Check out what the coaches and players are saying ahead of the fourth round of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Pre-game quotes hub: EuroLeague Round 4

The second half of this double-round week is upon us, with Round 4 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season seeing five games on Thursday and four on Friday. Ahead of Round 4, we bring you the pre-game quotes from all the teams in one place. This page will be updated with the thoughts of the players and head coaches of all 18 teams.

## Thursday, October 17

### ALBA Berlin vs. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (19:30 CEST)

**Israel Gonzalez, ALBA Berlin head coach**

"After our first win of the season in the EuroLeague, we have to stay hungry. We know from experience that it's all about energy and focus, especially in the second game of a double-header in such a short space of time. Especially against an opponent like Fenerbahce, which has a lot of individual talent, we have to be one step ahead in order to this to get our next EuroLeague win.”

**Jonas Mattiseck, ALBA Berlin guard**

“That was an important win against ASVEL on Tuesday, especially in that kind of tough Euroleague double week. We want to take the energy and confidence into the game against Fenerbahce.”

**Sarunas Jasikevicius, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul head coach**

"ALBA is a team always very dangerous to play. Their own style of basketball every game. When you play them, the activity and the fast breaks are always the key. Especially in Berlin, we have to take down their fast-break points and then pay attention to their three-point shooting."

**Tarik Biberovic, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul forward**

"We didn’t get the result we wanted at home and now we are going to Berlin. We have an opponent who will play both of their games at home during double-week and is especially effective when they play fast basketball. We have to react after the Crvena Zvezda game and play well by concentrating for 40 minutes."

### Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs. Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (20:05 CEST)

**Oded Kattash, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv head coach**

"We are coming off a big in this first double-round week of the season. Usually the second game in a double week is not a game where you have enough time to recover; you need to recover well. There are some players who played a lot of minutes. We still need to find some time to give Saben \[Lee\] more confidence with our system, so really challenging. We're facing a really talented, aggressive and athletic team \[on Thursday\]. They almost built the team from zero, which is something we were familiar with two years ago. But we know Coach Obradovic, he's great at what he's doing, he's really smart, and they play really well according to the circumstances."

**Levi Randolph, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv forward**

"I think for us, it's just continuing to get better. Coach is going to go over the game plan today. Defensively, we have to be strong; they have a lot of scoring power, a lot of weapons on the offensive side. I think defensively, we have to continue to get stops. Offensively, just keep the flow, play together, and that's the way I think we can get the win. We're stronger together. If we keep playing together and doing things the right way, I think we'll have a chance."

**Zeljko Obradovic, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade head coach**

"We had our only practice before the game at the Aleksandar Nikolic Hall. The good thing is that we didn't have to travel, and all the players are healthy. We watched the game Maccabi played against Efes, an outstanding game with a high number of points. Their point guards maintained a fast pace, which is characteristic of Maccabi’s team, and we’ll have to be mindful of that. We can’t allow them easy and secondary transitions. They take a lot of three-point shots and then go for the rebound, and they also have well-developed set plays after timeouts. I expect an extremely demanding game."

**Sterling Brown, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade guard**

"It's going to be a good game with high energy and pace. Maccabi is a team that goes up and down, they like to wander on the court. We've got to match that energy, and we've got to try to get back in transition. We need to execute and attack."

### EA7 Emporio Armani Milan vs. Zalgiris Kaunas (20:30 CEST)

**Ettore Messina, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan head coach**

"We face a team coming off a convincing road win, while we played a subpar game against a high-level team in Athens. We need to restart from the basics, defense, one on one, defensive helps, concepts we are far from executing the way we need to in order to restore the identity that we built over the course of the years. Starting with a better defensive game, we will have to play a better offensive game too, extending the time we will move the ball quickly and well and reducing the minutes when we don't play that well. Every one of us is called up to play the best game every one can play as of now, hopefully with our people support because the younger guys really need it."

### Real Madrid vs. Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (20:45 CEST)

**Chus Mateo, Real Madrid head coach**

"We are hosting Panathinaikos tomorrow. As always, it is a very strong team with all of its star players from last season and some new additions that made its roster stronger. We play at home, with our fans' support, and hope to take that step forwards which would allow us to add wins. Panathinaikos is a top-class opponent that will make us give our maximum, 100%, in all aspects of the game, defensively and offensively. We have to be able to find resources against a team that is really good defensively, collecting steals and rebounding very well."

**Facu Campazzo, Real Madrid guard**

"We face another tough game, but it is also very special, against Panathinaikos. It just comes off a lost and they will play even more focused after a good start to the season. We come off two losses in which on one hand, we did good things and on the other hands, we did bad things which we have to improve on to avoid repeating them against an opponent that does not let you make mistakes. They capitalize on every mistake with a basket as they has really good quality players. It is a demanding game that will make us give 100% and be very focused if we want to win."

**Ergin Ataman, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens head coach**

"Season is long, we will play a lot of game. Against Paris we did not play well, they played with an amazing tempo, and we didn't answer well. Now, we face a completely different team, Paris and Real are completely different, two different systems on the court. We will try to play our basketball. Against that kind of a roster there is not just one key, there are many keys. Rebounds are very important, especially with Tavares on the court they get a lot of offensive rebounds, and on offense, we have to attack smart with good spacing. Real has great potential. They might have lost two games so far in the EuroLeague, but the reality is that Real is one of the most dangerous and competitive teams, \[contender\] for the title this season again. I am sure it will be a special game for them to play against Panathinaikos, but we have to understand that every game and every court will be more difficult than last year."

**Kendrick Nunn, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens guard**

"We take a day to recover, refresh and get ready for a game. I am expecting my guys to be motivated and ready, just because of who they are and the history we had with them. I have no doubt we will be ready."

### FC Bayern Munich vs. Paris Basketball (20:45 CEST)

**Gordie Herbert, FC Bayern Munich head coach**

"They’re playing good basketball, played well in all three games. For us, it’s a bounce-back game after a disappointing first half in Belgrade. Our second half was better, our effort was better. It’s a different type of game, Paris plays at a extremely high tempo, so the key for us is to come out more aggressive on the defensive end.“

**Andreas Obst, FC Bayern Munich guard**

"We’re coming off a bad game, Paris comes off a very good one. We’re hoping for the support of our fans, which is very important in a double-week, so that they help us to be ready from the beginning. We have to defend better against their quick guards.“

## Friday, October 18

### AS Monaco vs. Virtus Segafredo Bologna (19:00 CEST)

**Luca Banchi, Virtus Segafredo Bologna head coach**

"Monaco has been able to take advantage of its home court in the first two home rounds, registering precious wins against teams of the caliber such as Milan and Maccabi, proving that this team has all the characteristics to play a leading role. We will approach this match with courage, determination and personality preparing for extremely challenging duels both near the basket and on the perimeter, where the recent signing of Loyd has further strengthened Monaco's already great roster."

**Mouhamet Diouf, Virtus Segafredo Bologna center**

"In Friday's game we will play against a tough team with many scorers and players with points in their hands. It will be necessary to remain as a team and play as a team until the end. We will fight until the end because we need this win."

### Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs. Olympiacos Piraeus (19:30 CEST)

**Tomislav Mijatovic, Anadolu Efes Istanbul head coach**

"Our next opponent is a very well coached and very experienced team that has offensive and defensive system in place for several years in a row. Their team is composed of very quality individuals that combine their individual quality into team quality. We have to play a very hard, physical game on both ends of the floor, and together with the help of our wonderful fans we have to do everything in our power to reach a very desired victory."

**Rolands Smits, Anadolu Efes Istanbul forward**

"Tomorrow the game against Olympiacos will be difficult. It will be a very physical game and we are ready for that. Olympiacos has a lot of talent and all of them can score, we will be ready for tomorrow."

**Georgios Bartzokas, Olympiacos Piraeus head coach**

"Efes is a very talented team. They added really good players in their roster. If you notice, they have three good players in each position. Many of them have already won the Euroleague and they are really experienced. They are aware that tomorrow’s game is very important, because they are coming from two losses in a row. But that does not mean much. In my opinion, they are one of the favorites to make it to the Final Four."

**Luka Vildoza, Olympiacos Piraeus guard**

"How I see it, we should not talk about Efes game, but about our game. We must improve the small details and approach the game better. We must play hard on defense like we did in the last games. Now that Moustapha Fall is back, I think that our defense is stronger. Still, we need to improve ourselves and play better in order to get the win." 

### Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade vs. FC Barcelona (20:00 CEST)

**Ioannis Sfairopoulos, Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade head coach**

"Barcelona is a very good team, they are well covered in all positions, not only on positions one, two and three. Our focus should be on getting the job done, not thinking about anything other than this game. We don't care if our record is 3-0 or 0-3 right now, for us it's important to play our way, because only that game is important."

**Nikola Kalinic, Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade forward**

"We expect a good game as we have been talking about for several weeks, we want to play as well as possible. Let's play together as a team, get a feel for who is doing what and create some good habits that will help us win as many games as possible. I expect a full Belgrade Arena, I think it's a good moment, we're on a good streak, the fans appreciate it. Barcelona is Barcelona, ​​it's a team that wants the Final Four, the title every year. This year, I would say that they made a slightly better team athletically. We have to stop their running and play a good game with support from the stands."

**Joan Penarroya, FC Barcelona head coach**

"It is a tough game against the only undefeated team left in the competition, which is playing great basketball, most dynamic, with great order and players in very good shape like Nedovic, Kalinic, Bolomboy or Miller-McIntyre. Their court is always a hot place to play. We face this game the same way we faced the previous ones, knowing the opponent we will face but above all, thinking about our own things. There are a fighting team, with players in a very good moment. They are playing with great order and can be versatile in defensive situations, adjusting to their opponents. It looks like they have found the mechanisms they want to stick to for the entire season, and did it before other teams. It is clear that the boost you get from that kind of fans is very important, it is like an energy boost that helps them a lot. We have that at Palau Blaugrana, and I am sure Zvezda will have it tomorrow. We think on doing things well, clear our minds from the game we just played, and focus on the things we have to do well in order to get a good result in Belgrade."

**Jan Vesely, FC Barcelona center**

"Yesterday was a very important game for us to defend the home court \[against Monaco\]. Now we are getting ready for tomorrow's game \[against Crvena Zvezda\]. We know what to expect, it is the only undefeated team right now. We are going to their home court, we know what kind of an atmosphere is going to be there, so we have to be focused for 40 minutes. We cannot get our heads lost in the atmosphere. We have to be focused on our game and follow the game plan until the end of the game. I will be happy to see Nikola Kalinic again, after playing so many years together, and for that it will be a very special game. But the atmosphere will be crazy there. They are the only team without a loss, so they will be very confident."

### LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne vs. Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (20:30 CEST)

\--

Check out what the coaches and players are saying ahead of Round 4 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season

Pre-game quotes hub: 'A very special game'

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne v Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (2024-10-18T18:30:00.000Z)

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade v FC Barcelona (2024-10-18T18:00:00.000Z)

Anadolu Efes Istanbul v Olympiacos Piraeus (2024-10-18T17:30:00.000Z)

AS Monaco v Virtus Segafredo Bologna (2024-10-18T17:00:00.000Z)

Real Madrid v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2024-10-17T18:45:00.000Z)

FC Bayern Munich v Paris Basketball (2024-10-17T18:45:00.000Z)

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

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv v Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (2024-10-17T18:05:00.000Z)

ALBA Berlin v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2024-10-17T17:30:00.000Z)

Here you can find all the latest injury news surrounding all registered players in the 2024-25 EuroLeague season.

EuroLeague injury report

Follow all the latest injury information for registered players in the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season, as reported by the clubs, and get your [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/home?_ga=2.101462721.1199459303.1696273873-903329349.1669636775) teams up to date!

**ALBA Berlin**

Malte Delow, Matt Thomas, Ziga Samar and Elias Rapieque are all listed as unavailable for ALBA's Round 4 game vs. Fenerbahce on Thursday.

Matt Thomas underwent knee surgery ahead of Round 2, the club announced.

**Anadolu Efes Istanbul**

Efes listed Justus Hollatz as not available and Dan Oturu as questionable for its Round 4 game vs. Olympiacos on Friday.

Efes was without [Elijah Bryant](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/news/round-2-disciplinary-sanctions-tae2425/) (suspension) in Round 3, but he is now available after serving a one-game ban.

**AS Monaco**

Monaco has not yet sent an injury report for its Round 4 game vs. Virtus on Friday.

Monaco was without Furkan Kormaz (injury) and Nick Calathes (injury) at Barcelona in Round 3.

[Furkan Korkmaz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/monaco-furkan-korkmaz-to-miss-3-4-weeks/) is not expected to play until late October/early November after an injury in Round 1.

[Nick Calathes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/nick-calathes-out-3-4-weeks-with-knee-injury/) is sidelined until late October due to a knee injury he suffered before Round 1.

**Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz**

Baskonia has not yet sent an injury report for its Round 4 game at ASVEL on Friday.

**Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade**

All Crvena Zvezda players are available for Round 4 game vs. Barcelona on Friday.

**EA7 Emporio Armani Milan**

[Josh Nebo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/josh-nebo-olimpia-milano-to-be-reevaluated-in-two-weeks/) is Milan's only absentee for its Round 4 game vs. Zalgiris on Thursday.

**FC Barcelona**

Dame Sarr, who was not available for Round 3, is traveling with the team for its Round 4 clash against Crvena Zvezda on Friday.

Barcelona will be without [Joel Parra](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/joel-parra-out-for-three-weeks-with-sprained-ankle/), who is ruled out until late October due to a sprained right ankle.

**FC Bayern Munich**

Bayern has no changes from its Round 3 roster ahead of its Round 4 game vs. Paris on Thursday.

Bayern was without Vladimir Lucic (a late scratch for bruised muscle) in Round 3.

[Niels Giffey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/niels-giffey-suffers-dislocated-finger-out-for-weeks/) is out for 'the coming weeks' after undergoing surgery on a dislocated finger.

**Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul**

Marko Guduric (hip) and Scottie Wilbekin (ACL) are both ruled for Fenerbahce's Round 4 game at ALBA on Thursday.

[Tarik Biberovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/news/round-2-disciplinary-sanctions-tae2425/), who served a one-game suspension in Round 3, is available.

[Scottie Wilbekin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-confirms-the-worst-scottie-wilbekin-has-torn-his-acl/) tore his ACL in Round 1 and is out with a long-term injury.

**LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne**

ASVEL has not yet sent an injury report for its Round 4 game vs. Baskonia on Friday.

Melvin Ajinca has not played through the first three rounds of the season.

**Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv**

[Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/maccabi-loses-rokas-jokubaitis-to-a-broken-thumb/) is set to be out until early November with a broken thumb, and is out for Round 4 game vs. Partizan on Thursday.

Wenyen Gabriel has missed the first three rounds of the season due to a knee injury, and is out for Round 4, too.

**Olympiacos Piraeus**

Nikola Milutinov, who missed the first three rounds of the season, is back in training but will miss the team's Round 4 game at Efes on Friday.

Nigel Williams-Goss was ruled out for Olympiacos's Round 4 game.

Keenan Evans remains sidelined after undergoing knee surgery.

Naz Mitrou-Long will also miss Round 4.

**Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens**

Kostas Antetokounmpo (right thumb fracture) has not played through the first three rounds of the season, and he will miss Panathinaikos' Round 4 game at Real Madrid on Thursday.

**Paris Basketball**

Paris has not yet sent an injury report for its Round 4 game at Bayern on Thursday.

Daulton Hommes has not played through the first three rounds of the season.

Paris head coach Tiago Splitter revealed in Tuesday's post-game press conference that Leon Kratzer missed the game because his wife is in labor, but Maodo Lo didn't play because he has a foot injury and they don't know how long he will be out for.

**Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade**

Partizan has listed all players as available for its Round 4 game at Maccabi on Thursday.

Isaiah Mike missed the first three rounds due to a calf injury.

Duane Washington was registered ahead of Round 3, and could make his EuroLeague debut in Round 4.

**Real Madrid**

Real Madrid has not yet sent an injury report for its Round 4 game vs. Panathinaikos on Thursday.

[Facundo Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/appeals-judge-provisional-measure-on-facundo-campazzo-sanction/), who served a one-game in Round 3, is now available.

[Andres Feliz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/andres-feliz-to-miss-time-with-plantar-fascia-injury/) is set for an extended spell on the sidelines with a plantar fascia injury.

**Virtus Segafredo Bologna**

Devontae Cacok remains unavailable for the team's Round 4 game at Monaco on Friday. Cacok is yet to play a game in the 2024-25 season.

**Zalgiris Kaunas**

Zalgiris has not yet sent an injury report for its Round 4 game at Milan on Thursday.

[Brady Manek](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/zalgiris-kaunas-brady-manek-out-for-three-weeks/) has missed the first three rounds due to an ankle sprain, but he has travelled to Italy with the team.

Stay up to date with the latest information provided by the EuroLeague clubs

Injury report, Round 4: Guduric sidelined, Oturu questionable

Regular season Round 6 matchup between Fenerbahce BEKO Istanbul and Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv has been relocated.

Round 6 game Fenerbahce vs. Maccabi relocated

The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Round 6 game between Fenerbahce BEKO Istanbul and Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv will be played at Zalgirio Arena in Kaunas, Lithuania. The game will be played on Tuesday, October 29 at 20:30 local time, 18:30 GMT.

This decision has been taken considering Turkish and Israel government recommendations.

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (2024-10-29T17:45:00.000Z)

On Thursday night, Real Madrid and Panathinaikos BC come head to head in a rematch of last season's EuroLeague Championship Game.

Real Madrid, Panathinaikos looking for a response in 2024 final rematch

It is a game that was marked in red on both teams' calendar: the time Real Madrid and Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens would meet after their epic encounter in the 2024 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Championship Game. This Thursday night, they come head to head once again.

As we all know, the Greens beat *Los Blancos* 80-95 in Berlin last May to claim their seventh continental crown, the club's first since 2011, and deny Real the chance to win back-to-back EuroLeague titles for the first time since 1968.

Real Madrid - Panathinaikos | Championship Game highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

The scenario is a little bit different this time around as both teams are coming off losses in Round 3. Paris Basketball beat Panathinaikos 84-80 in the French capital, which was the Greens’ first EuroLeague loss of the season, while Real registered a 76-72 road defeat at Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz.

Chus Mateo is without two of his new signings, forward [Usman Garuba](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/usman-garuba/007630/) and playmaker [Andres Feliz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/andres-feliz/011247/), for the visit of Panathinaikos, but star point guard [Facu Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) is back available after serving a one-game ban. This past summer also saw Real bring in center [Serge Ibaka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/serge-ibaka/003583/) and combo guard [Xavier Rathan-Mayes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/xavier-rathan-mayes/013378/). Ibaka, in particular, should be key in tonight’s battle against the reigning EuroLeague champion.

Up against [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/), who had three very solid performances against Real last season, Ibaka will need to be wary of the Frenchman’s speed as he looks to erupt for dunks in transition. In his three games against Real last season, Lessort averaged 20.3 points on 23-of-37 two-pointers (62.2% 2FG), 5.7 rebounds and a PIR of 25.0. Fortunately for Coach Mateo, Ibaka and [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/) are two elite players on defense, which should make life tough for Lessort.

Real Madrid-Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens | Round 27 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Panathinaikos also has some new faces in center [Omer Yurtseven](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/omer-yurtseven/005353/), forward [Cedi Osman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/cedi-osman/004088/) and playmaker [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/lorenzo-brown/009622/). It should be a special game for Brown and [Juancho Hernangomez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/juancho-hernangomez/012712/), who are members of the Spanish national team and helped *La Roja* win a gold medal at EuroBasket 2022.

Real forward [Mario Hezonja](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mario-hezonja/003108/), the only active EuroLeague player that has won both teams' jerseys, will also be looking forward to the occasion. Hezonja has always shown love and respect for the Greens throughout the years and even watched the second half of the 2011 EuroLeague Championship Game with Panathinaikos’ fans at Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona. Hezonja had just won the ANGE title with Zagreb that morning and went to the stands after receiving the trophy at halftime. Only 12 players have worn both teams' jerseys in the current EuroLeague, and no one has ever won the EuroLeague title with both Real and Panathinaikos.

Looking back at last season, Panathinaikos' great campaign was reflected in its last two games against Real. Of course, Panathinaikos conquered its seventh star by downing Real in Berlin behind an outstanding [Kostas Sloukas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kostas-sloukas/001926/), who earned 2024 Final Four MVP honors after an iconic performance in the championship game: 24 points on near-perfect shooting, missing just one free throw, 3 assists, 7 fouls drawn and a PIR of 31. He set a new record for most three-pointers made without missing in a Euroleague Final, going 4 of 4. Before that, Panathinaikos broke a 12-game road losing streak against Real which dated back to 2013. It downed Real 86-97 in Madrid behind 26 points from Lessort.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Work doesn’t stop… 💪<br> <br>Training session in Madrid ☘️🏀<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeTheGreens?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeTheGreens</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/paobcaktor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#paobcaktor</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LiveTheGreenMagic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LiveTheGreenMagic</a> <a href="https://t.co/7eaZgtGxtt">pic.twitter.com/7eaZgtGxtt</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@Paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/Paobcgr/status/1846638324003356709?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This game has all the ingredients to be the kind of showdown that you only see in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague at this time of the year: the last two EuroLeague champions coming face to face. Head coaches Ergin Ataman (Anadolu Efes Istanbul 2021, 2022; Panathinaikos 2024) and Chus Mateo (Real 2023) have combined for the last four EuroLeague trophies, while we will see almost 20 EuroLeague winners on the floor and as many as eight All-EuroLeague First Team selections: [Sergio Llull](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sergio-llull/tgb/), Tavares, Campazzo, [Dzanan Musa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dzanan-musa/006540/), [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/), Lessort, Brown and Sloukas.

It rarely gets better than this. Again, this is the first time both teams are playing one another since last May’s championship game, so expect a perfect example of why this is the world's most passionate league.

Both teams lost on the road in Round 3, but which side will come out on top in Round 4?

An outstanding individual performance in a winning effort allowed Olympiacos Piraeus star Sasha Vezenkov to earn Round 3 MVP honors with a PIR of 31, his second consecutive award in just three rounds to open the new Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Round 3 MVP: Sasha Vezenkov, Olympiacos Piraeus

An outstanding individual performance in a winning effort allowed Olympiacos Piraeus star Sasha Vezenkov to earn Round 3 MVP honors with a PIR of 31, his second consecutive award in just three rounds to open the new Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Vezenkov led Olympiacos to an 89-68 home victory over EA7 Emporio Armani Milan with 22 points on 3-of-6 two-pointers, 3-of-5 three-pointers and 7-of-8 free throws. He added 7 rebounds, an assist, 2 steals and 6 fouls drawn for a PIR of 31. Vezenkov earned MVP of the Round honors for the 11th time in his career, tying Mike James and Mirsad Turkcan for third place. Only Shane Larkin (17 times) and Nando De Colo (16) are ahead of him on that list.

Walter Tavares of Real Madrid amassed a PIR of 29 in his team's 76-72 road loss against Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz. Tavares had 14 points on 7-of-9 two-pointers, 15 rebounds and 3 blocks. Mathias Lessort of Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens had a PIR of 28 against Paris Basketball. He finished the game with 19 points on 6-of-9 two-pointers, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks and 5 fouls drawn in an 84-80 losing effort. Saben Lee of Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv had a PIR of 26 in his first-ever EuroLeague game, a 93-91 win over Anadolu Efes Istanbul, scoring 23 points on 6-of-8 two-point and 2-of-2 three-point shooting, along with 5 assists. Completing the list of top individual performances in Round 3 are Joel Bolomboy of Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade, Nigel Hayes-Davis of Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul and Shaquielle McKissic of Olympiacos, each with a PIR of 25.

 

### Individual highs: Walter Tavares, Real Madrid, 15 rebounds and 3 blocks

Saben Lee of Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv led all scorers with 23 points in Round 3. Mathias Lessort of Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens is the competition's top scorer at 18.3 points per game.

Walter Tavares of Real Madrid led all players in this round by pulling down 15 rebounds. Crvena Zvezda's Joel Bolomboy is this season's best rebounder, grabbing 10.0 boards per night.

Four players – Codi Miller-McIntyre of Zvezda, Thomas Walkup of Olympiacos, Sylvain Francisco of Zalgiris Kaunas and Shane Larkin of Efes – each dished 8 assists in Round 3. Despite not playing this week, Facundo Campazzo of Real Madrid remains atop the overall standings with 10.0 assists per night.

Alessandro Pajola of Virtus Segafredo Bologna collected 4 steals, more than any other player in Round 3. Arnas Butkevicius of Zalgiris, Jerian Grant of Panathinaikos and Neal Sako of LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne each average a league-best 2.0 steals.

Tavares had 3 blocks against Baskonia, the most in Round 3. He is also first overall at 2.0 blocks per night.

There were six double-doubles this round: Tavares (14 points, 15 rebounds), Bolomboy (18 points, 11 rebounds), Lessort (19 points, 11 rebounds), Sako (12 points, 13 rebounds), Trevion Williams of ALBA Berlin (12 points, 11 rebounds), and Toko Shengelia of Virtus Segafredo Bologna (11 points, 11 rebounds).

Olympiacos forward earns back-to-back MVP awards.

Euroleague Basketball official report on Round 3 game Virtus Segafredo Bologna vs. Zalgiris Kaunas

In the fourth quarter, with 1:56 remaining on the game clock, and 6 seconds left on the shot clock, Zalgiris Kaunas player Sylvain Francisco started a drive to the basket and attempted a field goal. His field goal attempt hits the backboard with 2.0 seconds left on the shot clock.

Zalgiris player Alen Smailagic and Virtus player Mouhamet Diouf try to get the rebound. While Alen Smailagic grabs the rebound, the ball touches the ring with 1.5 seconds remaining on the shot clock. The shot clock reset, and Alen Smailagic scored a two-point basket.

Alen Smailagic basket was legal as, per rule, the shot clock resets after the ball touches the rim. Correct decision of the 24 seconds operator and the referees.

Virtus Segafredo Bologna v Zalgiris Kaunas (2024-10-15T18:30:00.000Z)

Turkish Airlines EuroLeague fans, we have our third winner in this season's EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge! Kostas Rigas beat everyone else in Round 3 with his team ΠΟΚΟΠΙΚΟΙ, which had a Fantasy Challenge score of 196.80.

EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Round 3 winner

Turkish Airlines EuroLeague fans, we have our third winner in this season's [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/)! Kostas Rigas beat everyone else in Round 3 with his team ΠΟΚΟΠΙΚΟΙ, which had a Fantasy Challenge score of 196.80.

Giorgos had the following lineup: Sasha Vezenkov of Olympiacos Piraeus as team captain, then the rest of his starting five included Walter Tavares of Real Madrid, Theo Maledon of LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, Tamir Blatt of Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv and Martin Hermannsson of ALBA. His head coach was Georgios Bartzokas of Olympiaco.

Zalgiris's Dovyas Giedraitis was Kostas' sixth man, while the four bench players were Jake Cohen of Maccabi, Panagiotis Kalaitzakis of Panathinaikos, Ousmane Diop of EA7 Emporio Armani Milan and Mam Jaiteh of AS Monaco.

The prize for finishing first in Round 3 is a free VIP Euroleague TV Subscription for the 2025-26 season, so congratulations, Kostas!

Ognjen Vilotijevic with a team Yaretai is the leader of the [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/) overall standings.

Trades are now open for Round 4. Remember, four trades are allowed before each round until the end of the regular season. You can either trade up to four players, or a head coach and three players.

The first game in Round 4 tips off on Thursday, October 17, as ALBA Berlin faces Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul at 19:30 CEST. That game marks the next round's deadline.

Make new teams now or improve your existing ones and try to become our next round winner!

EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge offers weekly prizes to the top team manager. 

The action in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague continues to come thick and fast as the double round concludes with Round 4 on Thursday and Friday. 

At a glance: What to expect in Round 4

The action in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague continues to come thick and fast as the double round concludes with Round 4 on Thursday and Friday. Here’s your overview on the upcoming games, including a title game rematch.

## Thursday, October 17

### ALBA Berlin vs. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (19:30 CEST)

After grabbing its first win of the season on Tuesday, ALBA (1-2) will look to complete a perfect week against the visiting Fenerbahce (2-1). The Turkish team needs to recover from a poor offensive night against Zvezda in Round 3, with Saras Jasikevicius’ team shooting just 34.5% from the field and only [Nigel Hayes-Davis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nigel-hayes-davis/008962/) (20) scoring more than 10 points. A major factor in ALBA’s win over ASVEL was center [Trevion Williams](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/trevion-williams-/012604/) (12 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists), and his ability to both dominate the paint and create on the exterior will test visiting big men [Khem Birch](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/khem-birch/007182/) and [Nicolo Melli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nicolo-melli/002849/). Another key is the backcourt battle between [Martin Hermannsson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/martin-hermannsson/008780/) (21 points on Tuesday) and [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/wade-baldwin-iv/009863/), who is looking to bounce back after scoring just 3 points and committing 5 turnovers against Zvezda.

### Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs. Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (20:05 CEST)

Two of Tuesday’s winners go head to head as Maccabi (2-1) hosts Partizan (1-2) in a game which will see both teams feel at home in Belgrade. The Serbian team will look for another solid effort from [Sterling Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sterling-brown/012720/), who powered the Round 3 win over Bayern with 22 points, and he faces a good backcourt tussle with Maccabi newcomer [Saben Lee](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/saben-lee/013389/) after his outstanding debut contribution of 23 points and 5 assists to help overcome Efes on Tuesday. Partizan will look to keep on creating good looks from beyond the arc, after [Isaac Bonga](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaac-bonga/006760/) and [Frank Ntilikina](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/frank-ntilikina/006591/) both netted 3 of their 4 three-point attempts earlier this week. Maccabi can also threaten from deep, with [Tamir Blatt](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tamir-blatt/011193/) averaging three triples per game so far.

2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague | R4 Head-to-Head: Lee vs. Ntilikina

### EA7 Emporio Armani Milan vs. Zalgiris Kaunas (20:30 CEST)

Zalgiris (2-1) will attempt to complete a perfect week on the road as it visits a Milan team (1-2) needing to recover from a 21-point loss at Olympiacos. The Lithuanian team prevailed at Virtus on Tuesday behind a solid game from guard [Dovydas Giedraitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/dovydas-giedraitis/007513/), who missed only one field goal on the way to 15 points and also contributed defensively with a couple of steals. This could be a low-scoring game between two teams who like to control the tempo, but Milan needs a better night from its stars after [Shavon Shields](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shavon-shields/007831/) and [Nikola Mirotic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-mirotic/000796/) both scored just 5 points in the thrashing at Olympiacos. Big men [Zach LeDay](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/zach-leday/008987/) and [Ousmane Diop](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/ousmane-diop/013385/) both reached double digits in that game, so Milan could look to dominate through the paint.

### Real Madrid vs. Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (20:45 CEST)

One of EuroLeague’s greatest rivalries has its latest chapter as Real (1-2) hosts Panathinaikos (2-1) in a rematch of last season’s championship game. Both teams are aiming to recover from respective losses at Baskonia and Paris in Round 3, and Real will be boosted by the return of [Facundo Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) from suspension. The Spanish giant will hope that center [Edy Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/) can find energy after playing 33 minutes two days ago as he grabbed a whopping 9 offensive rebounds, and he faces [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/) in fine form after a double-double of 19 points and 11 boards earlier this week. Real was let down by its three-point shooting in Vitoria, making just 24.2%, while Panathinaikos will be focused on taking more care of the basketball after committing 15 turnovers in Paris.  

2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague | R4 Head-to-Head: Tavares vs. Lessort

### FC Bayern Munich vs. Paris Basketball (20:45 CEST)

With confidence sky-high from Tuesday’s historic first-ever EuroLeague victory, Paris (1-2) will now look for its first road triumph with a trip to Bayern (1-2). The French team will continue to rely on star guard duo [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tj-shorts/012608/) and [Nadir Hifi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nadir-hifi/012640/), who combined for 36 points in the memorable victory over Panathinaikos. They will be confronted by a deep selection of Bayern backcourt leaders, including long-range threat [Shabazz Napier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shabazz-napier/011224/), who has made 58.3% of his three-point attempts so far this season. Bayern, which has lost two in a row, will look for frontcourt dominance from [Devin Booker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/devin-booker/007056/), with the big man scoring in double digits in every game. He will also have to box out against Paris center [Enzo Shahrvin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/enzo-shahrvin/012612/), who grabbed 4 of his team’s 17 offensive boards in the win over Panathinaikos.

## Friday, October 18

### AS Monaco vs. Virtus Segafredo Bologna (19:00 CEST)

Monaco (2-1) will attempt to bounce back from Wednesday’s loss in Barcelona as it hosts a Virtus (0-3) team desperate to end its status as the only winless team in the competition. Virtus needs to improve its offense after only averaging 73.3 points so far, with key scorers [Marco Belinelli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/marco-belinelli/bcn/), [Will Clyburn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/will-clyburn/004888/) and [Isaia Cordinier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaia-cordinier/009549/) all shooting at 30% or less from three-point range. [Toko Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/) grabbed a double-double (11 points, 11 rebounds) in Tuesday’s home loss against Zalgiris, and he will aim to physically dominate a Monaco team which heavily lost the rebounding battle in Barcelona. In the backcourt, [Elie Okobo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/elie-okobo/011212/) will look to continue leading the offense after averaging 14.7 points and 4.7 assists in the opening three games.

### Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs. Olympiacos Piraeus (19:30 CEST)

Efes (1-2) is aiming to recover from a two-game losing streak as it welcomes an in-form Olympiacos (2-1) chasing a third straight win. The Reds played with great efficiency to easily overcome Milan on Tuesday, making 60% of two-point shots and 44.4% from three-point range, as [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/) continued his fine form with 22 points and 7 rebounds. [Thomas Walkup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/thomas-walkup/008855/) was the orchestrator with 8 assists on just 1 turnover, and he will face an important job defensively to limit the influence Efes star [Shane Larkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shane-larkin/007200/), who will be determined to find his scoring range after going 0 for 6 from long range in Tuesday’s narrow loss at Maccabi. Forward [Jordan Nwora](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jordan-nwora/013363/) and big man [Vincent Poirier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/vincent-poirier/004887/) both surpassed 20 points in that game, and Efes can look to use their physicality to create space for Larkin on the exterior.

2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague | R4 Head-to-Head: Nwora vs. Vezenkov

### Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade vs. FC Barcelona (20:00 CEST)

High-flying Zvezda (3-0) will look to stay perfect with a visit from Barcelona (2-1), which is looking to move into a share of first place. Zvezda’s impressive Round 3 win was largely based on an outstanding defensive effort which held Fenerbahce to just 57 points, while the offense was expertly controlled by [Codi Miller-McIntyre](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/codi-miller-mcintyre/009048/) as he dished 8 assists without a turnover. The Serbian team has [Nemanja Nedovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nemanja-nedovic/000848/) in a sweet shooting moment, averaging 15.7 points on 58.8% from beyond the arc. Barca also enjoyed a successful evening to start the double-round week, comfortably defeating Monaco with a solid team performance propelled by [Kevin Punter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kevin-punter/009862/)’s 20 points. The Spanish team has won 11 straight against Zvezda, dating back to 2017, so will have no fear as it heads into Belgrade Arena.

2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague | R4 Head-to-Head: Bolomoby vs. Hernangomez

### LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne vs. Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (20:30 CEST)

With the scalp of Real Madrid safely secured, Baskonia (2-1) will try to make it two wins in three days by downing ASVEL (1-2). The French team fell to defeat at ALBA on Tuesday despite another strong performance from the increasingly influential [Theo Maledon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/theo-maledon/007027/) (17 points, 7 rebounds), and it needs to find more efficiency inside the arc after converting just 14 of its 35 (40%) two-point attempts in Berlin. A big battle for rebounding supremacy will take place between ASVEL’s [Neal Sako](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/neal-sako/010545/), who has recorded two consecutive double-doubles, and the visiting [Khalifa Diop](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/khalifa-diop/008072/), who helped control the tempo with 8 points and 7 boards against Real. ASVEL also needs to match the endless energy of [Chima Moneke](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/chima-moneke/012201/), who averages 15 points and 5.3 rebounds so far this season.

2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague | R4 Head-to-Head: Sako vs. Moneke

In the second half of this double-round week, there are five games on Thursday and four on Friday

Kevin Punter enjoyed his best performance in his young FC Barcelona career as his team beat AS Monaco Basket in Round 3 of the 2024-25 EuroLeague season.

Kevin Punter had himself a night as Barcelona beat Monaco

FC Barcelona got its best win of this young Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season by [beating the visiting AS Monaco 86-71](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcelona-breezes-past-monaco-86-71/) on Friday night. Apart from a solid effort on both ends of the floor that resulted in a 15-point win against an opponent that had won their last three head-to-head games, Barcelona also got a standout performance it waited for from [Kevin Punter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kevin-punter/009862/), a scoring guard the team brought with high expectation this past summer.

"We had to be focused on both sides \[of the floor\], and we came up with a good, comfortable win," Punter told EuroLeague TV after scoring a game-high and season-high 21 points.

He made 5-of-7 two-point shots and 3-of-8 threes, while also collecting 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and a block, all in 25 minutes on the floor.

"I am trying to be the best version of myself and do what I got to do," Punter said, adding: "I am still adjusting, it is early in the season, so taking it day by day."

Punter, who has scored at least 11 points in each of the three games this season and averages 15.3 points after three rounds, not only led Barcelona in scoring but did so in bunches in key moments of the game.

He got Barcelona going with a pair of triples, accumulating 8 points in the first quarter, and scored 5 points late in the second quarter to help secure a 47-39 halftime lead. He then tallied 5 more points early in the third quarter in an 12-1 run which gave Barcelona a double-digit lead. Monaco never threatened after that.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">⭐️ 𝐌𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐔𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐏𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑 ⭐️ <a href="https://t.co/ivrWYlSFu7">pic.twitter.com/ivrWYlSFu7</a></p>&mdash; Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket/status/1846654328590700884?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"We put an entire game together all 40 minutes, and we've seen the results", was [Jabari Parker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jabari-parker/012745/)'s thoughts. Parker also had his best game of the young season, scoring 16 points and making a career-best 4 triples on 6 attempts.

But what Barcelona has done on Wednesday could easily be forgotten by Friday, when the team travels to face the only remaining undefeated side in the league – Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade.

After a shaky opening week and a loss in Kaunas, two home wins have eased a stress for Barcelona and improved team's record to 2-1, but Friday's game could tell us a lot where Barcelona really is at the moment.

"They got a real electric crowd, that's gonna put us to the test", Parker concluded.

Game News

His 21 points led the Blaugrana to their first win over the Monegasques in four games

FC Barcelona v AS Monaco (2024-10-16T18:30:00.000Z)