilbekin-has-torn-his-acl/), who was carried off the court by his teammates after landing awkwardly in the latter stages of the first quarter.

Wade Baldwin, who joined Fenerbahce from Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv during the offseason, stood out with a magnificent all-round effort of 19 points, 7 assists and 5 boards to propel the home team, while Nigel Hayes-Davis added 15 points.

Bonzie Colson, who arrived alongside Baldwin from Maccabi, chipped in with 10 points and 9 boards and towering center Boban Marjanovic amassed 8 points to go with 4 boards, having arrived in Istanbul after a decade-long stint in the NBA.

At the other end, Moses Wright excelled with 15 points and 7 boards for Olympiacos, Shaquielle McKissic scored 13 points and Sasha Vezenkov, the EuroLeague’s 2023 MVP, finished on 11 points with an underwhelming display upon his return to the club after a season with the Sacramento Kings.

Game Videos

With the Greek side’s big men Nikola Milutinov and Moustapha Fall sidelined by injuries, Fenerbahce took full advantage of the void in the visiting team’s paint to win the rebounding battle overwhelmingly, having collected 44 boards against 24 racked up by Olympiacos.

Fenerbahce raced into an early 10-4 lead which swelled to 24-15 midway through the second quarter, before an audacious McKissic three-pointer helped Olympiacos turn the tide and edge ahead in the closing stages of the first half.

Game News

Olympiacos was still in the driving seat early in the third quarter, 36-42, but Fenerbahce then engineered an 11-0 run which turned the tables and eventually enabled the hosts to edge ahead 57-56 ahead of the final period.

The titanic tussle between two of the league’s most heralded teams looked set to go down to the wire with the rivals deadlocked 65-65 midway through the fourth quarter, before Fenerbahce pulled away for good on the back of an 8-0 run.

Any hopes of a final twist Olympiacos might have nurtured were vanquished when Hayes-Davis sank a long three which became a four-point play as he drew a foul from Vezenkov in the process, giving Fenerbahce a decisive 78-69 lead. The hosts then saw out the rest of the game and came away with an 82-71 triumph.

The new-look Turkish side relied on its offseason reinforcements to turn the tide in a pulsating clash 

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v Olympiacos Piraeus (2024-10-04T17:30:00.000Z)

Olimpia Milano has confirmed that center Josh Nebo suffered a groin injury against AS Monaco Basket and will be reevaluated in two weeks.

Josh Nebo (groin) to be reevaluated in two weeks

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan has confirmed that center [Josh Nebo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/josh-nebo/011199/) sustained a muscle injury in his left groin during [the Italian side’s 93-80 defeat at AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/monaco-runs-past-milan-in-opener-93-80/) in Round 1 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Nebo ended up playing 22:24 minutes in what was his first game since joining Milan from Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv this past summer. In his time on the court, he amassed 7 points, 2 rebounds and 1 block.

“Olimpia Milano announces that, during the Monaco game, Josh Nebo suffered a muscle injury in his left groin area that will be reevaluated in a fortnight,” Milan confirmed in a statement on Friday night.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">🇮🇹La Pallacanestro Olimpia Milano comunica che, nel corso della gara di Monaco, Josh Nebo ha riportato una lesione muscolare nella regionale inguinale sinistra che verrà rivalutata in due settimane.<br>🇬🇧During the Monaco EuroLeague game, Josh Nebo reported a muscle injury in the… <a href="https://t.co/SDQNPEPbJ1">pic.twitter.com/SDQNPEPbJ1</a></p>&mdash; Olimpia Milano (@OlimpiaMI1936) <a href="https://twitter.com/OlimpiaMI1936/status/1842268330469498972?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

How Nebo recovers from this injury will determine when he returns, but the two-week prognosis means he is expected to miss Milan's next three EuroLeague games: at home to Paris Basketball (October 11) and Zalgiris Kaunas (October 17) in Rounds 3 and 5, respectively, and on the road at Olympiacos Piraeus (October 15) in Round 4.

The center played 22:24 minutes on his Milan debut

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan v Zalgiris Kaunas (2024-10-17T18:30:00.000Z)

Olympiacos Piraeus v EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (2024-10-15T18:15:00.000Z)

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan v Paris Basketball (2024-10-11T18:30:00.000Z)

The EuroLeague is back for its 25th season, ladies and gentlemen! Round 1 is full of incredible, must-watch matchups.

Game Center: Who is ready for some EuroLeague basketball!?

## Friday, October 4

### [Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul 82-71 Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/gritty-fenerbahce-sinks-olympiacos-82-71-thanks-to-second-half-onslaught/)

Fenerbahce earned a hard-fought 82-71 win over Olympiacos in the blockbuster clash of the EuroLeague’s opening round, having fought back from a 32-36 first-half deficit with a stellar performance after the break. The game was marred by what looks like a serious knee injury to Fenerbahce guard Scottie Wilbekin, who was carried off the court by his teammates after landing awkwardly in the latter stages of the first quarter.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">EuroLeague&#39;de sezona galibiyetle başlıyoruz! 💛💙<br><br>Tebrikler Fenerbahçe Beko! 💪<br><br>Maç Sonucu | Fenerbahçe Beko 🆚 Olympiacos: 82-71<br><br>Skor dağılımımız: Baldwin 19, Hayes-Davis 15, Colson 10, Marjanovic 8, Sertaç 7, Melli 5, Hall 5, Birch 4, Guduric 4, Zagars 3, Pierre 2.… <a href="https://t.co/SOYpWKcKYg">pic.twitter.com/SOYpWKcKYg</a></p>&mdash; Fenerbahçe Beko (@FBBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol/status/1842288083145752661?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Virtus Segafredo Bologna 67-76 Anadolu Efes Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/strong-fourth-quarter-lifts-efes-to-win-over-virtus-67-76/)

Efes started the new EuroLeague season in the best way possible, going on the road and overcoming Virtus 67-76 on Friday night. In a tight and very physical game, Efes pulled away for good with a 2-15 run early in the fourth quarter, opening a double-digit lead and never allowing Virtus to threaten again. Dan Oturu led Efes with 14 points and 9 rebounds. Elijah Bryant scored 12, and Shane Larkin had 11 points and 6 rebounds in the win. Isaia Cordinier paced Virtus with a game-high 16 points, while Tornike Shengelia scored 12 in a losing effort.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">👊 EuroLeague’de ilk maç ilk galibiyet!<br>Virtus Segafredo Bologna 67 - 76 Anadolu Efes | Maç Sonucu<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BenimYerimBuras%C4%B1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BenimYerimBurası</a> <a href="https://t.co/NAuQiVx89A">pic.twitter.com/NAuQiVx89A</a></p>&mdash; Anadolu Efes SK (@AnadoluEfesSK) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnadoluEfesSK/status/1842310413955813847?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Paris Basketball 77-80 Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/crvena-zvezda-spoils-the-party-for-paris-77-80/)

In the first-ever EuroLeague game hosted at Adidas Arena, Crvena Zvezda edged Paris 77-80 in the French capital in Round 1 of the 2024-25 season. Nemanja Nedovic paced the winners with 21 points on 5-of-6 three-pointers. His only miss came late in the game as he helped Zvezda rally from a 13-point second-half deficit. Isaiah Canaan added 14 points for Zvezda. TJ Shorts led Paris with 16 points. Nadir Hifi and Maodo Lo each added 12 while Kevarrius Hayes had 10 for the hosts.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Major road W to kick off the <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a> season in style 🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kkcz?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kkcz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreTheTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreTheTeam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EveryGameMatters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EveryGameMatters</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Euroleague25?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Euroleague25</a> <a href="https://t.co/40nOnS0EFk">pic.twitter.com/40nOnS0EFk</a></p>&mdash; KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet (@kkcrvenazvezda) <a href="https://twitter.com/kkcrvenazvezda/status/1842309284622983187?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

## Thursday, October 3

### [ALBA Berlin 77-87 Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/panathinaikos-bc-beats-alba-in-berlin-77-87/)

In its first return to the German capital since winning the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague title last May, Panathinaikos collected its first win as reigning champion by downing ALBA 77-87 at Uber Arena in Round 1 on Thursday night. Kendrick Nunn paced the winners with 16 points. Mathias Lessort added 14 and 8 rebounds, and Juancho Hernangomez had 11 points, while Kostas Sloukas and Jerian Grant scored 10 points apiece for Panathinaikos. Will McDowell-White netted 13 points in his EuroLeague debut with ALBA. Martin Hermannsson added 12, Trevion Williams had 11 while Khalifa Koumadje pulled down 13 rebounds for the hosts.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Final score ☘️<a href="https://twitter.com/albaberlin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@albaberlin</a> - <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/paobcaktor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#paobcaktor</a> 77-87<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeTheGreens?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeTheGreens</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LiveTheGreenMagic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LiveTheGreenMagic</a> <a href="https://t.co/qrP1AGvcHo">pic.twitter.com/qrP1AGvcHo</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@Paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/Paobcgr/status/1841909551957737797?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Zalgiris Kaunas 74-67 FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/zalgiris-kaunas-powers-past-barcelona-74-67/)

Zalgiris kicked off the 2024-45 EuroLeague campaign in style by beating Barcelona 74-67 at a buzzing Zalgirio Arena on Thursday. The hosts dictated the tempo throughout the duel and imposed their style of play on Barcelona by playing tough on defense, forcing the visitors to score fewer than 20 points in each of the four quarters.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Zalgiris starts the new EuroLeague season with a home W! 💚<br><br>(Presented by: Go3). <a href="https://t.co/cMFtAoQTQC">pic.twitter.com/cMFtAoQTQC</a></p>&mdash; BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) <a href="https://twitter.com/bczalgiris/status/1841916142929228229?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [AS Monaco 93-80 EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/monaco-runs-past-milan-in-opener-93-80/)

Monaco led from start to finish and opened the new Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season in style, downing the visiting Milan 93-80 on Thursday night. Monaco opened the game with an 18-4 run and held a 21-point lead at halftime behind its 12 offensive rebounds. The visitors halved the lead early in the fourth quarter behind Armoni Brooks, and briefly got within single digits, but Monaco’s lead was never in danger.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">♨️ 𝙌𝙐𝙀𝙇𝙇𝙀 𝙋𝙍𝙀𝙈𝙄𝙀̀𝙍𝙀 ! 🤩<br><br>🔝 En surclassant Milan, la <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RocaTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RocaTeam</a> lance idéalement sa campagne d&#39;Euroleague devant son public ! 👏🥁<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DagheMunegu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DagheMunegu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EveryGameMatters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EveryGameMatters</a> <a href="https://t.co/bezaJA7YN8">pic.twitter.com/bezaJA7YN8</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket/status/1841917184013959354?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz 88-82 Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/baskonia-grinds-down-partizan-88-82-thanks-to-cohesive-team-effort/)

Baskonia celebrated an impressive 88-82 home win over Partizan in Round 1 of the EuroLeague after coming from behind in an enthralling contest which lit up a packed Buesa Arena. New arrival Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, who joined Baskonia from French rival LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne during the offseason, came up big on his debut for the Spanish outfit as he earned the player of the game award after racking up 15 points, 4 boards, 2 assists and 1 block in a smooth all-round performance.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">LA PRIMERAAAAA YA ESTÁ AQUÍ 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥<br><br>1/1 en <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a> ✅✅✅✅<br><br>¡Vamooooos! <a href="https://t.co/dtiWGxZpJL">pic.twitter.com/dtiWGxZpJL</a></p>&mdash; Baskonia (@Baskonia) <a href="https://twitter.com/Baskonia/status/1841941089609027905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [FC Bayern Munich 97-89 Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/bayern-munich-takes-opening-night-thriller-over-real-madrid-97-89/)

In a thrilling contest of constant swings in momentum, Bayern eventually overcame Real Madrid, 97-89, to claim a famous victory from the first game at the spectacular new SAP Garden. The first two quarters followed the same pattern, with Bayern starting strong but Real responding to keep it close at halftime. The script was flipped as the Spanish team surged clear with a 0-13 run after the break, but Bayern came back magnificently with its own 13-0 run to grab the win.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">WIN!!! 🤯 What a spectacle at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAPGarden?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAPGarden</a>! We beat <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RMBaloncesto</a> in a true thriller during its opening. Incredible, what a game! 🎉🔥 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCBB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCBB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeBallTogether?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeBallTogether</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BAYRMB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BAYRMB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/tIiGHV2ApZ">pic.twitter.com/tIiGHV2ApZ</a></p>&mdash; FC Bayern Basketball (@FCBBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBBasketball/status/1841946888997613604?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv 89-82 LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/report-maccabi-vs-asvel/)

Maccabi opened its EuroLeague season in style with an 89-82 victory over ASVEL, coming back from 10 points down in a game that featured 23 lead changes. Tamir Blatt had career highs of 21 points, 12 assists and 37 PIR for Maccabi while Jaylen Hoard and Jordan Loyd both scored 15 points, while Jasiel Rivero added 11 points and 9 rebounds. Joffrey Lauvergne paced ASVEL with 17 points and Paris Lee tallied 12 points and 4 assists.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tamir Blatt leads the way in Round 1 for <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MaccabiTLVBC</a>!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EveryGameMatters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EveryGameMatters</a> <a href="https://t.co/PqsMKnq93k">pic.twitter.com/PqsMKnq93k</a></p>&mdash; Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1841944000384897214?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Some 130 days after Panathinaikos lifted the EuroLeague title in Berlin, the new season got underway on Thursday night

Game Center: Zvezda, Efes win on the road; Fener topples Olympiacos

Virtus Segafredo Bologna v Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2024-10-04T19:00:00.000Z)

Paris Basketball v Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (2024-10-04T19:00:00.000Z)

FC Bayern Munich v Real Madrid (2024-10-03T18:45:00.000Z)

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz v Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (2024-10-03T18:30:00.000Z)

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv v LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (2024-10-03T19:00:00.000Z)

Zalgiris Kaunas v FC Barcelona (2024-10-03T17:00:00.000Z)

AS Monaco v EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (2024-10-03T17:00:00.000Z)

ALBA Berlin v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2024-10-03T16:45:00.000Z)

Fenerbahçe Beko and Olympiacos BC made last year's EuroLeague Final Four and are aiming to go even further this season, making their Round 1 matchup must-see TV.

Final Four-chasing Fenerbahçe, Olympiacos set for Round 1 collision

Two powerhouses with super-high expectations, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul and Olympiacos Piraeus, clash on Friday night (19:30 CEST) in Round 1 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague campaign.

Both teams are coming off appearances at the 2024 EuroLeague Final Four in Berlin, where they met in the third-place game. It was not the finish to the season they wanted, so both clubs went out and made the changes they felt were necessary to take another step forward.

Now, following the additions they have made, Fenerbahce and Olympiacos enter the new season as not only a strong contender to make the Final Four but to win the whole thing.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Yeni sezon, yeni heyecan! 🙌<br><br>Haydi! 💪<br><br>Yine son ana dek, omuz omuza, hep birlikte mücadele edelim! 💛💙<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YellowLegacy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YellowLegacy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/CChBHm6rJU">pic.twitter.com/CChBHm6rJU</a></p>&mdash; Fenerbahçe Beko (@FBBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol/status/1842153492971962369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Fenerbahce let Nick Calathes and Georgios Papagiannis head out the door, but coach Sarunas Jasikevicius was able to welcome several notable signings. All-EuroLeague guard [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/wade-baldwin-iv/009863/) and forward [Bonzie Colson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/bonzie-colson/009783/) joined from Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, while [Nicolo Melli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nicolo-melli/002849/) – returning to Fenerbahce after playing there between 2017 and 2019 – came in from EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, as did [Devon Hall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/devon-hall/011205/). The Turkish side also added size under its rims with the arrivals of ex-NBA duo [Boban Marjanovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/boban-marjanovic/lmg/) and [Khem Birch](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/khem-birch/007182/).

Olympiacos, meanwhile, brought back the 2023 EuroLeague MVP, [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/), as well as [Tyler Dorsey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tyler-dorsey/009849/), two key players in its run to the 2023 championship game. The Reds then bolstered their perimeter with scorer [Evan Fournier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/evan-fournier/013380/) and playmaker [Luca Vildoza](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/luca-vildoza/007947/), while the only significant loss from last year’s roaster was the departure of [Isaiah Canaan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaiah-canaan/010612/).

So, after a lot of additions and just a few subtractions, both clubs are not hiding anything: they are ready to fight for the 2024-25 EuroLeague title.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🔴⚪𝗜𝘁&#39;𝘀 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗮𝘆 <br>🏀 <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@euroleague</a> - Round 1<br>🆚 Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul<br>🕒 20:30 🇬🇷 <br>📌 Ulker Sports and Event Hall<br>📺 Novasports Prime<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OlympiacosBC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OlympiacosBC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreOlympiacos?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreOlympiacos</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TogetherWeFight?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TogetherWeFight</a> <a href="https://t.co/y2yBJw7N2U">pic.twitter.com/y2yBJw7N2U</a></p>&mdash; Olympiacos B.C. (@Olympiacos_BC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympiacos_BC/status/1842127375838110039?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

If one wonders what kind of a game to expect on the Asian side of Istanbul on Friday night, just take a peek at how their three head-to-head games went last season.

In the third-place game at the 2024 Final Four in Berlin, [Olympiacos beat Fenerbahce 87-84](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-left-the-final-four-on-a-high/). Both clashes between Fenerbahce and Olympiacos in the 2023-24 regular season were also decided by three points or fewer. In Round 6, [Fenerbahce held on for a 79-77 home victory](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-fenerbahce-basketball-vs-olympiacos-bc/), while Round 34 saw [Olympiacos grab an 84-81 overtime win](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/live-blog-olympiacos-bc-vs-fenerbahce-beko/).

Olympiacos - Fenerbahce | Third-Place Game HIGHLIGHTS | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

The Reds will be missing big man [Moustapha Fall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/moustapha-fall/008811/) and [Nikola Milutinov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-milutinov/003941/), but don’t doubt that coach Georgios Bartzokas will have a couple of things up his sleeve.

So, make sure to tune in to EuroLeague TV this Friday night to watch this can’t-miss EuroLeague bout between two giants. Grab your popcorn, too.

A pair of EuroLeague giants go against one another on the Asian side of Istanbul on Friday night

Final Four-chasing Fenerbahce, Olympiacos set for Round 1 collision

The fans of FC Bayern Basketball were treated to a show in the first-ever EuroLeague game at SAP Garden, the club's new home, as Gordie Herbert's side defeated 10-time champion Real Madrid on Thursday night.

Bayern’s new home already delivering top-class entertainment

FC Bayern Munich boasts a sparkling new home for the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season, with the 12,500-capacity SAP Garden opening its doors for the first time on Thursday night [with a visit from Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/bayern-munich-takes-opening-night-thriller-over-real-madrid-97-89/).

And after a dramatic and glitzy official opening ceremony featuring Bayern club president Herbert Hainer, honorary president Uli Hoeness and the basketball section’s boss, Marko Pesic, the stage was perfectly set for the home team players to strut their stuff in a prestigious season opener against the mighty Real Madrid.

They did not disappoint.

With Euroleague Basketball President Dejan Bodiroga and CEO Paulius Motiejunas looking on – as well as Bayern football stars Serge Gnabry and Joshua Kimmich – coach Gordie Herbert’s men started their club’s new era with a spectacular offensive exhibition in the first half.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Our CEO Paulius Motiejunas and President Dejan Bodiroga present at the opening of SAP Garden in Munich!<br><br>Hear their thoughts on this special 2024-25 season🗣️ <a href="https://t.co/7RxgPkvVPA">pic.twitter.com/7RxgPkvVPA</a></p>&mdash; Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1841916232712520153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Andreas Obst](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/andreas-obst/004508/) was the first to shine, netting 8 points in 90 seconds, including the first two long-range strikes in SAP Garden. Then summer arrivals [Johannes Voigtmann](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/johannes-voigtmann/007201/) and [Shabazz Napier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shabazz-napier/011224/) joined in the fun by sinking three-pointers, allowing Bayern to christen its new home by scoring 25 points in the first eight minutes.

But Real Madrid are not exactly the kind of opponent to simply roll over and allow the hosts to enjoy their opening party with a comfortable win, and the Spanish giant showed its class by taking control of the contest and threatening to play the role of party pooper.

The first warning came at the end of the first quarter, when a 1-11 run was concluded by new Real signing [Xavier Rathan-Mayes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/xavier-rathan-mayes/013378/) sinking an improbable half-court shot to beat the buzzer and give his team a 26-29 lead.

The second quarter saw Bayern again start strong before once more Real responded, with both teams producing impressively efficient offensive production at this early stage of the season. By halftime, Bayern had converted 9 of its 13 two-point attempts and 9 of 19 from long range, while Real was even more impressive with 15 of 18 from inside the arc and 4 of 9 from deep, allowing both teams to surpass the half-century mark with a 52-51 scoreline.

Bayern Munich vs. Real Madrid | Round 1 Highlights | 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

When Real then blasted clear in the third quarter, embarking upon a 0-13 run to take a double-digit advantage, Bayern fans would have been forgiven for thinking that their special opening night would end in disappointment.

But the home team players had other ideas, with triples from Voigtmann and Napier – new signings enjoying the bright lights of the new arena – taking Bayern back into the lead. [Carsen Edwards](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/carsen-edwards/011987/) was also on fire as Bayern scored 18 points in the first five minutes of the final period, and another Voigtmann three-pointer appeared to have sealed the deal as Real looked to be running out of steam.

The Spanish side cannot be written off so easily, though, and [Facu Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) inspired a comeback which made it a one-point game, 90-89, with 20 seconds to play.

So, the new arena had a grandstand finale in a meeting between two of the world’s most famous sporting institutions. The perfect script had been written, and it was given a perfect ending for the hosts as team captain [Vladimir Lucic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/vladimir-lucic/001288/) – a Bayern stalwart since 2016 – stayed cool at the free-throw line to drag his team over the winning line.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thank you fans for this amazing support tonight! ❤️🤍<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCBB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCBB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BAYRMB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BAYRMB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/jTiteXBIbZ">pic.twitter.com/jTiteXBIbZ</a></p>&mdash; FC Bayern Basketball (@FCBBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBBasketball/status/1841963336700776933?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The only problem now is that such a high bar has been set: can SAP Garden deliver such high-level entertainment every week? Surely not… but it will be fun to find out.

SAP Garden was electric on Thursday night as coach Gordie Herbert inspired his team to a famous win over Real Madrid

Pablo Laso got off to a winning start in his first game as the head coach of Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz, his hometown club, as the team beat KK Partizan in Round 1 of the 2024-25 EuroLeague season.

Baskonia showed steel to give Pablo Laso a perfect homecoming 

For three quarters, it looked like Pablo Laso would not have much to cheer about after his first game in charge of Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz, where the 56-year-old tactician started out as a player at the young age of 17 and spent 11 seasons at the club.

Laso also enjoyed a glorious 11-year spell as a coach at Real Madrid, where he won two Turkish EuroLeague titles before moving to Bayern Munich in 2023. With much fanfare, [Laso took over at Baskonia in June](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/baskonia-appoints-pablo-laso-as-head-coach/) this year and appeared set for a sour start in Round 1 against Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade as the visitors were in the driving seat until midway through the fourth quarter.

However, Baskonia then forced the final twist thanks to ironclad defense coupled with some inspired offense.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Un momento HISTÓRICO 💙❤️<br><br>Pablo Laso salta, entre aplausos de toda su afición, a la pista del Buesa Arena como técnico azulgrana 🫡<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoazenBaskonia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoazenBaskonia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/pablolaso?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@pablolaso</a> <a href="https://t.co/at7Gcq9tmN">pic.twitter.com/at7Gcq9tmN</a></p>&mdash; Baskonia (@Baskonia) <a href="https://twitter.com/Baskonia/status/1841905993405587506?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

New signing [Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/timothe-luwawu-cabarrot/012080/) provided the spark in a tough 88-82 win with a flawless all-round display and the rest of the team followed in his footsteps, with five home players finishing in double digits. Crucially, Baskonia outmuscled Partizan in the paint as the hosts racked up 6 blocks to Partizan’s zero and won the battle of the boards 30-27, just enough to put a smile on Laso’s face.

“We knew Partizan was going to stay tough,” the visibly relieved Baskonia head coach said in a post-game courtside interview. “Our offensive performance was better in the second half; we were able to move the ball and get easier shots as well as better percentages. We got our rhythm back offensively and we did a good job on defense throughout the game.”

Laso could not stress enough just how much the fervent home crowd support meant to Baskonia when the chips were down.

“I know what it means to play here and without the fan support we would never have won this game. They were fantastic, the atmosphere was great and winning the first home game means a lot to us,” he added.

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz head coach Pablo Laso shares his thoughts after his team's win against Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade in Round 1 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

Pablo Laso: 'I know what it means to play here'

Luwawu-Cabarrot, who mixed long-range shooting with an audacious slam dunk to earn the player of the game award on the back of 15 points and 4 boards, hinted he had fit seamlessly after joining Baskonia from LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne this summer.

“I am feeling great, it’s a great victory for us and it’s just what we needed after the setback against Tenerife \[in the Spanish League\],” the versatile Frenchman said. “It was a team win and everybody contributed. My teammates are great, they give me confidence and the coach is great, too. I work every single day for big moments and it’s awesome \[to make big plays\].”

Captain [Tadas Sedekerskis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tadas-sedekerskis/007230/) echoed Luwawu-Cabarrot’s words, having sank 14 points to go with 6 boards. “It’s a super important win because it’s a new team with a lot of new players,” noted the Lithuania forward. “They work hard and we have a great chemistry in the locker room, and that’s the most important thing.”

Baskonia visits Partizan’s archrival Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade in Round 2, while Partizan continues its Spanish tour with a daunting trip to last season’s runner-up Real Madrid.  

The outfit from the Basque Country excelled offensively in the second half and delighted their head coach in his first game in charge of his boyhood club 

Baskonia went up a gear to give Pablo Laso a perfect homecoming 

Johannes Voigtmann and Shabazz Napier, two of FC Bayern Basketball's two summer additions, were among the star performers as the club opened SAP Garden with a famous win against Real Madrid in Round 1 of the 2024-25 EuroLeague season.

New Bayern stars thrilled by opening night win

A new arena, and two new stars… FC Bayern Munich enormously enjoyed its first night at the brand-new SAP Garden, [overcoming the mighty Real Madrid 97-89](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/bayern-munich-takes-opening-night-thriller-over-real-madrid-97-89/) in a game that was only decided in the last minute.

As well as the luxury of their new home, the German team's fans were equally thrilled by the contribution of two summer signings who made spectacular debuts to turn the dream victory into a memorable reality: [Johannes Voigtmann](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/johannes-voigtmann/007201/) and [Shabazz Napier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shabazz-napier/011224/).

And from their post-game comments, the new star duo are also pretty happy to be there.

Big man Voigtmann started his Bayern career with a double-double, draining 19 points on 5-of-9 three-point shooting and also grabbing 10 rebounds plus 4 assists.

The former Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz, CSKA Moscow and EA7 Emporio Armani Milan center is entering his ninth season in the competition so there’s not too much he hasn’t already seen, but he admitted the nerves were jangling before tipoff on the occasion of his 250th EuroLeague appearance.

“This was a big game for us,” said the 32-year-old. “Not only the first game of the EuroLeague season but also in the new arena. Everybody was a bit nervous before the game because we’d never played here – we’d never even practiced here – but it was incredible.

“We were down after three quarters but we came back, and it was pretty emotional. That’s the way we want to play, that’s the way we want to fight, and it feels very good right now.”

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a performance by Jo in his 250th game in the <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a> 🤯<br><br>19 Points, 10 Rebounds, 4 Assists, 1 Steal <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCBB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCBB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeBallTogether?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeBallTogether</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BAYRMB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BAYRMB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/aNRZOehy6A">pic.twitter.com/aNRZOehy6A</a></p>&mdash; FC Bayern Basketball (@FCBBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBBasketball/status/1841948919019798982?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Fellow newcomer Napier was the only other player who came close to matching Voigtmann’s impact on the game, with the guard posting a game-high 25 points by converting 4 of his 7 two-point attempts and an impressive 4 of 5 from long range.

And Napier, who last season represented both Milan and Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade, was equally enthusiastic about his new home: “It was amazing. Playing against one of the best teams in Europe, we fought to the end, and the fans did a hell of a job in pushing us to the end.

“Resilience \[was the key\]. A lot of us got tired, including myself, and at moments we had our heads down. But we stuck together, and the fans helped us win. We did an amazing job in the fourth quarter to push back and today was a great win.”

A great win it truly was, leaving Bayern fans optimistic that their team can challenge any team in Europe this season – especially if the new recruits maintain their spectacular early standards.

Johannes Voigtmann and Shabazz Napier starred on a special occasion against Real Madrid

Tamir Blatt made up for the departures of Wade Baldwin and Lorenzo Brown by leading Maccabi Tel Aviv BC to a Round 1 victory against LDLC ASVEL to start the 2024-25 EuroLeague season.

What Baldwin-Brown backcourt? Blatt has career night in opener

On Thursday night, [Tamir Blatt](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tamir-blatt/011193/) made Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv fans quickly forget about last season’s star backcourt of [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/wade-baldwin-iv/009863/) and [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/lorenzo-brown/009622/). The playmaker couldn’t have tipped off the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season any better, enjoying a career night and home victory.

The 27-year-old point guard Blatt posted career highs of 21 points, 12 assists and 36 PIR in [Maccabi’s 89-82 win over LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/report-maccabi-vs-asvel/). Blatt made 4-of-5 two-pointers, all 4 of his three-point attempts and his lone free throw, topping his previous best of 17 points for ALBA Berlin against FC Barcelona on December 1, 2022.

Tamir Blatt finished with 21 points, 12 points and a 36 PIR as Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv beat LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne 89-82 in Round 1 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Tamir Blatt's big night vs. ASVEL

Blatt, who also had 2 rebounds, 1 steal, 3 fouls drawn and just 2 turnovers in the game, eclipsed his previous high in assists of 9 versus EA7 Emporio Armani Milan on April 11, 2024, for Maccabi. And his best PIR before this game was 20 for ALBA against Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens on October 19, 2022.

“I feel great. I am really happy for the guys and for the team,” said Blatt, who is playing his second season back with a native Israeli club after two seasons in Germany with ALBA. “It was a great team effort and I’m happy we got the first win.”

About his strong performance, Blatt said: “It’s great to play well and I’m happy and the guys really helped me to get to my spots. The most important thing is that we got the win and we move forward.”

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">TB&#39;s opening night 💪<br>(📸 Djordje Kostic) <a href="https://t.co/POdDEtbTPj">pic.twitter.com/POdDEtbTPj</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC 🇮🇱​ (@MaccabiTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC/status/1841942000922460448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Blatt’s performance comes after he averaged 7.0 points, 1.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 19 minutes over 38 games last season. But because Maccabi had point guards such as Baldwin and Brown, Blatt did not start a single game last season in the EuroLeague.

Maccabi coach Oded Kattash had Blatt on the court for nearly 29 minutes against ASVEL. Blatt’s performance also gave Kattash less reason to play new point guard [Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/rokas-jokubaitis/007519/) as the Lithuanian playmaker from FC Barcelona played 15 minutes, scoring 4 points and dishing 2 assists.

It was a tremendous start to the season for Blatt in a good Maccabi victory. Who were the team’s guards again last season?

The Israeli guard fired on all cylinders in Round 1

Zalgiris Kaunas fans have a new hero to cheer for after Sylvain Francisco came to the fore late on during his debut, scoring key points in the fourth quarter to help beat FC Barcelona on the opening day of the 2024-25 EuroLeague season.

Sylvain Francisco showed his clutch gene on Zalgiris debut

Drawing energy from the home crowd inside Zalgirio Arena, Zalgiris Kaunas hit the ground running in the first half, holding FC Barcelona to just 31 points and taking a 12-point lead into the halftime interval.

Following the break, the guests turned the game around and tied the score at 48-48 with 2:07 minutes left on the clock in the third quarter. From that point on, Barcelona made the contest a tight affair, with Jabari Parker bringing his squad within 57-54 midway through the closing quarter.

Sylvain Francisco had 19 points in 17:44 minutes on his Zalgiris Kaunas debut as his side beat FC Barcelona 74-67 in Round 1 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Barcelona could not deal with Sylvain Francisco

Then, it was [Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sylvain-francisco/007975/)’s time to shine. The Zalgiris guard came off the bench and carried the team on his shoulders, [leading the hosts to a 74-67 victory](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/zalgiris-kaunas-powers-past-barcelona-74-67/). A step-back triple was followed by two baskets in traffic as he single-handedly extended Zalgiris’s lead to 64-56. The visitors fought back and scored four unanswered points, but Francisco came to the fore again, smoothly dribbling around and breaking Alex Abrines’s ankles before drilling a buzzer-beating triple with 2:17 remaining.

In the post-game interview, the Zalgiris summer signing credited a EuroLeague legend for his clutch three-pointer with less than 30 seconds to go that almost took the roof off Zalgirio Arena. “Shoutout to \[Olympiacos Piraeus great Vassilis\] Spanoulis, ‘cause that’s his move at the end of the day,” Francisco told EuroLeague TV.

Zalgiris Kaunas guard Sylvain Francisco channeled his inner Vassilis Spanoulis as his team beat FC Barcelona 74-67 in Round 1 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Sylvain Francisco: 'Shout out to Spanoulis, that's his move!'

Francisco finished the night with a game-high 19 points, 15 of which were scored in the last four and a half minutes. “I had to play my game and play for my team, too,” he added. “The third quarter was kind of messed up. I think I realized they were going to play defense on me and on every guy. So, I made sure I run the team first and then play for myself. And they let me do everything, so I was hot and I just took advantage.”

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Showed up in style, delivered in game. 😮‍💨 <a href="https://t.co/3DJiSQFLjL">pic.twitter.com/3DJiSQFLjL</a></p>&mdash; BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) <a href="https://twitter.com/bczalgiris/status/1841937545929883699?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The 27-year-old guard may have stood out on Thursday, but head coach Andrea Trinchieri stressed that the team’s effort on defense was what allowed the hosts to clinch the victory. “I believe that every player helped us to win the game,” the Zalgiris boss told EuroLeague TV. “Everybody saw Francisco doing Francisco stuff. \[He was\] very important, a game changer. But I would also underline the defense of [\[Laurynas\] Birutis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/laurynas-birutis/005504/), [Arnas \[Butkevicius\]](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/arnas-butkevicius/002676/) and [Matthew Mitchell](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/matthew-mitchell/012622/). We need each other. This is a team win.”

[Keenan Evans](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/keenan-evans/011218/)’s departure in the summer may have been a blow for Zalgiris, but Francisco demonstrated on Thursday that the Lithuanian side may have well found a new clutch player who can step up in the final minutes. With its confidence sky-high after a season-opening victory over Barcelona, Zalgiris will travel to Greece next week to take on another EuroLeague powerhouse in Olympiacos Piraeus.

He put on a show in the closing stages to put Barcelona to bed at Zalgirio Arena