Rodrigue Beaubois had 21 points in just over 18 minutes as Anadolu Efes S.K. beat Barça Basket 98-74 in Round 22 of the 2023-24 EuroLeague season.

Rodrigue Beaubois took Anadolu Efes to another level against Barça Basket

Rodrigue Beaubois has been there and done it all in an Anadolu Efes Istanbul jersey. Now in his sixth season with the Turkish club, the 35-year-old guard reminded everybody of his quality with a stellar second-half display as [Efes beat FC Barcelona 98-74](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-anadolu-efes-sk-vs-barca-basket/) in Round 22 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Things were certainly going well for Efes in the first half as it went into the halftime break with a 42-39 lead, but Beaubois’s contribution had been minimal to say the least: 2 points and 1 assist in 6:12 minutes on the floor. Barca was certainly still in the game, yet the Frenchman would ensure that wouldn’t be the case for long.

Rodrigue Beaubois had 21 points in just over 18 minutes as Anadolu Efes Istanbul beat FC Barcelona 98-74 in Round 22 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

Beaubois's best scoring plays vs. Barcelona

### Leading the second-half charge

An offensive clinic was on display at Sinan Erdem Sports Hall in the third quarter as Efes and Barca combined for 51 points, with the hosts edging the battle 30-21. That meant it led 72-60 entering the fourth quarter.

In that third period, Beaubois was particularly effective in his time on the floor, adding a further 8 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists and 1 steal in just 5:28 minutes. However, it was in the fourth where Beaubois really took over and effectively put the game to bed.

Having been on the floor for 6:26 minutes in the fourth quarter, Beaubois netted 11 points, grabbed 2 more rebounds and dished 1 further assist. Notably, it was the veteran who helped swell the lead at the start of the quarter, hitting a three-pointer and converting a three-point play with the first two scores of the fourth to put Efes 78-60 ahead. From there on out, it was Efes’s to lose.

Well, even when it became clear late on that Efes was going to notch its ninth win of the season and record back-to-back victories, Beaubois didn’t show any sign of slowing down. Many of the Barca players had already waved the white flag, but he moved to 21 points with 1:38 to go after a perfectly timed cut resulted in an easy layup.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">📢 <a href="https://twitter.com/Migros_Turkiye?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Migros_Turkiye</a> ile FC Barcelona karşılaşmamızın <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MVP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MVP</a>’si Rodrigue Beaubois!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BeauboisSize%C4%B0yiGelecek?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BeauboisSizeİyiGelecek</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BenimYerimBuras%C4%B1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BenimYerimBurası</a> <a href="https://t.co/ByvxT7RJTg">pic.twitter.com/ByvxT7RJTg</a></p>&mdash; Anadolu Efes SK (@AnadoluEfesSK) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnadoluEfesSK/status/1748063010181063159?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Tying his season high

Those 21 points are a joint season high for Beaubois, who recorded the same tally in an 82-89 win at AS Monaco back in Round 8. That day, however, he played 30:51 minutes. On Thursday night, just 18:06. It was efficiency at its finest.

Beaubois’s stats come the final buzzer read: 21 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal and a 29 PIR. He may be up there in age, but the guard’s influence on a resurgent Efes side was there for all to see in Round 22 against Barca.

Efes has now beaten two of the top three teams in the standings in back-to-back rounds, having also surprised Virtus Segafredo Bologna 99-75 last Friday night, and the picture suddenly looks very different. Those seven consecutive defeats already feel like a long time ago.

More Efes News

Rodrigue Beaubois of Anadolu Efes Istanbul is defended by Dario Brizuela of FC Barcelona in Round 22 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

After the break, the Frenchman contributed 19 of his team’s 56 second-half points.

Rodrigue Beaubois took Efes to another level against Barcelona

Anadolu Efes Istanbul v FC Barcelona (2024-01-18T17:30:00.000Z)

Saski Baskonia improved to 10-12 after edging KK Crvena zvezda 90-91 in Round 22 of the 2023-24 EuroLeague season.

Saski Baskonia holds on to edge KK Crvena zvezda 90-91

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Markus Howard and Chima Moneke of Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz shake hands after beating Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade in Round 22 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

Markus Howard scored 32 and Chima Moneke posted a double-double to pace the winners.

Baskonia holds on to edge Crvena Zvezda 90-91

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade v Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (2024-01-18T18:00:00.000Z)

Anadolu Efes S.K. swept Barça Basket aside by winning 98-74 in Round 22 of the 2023-24 EuroLeague season.

Anadolu Efes displays its potential in big win over Barça Basket, 98-74

<incrowd-live-blog id="65a6ad632dc83161fc5f1f27" client-id="EUROLEAGUE" server="standard"></incrowd-live-blog><script src="https://live-blog.incrowdsports.com/index.js"></script>

Darius Thompson of Anadolu Efes Istanbul is defended by FC Barcelona duo Nikola Kalinic (left) and Jan Vesely (right) in Round 22 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

Erdem Can's side sent a message to the rest of the EuroLeague by swatting aside the visitors in style.

Efes displays its potential in big win over Barcelona, 98-74

Check out some bold predictions from EuroLeague.net staff members for Round 22 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

Bold predictions for Round 22

### Efes will build on its momentum

#### *by Geoff Gillingham*

This season hasn't exactly gone to plan for Anadolu Efes Istanbul, which has been one of the worst-hit teams from an injury standpoint, although some players have returned and the picture is starting to look a little better. Head coach Erdem Can's side ended a seven-game losing streak last week by shocking Virtus Segafredo Bologna 99-75, and I think Efes will make it back-to-back victories by downing FC Barcelona in Round 22. [Darius Thompson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/darius-thompson/011078/) had his best game of the season against Virtus, scoring 26 points and recording 5 steals, so his return to form should spell bad news for Barca. I also expect [Shane Larkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shane-larkin/007200/) to make his presence felt once more, despite a relatively quiet outing in Round 21, as he often loves to shine when Barca comes to town. The play of [Elijah Bryant](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/elijah-bryant/009846/) has been a big positive for Coach Can, too, while [Will Clyburn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/will-clyburn/004888/) is listed as questionable after having not played since Round 11. Perhaps a win against Barca could be another boost for an 8-13 Efes side dreaming of getting itself in playoff contention.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">🌟 Virtus Segafredo Bologna karşılaşmamızın <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MVP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MVP</a>&#39;si Darius Thompson! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BenimYerimBuras%C4%B1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BenimYerimBurası</a> <a href="https://t.co/U9qDwMcJ5g">pic.twitter.com/U9qDwMcJ5g</a></p>&mdash; Anadolu Efes SK (@AnadoluEfesSK) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnadoluEfesSK/status/1746171857319915520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Barcelona will inch closer to Real

#### *by Igor Petrinovic*

FC Barcelona is [the only undefeated team in January](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/standings/?season=2023-24&type=Calendar&phase=REGULAR%20SEASON) and, contrary to my colleague Geoff's opinion, I believe the team stays unbeaten when it visits Efes in Istanbul. Efes is getting healthier, and has every right to believe it can build on last week's victory, which snapped its seven-game losing streak, but I think Barcelona will keep rolling with in-form [Jabari Parker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jabari-parker/012745/) and [Nikola Kalinic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-kalinic/004866/), and consistent contributions from one or both [Jan Vesely](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jan-vesely/000925/) and [Willy Hernangomez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/willy-hernangomez/003196/). In addition, I think Monaco will use home floor to get better of Walter Tavares-less Real Madrid, which would get Barcelona within three victories of the first place in the standings.

### ASVEL will play the spoiler in Bologna

#### *by Frank Lawlor*

This may be third-place vs. last, but it's a short road trip for an LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne team that is determined to leave an imprint on its EuroLeague season and show signs of future growth under new head coach Pierric Poupet. When these team's played back in late October, it took a masterful game from [Tornike Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/) for Virtus Segafredo Bologna to escape Villeurbanne with an 84-87 win. Shengelia is listed as unavailable for this rematch, and without him, ASVEL matches up well with the hosts. Big man [Youssoupha Fall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/youssoupha-fall/006568/) has shown stretched of dominance lately, and has dominated Virtus center [Jordan Mickey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jordan-mickey/008847/) in their last three meetings, including a 79-84 win in Bologna last season. If veterans [David Lighty](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/david-lighty/003526/) and [Charles Kahudi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/charles-kahudi/kir/) were really resting over the weekend in the French League, they are solid choices to defend [Marco Belinelli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/marco-belinelli/bcn/) and [Isaia Cordinier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaia-cordinier/009549/). And point guard [Paris Lee](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/paris-lee/011225/) is looking very comfortable as a EuroLeague floor leader lately. With extra scorer [Deshaun Thomas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/deshaun-thomas/005094/) on hand to help, ASVEL should have the firepower to compete against Virtus. Its motivation should be clear: pride.

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne-Virtus Segafredo Bologna | Round 5 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

### Maccabi will bounce back in Piraeus

#### *by Frankie Sachs*

The last time Maccabi won at Peace and Friendship Stadium was in 2019. That changes on Thursday. Both teams are coming off losses; the Reds have lost their last two and the Israeli champs have dropped two of their last three. And they will both look a little different than they did when they met in Round 8. Maccabi was without All-EuroLeague guard [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/wade-baldwin-iv/009863/), while Olympiacos has since added [Filip Petrusev](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/filip-petrusev/011194/) and [Naz Mitrou-Long](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/naz-mitrou-long/011965/), while welcoming back [Shaq McKissic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shaquielle-mckissic/007853/) and [Nikola Milutinov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-milutinov/003941/) back from injury, although center [Moustapha Fall is now sidelined for three weeks](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/olympiacoss-fall-to-miss-three-weeks-with-knee-injury/). 

While those changes could mean this game has a different feel, no one player will have a bigger expected impact than Baldwin. Only once this season has Maccabi lost back-to-back games and that happened when Baldwin struggled in his season debut in Round 6. The dynamic guard has averaged 20.5 points and 6.5 assists over his last two games and even if Olympiacos uses its polished defenders to contain him, the rest of the Maccabi attack can take advantage of that to lift the team to victory.

Keenan Evans blasting 33 wasn't enough to prevent Zalgiris from falling to a third successive loss against Partizan. They seek a reprieve at the expense of a Fenerbahce outift with a a perfect home account and fresh from a whopping triumph over Monaco, which included 10 Nick Calathes rebounds.

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul-Zalgiris Kaunas | Round 15 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

### Zalgiris stops Fenerbahce's streak

#### *by Javier Gancedo*

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul has been unstoppable since head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius joined the team, winning seven of its last eight games. This winning streak should stop at Zalgirio Arena for many different reasons. First, Fenerbahce is without star forward and former Zalgiris player [Nigel Hayes-Davis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nigel-hayes-davis/008962/). Zalgiris has two experienced players at forwards, [Edgaras Ulanovas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/edgaras-ulanovas/002329/) and [Rolands Smits](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rolands-smits/007109/), who may find extra advantages on offense without Hayes-Davis around. Barely three weeks, ago, Zalgiris had a double-digit halftime lead against Fenerbahce in Istanbul but could not return home with a victory. That game will be in the back of every Zalgiris player's minds. Of course, the home-court advantage should help, as a sellout crowd in guaranteed in each and every Zalgiris game, especially if local hero "Saras" is back in town to coach Fenerbahce. It is Zalgiris's first Euroleague home game in 2024, so the atmosphere should be just spectacular. Fenerbahce has six more wins in the standings but this time, Zalgiris will grab a much-needed home victory.

Valencia Basket v EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (2024-01-19T19:30:00.000Z)

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens v Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (2024-01-19T19:15:00.000Z)

Zalgiris Kaunas v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2024-01-19T18:00:00.000Z)

AS Monaco v Real Madrid (2024-01-19T19:00:00.000Z)

Virtus Segafredo Bologna v LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (2024-01-18T19:30:00.000Z)

Olympiacos Piraeus v Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (2024-01-18T19:15:00.000Z)

ALBA Berlin v FC Bayern Munich (2024-01-18T19:00:00.000Z)

Two historic clubs sitting close in the EuroLeague standings will have a key mid-season showdown on Thursday.

Olympiacos B.C., Maccabi Tel Aviv meet in key playoff battle

Two of the best and most successful teams in the last 50 years meet again [when Olympiacos Piraeus (12-9) hosts Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (11-10) at  Peace and Friendship Stadium](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/olympiacos-piraeus-maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/E2023/194/) in Round 22 on Thursday at 20:15 CET.

### Crossed paths

Both teams combine for nine continental titles: Maccabi won the top European competition in 1977, 1981, 2004, 2005 and 2014, as well as claiming the SuproLeague title in 2001. Olympiacos lifted the top continental trophy in 1977, 2012 and 2013. Since 1988, both teams have combined for 24 Final Four appearances, getting there 12 times each. Remarkably, Maccabi and Olympiacos have never made it to the same Final Four. Of course, that doesn't mean that Olympiacos and Maccabi have not faced each other in high-pressure games. Indeed, this is a pivotal matchup, as Maccabi ranks sixth and is one win ahead of Olympiacos, deep in the fight to reach the playoffs and avoid the Play-In Showdown.

After beginning its temporary Belgrade residency with a hard-fought victory over Bayern, Maccabi seeks to climb into the top-six with a visit from Olympiacos, which has suffered two straight losses and harbour issues in attack, averaging just 76.1 points - the third-worst in the competition.

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs Olympiacos Piraeus | Round 8 | Highlights

Maccabi and Olympiacos went against each other in the 2006 EuroLeague Playoffs. It was a best-of-three series that went down to the last game, in which Maccabi edged Olympiacos 77-73 behind 18 points from Willie Solomon. Both teams have faced each other closer to the title since their first matchup in 1976. Olympiacos has a 15-13 EuroLeague record against Maccabi. Earlier this season, [Olympiacos topped Maccabi 74-79 at home](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv-olympiacos-piraeus/E2023/66/) behind 13 points each from [Thomas Walkup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/thomas-walkup/008855/) and [Alec Peters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/alec-peters/008829/).

### Frontcourt: Milutinov on the spotlight

Olympiacos faced bad news this week, [as center Moustapha Fall will miss three weeks with a knee injury](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/olympiacoss-fall-to-miss-three-weeks-with-knee-injury/). Fall is having his best season, averaging a 16.6 performance index rating since November 1. He leads the EuroLeague in two-point accuracy this season at 78.3%, also averaging 7.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists (leading all centers) and 1.2 blocks. Fall be missed but Olympiacos has depth at the center position, and it is time for [Nikola Milutinov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-milutinov/003941/) to see extended playing time and rise to the challenge.

Nikola Milutinov is averaging 8.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and a PIR of 14.0 in 19 minutes per night.

2023-24 EuroLeague highlights: Nikola Milutinov, Olympiacos

Milutinov is averaging 8.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and a PIR of 14.0 in 19 minutes per night. When Milutinov plays 22 minutes or more, however, those numbers go up to 13.0 points, 7.8 rebounds and a PIR of 23.3. As such, it should be a priority for Maccabi to stop him. [Josh Nebo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/josh-nebo/011199/) is the fifth-best rebounder in the competition (6.5 rpg.) and ties for 10th place in blocks (0.8 bpg.), so he will be head coach Oded Kattash's first option against Milutinov, with [Ronan Sorkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/roman-sorkin/011219/), [Jasiel Rivero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jasiel-rivero/011214/) and [Jake Cohen](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jake-cohen/005145/) offering different alternatives at the 'five' position.

### Backcourt: Baldwin and the former team rule

[Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/wade-baldwin-iv/009863/) is one of 16 players who worked for both Maccabi and Olympiacos in the past. The list includes illustrious names such as Nikola Vujcic, Theo Papaloukas and Sofoklis Schortsanitis. He is one of two active players in this season's EuroLeague to play for both teams: Tyler Dorsey is the other. His matchup against [Thomas Walkup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/thomas-walkup/008855/) should be one of the biggest keys to the game, and it is an intriguing one, since Baldwin missed the game against Olympiacos earlier this season. It is a golden rule that players usually do well against former teams. We can go back into the 2023-24 season and see how Baldwin did against two of his former teams, and also against Olympiacos last season.

Wade Baldwin last faced Olympiacos Piraeus on January 27, 2023.

Wade Baldwin against Olympiacos

Baldwin started his EuroLeague career with Olympiacos and went on to play for FC Bayern Munich and Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz before joining Maccabi in 2022. This season, he had 12 points, 3 assists, 6 turnovers and a PIR of 14 in a 93-90 home victory against Bayern. He also led Maccabi to an 89-81 win against Baskonia, getting 10 points, 7 assists and a PIR of 9. Last season, Baldwin played against Olympiacos twice, averaging 18.0 points, 5.0 assists and a PIR of 17.5. So even when Baldwin did not have monster performances against his former teams lately, Olympiacos needs to focus on defending him, with Walkup and [Nigel Williams-Goss](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nigel-williams-goss/007982/) leading the way.

Two historic clubs sitting close in the standings will have a key mid-season showdown on Thursday.

Olympiacos, Maccabi meet in key playoff battle

Nunnally opens up with Joe Arlauckas and shares his experiences about the multiple team's he's been at, Zeljko Obradovic's evolution and the injury that could have caused his career

James Nunnally opens up at The Crossover

There are some guests on The Crossover who need to be chased down. And then there is James Nunnally, who went to host Joe Arlauckas last season and told him we wanted to be on the podcast. The result is an entertaining hour about the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague star’s life and basketball career.

James Nunnally played many sports growing up and could have had a future in American football, but growing up in the shadow of his older brother Michael, James followed the path to basketball stardom. James enjoyed an outstanding college career, where he even played against Michael, but when he was not selected in the 2012 NBA Draft, the younger brother packed his bags to start his career in Europe.

He left his first stop in Greece after not getting paid by the club and then bounced around for several seasons, with brief stops in the NBA with Atlanta and Philadelphia as well as spells in Spain and Israel. All told, he suited up for 11 clubs in eight years. Throughout that, Nunnally remained confident.

14:00 “I never doubted myself. I just always wanted to raise the bar each year. I wanted to go a step up each year. That was my goal,” he explained.

An outstanding season in the Italian League with Avellino changed everything. Nunnally’s play caught the attention of Fenerbahce Istanbul and soon he was on his way to the Turkish metropolis to play for the winningest coach in European basketball history, Zeljko Obradovic. Nunnally was about to find out what playing for the coaching legend was like.

15:25 “The first year playing for him is tough,” Nunnally shared with Arlauckas, who won the EuroLeague under Obradovic in 1995. “You have to earn his respect. He’s played at the highest level in Europe. He’s played in the Olympics. He’s coached the best players. He’s seen everything. What are you going to do to be different or to stand out or to gain his respect?”

Ultimately, Nunnally was able to stand out for Obradovic on a stacked Fenerbahce team that won the EuroLeague in their first season together, 2016-17, and returned to the championship game the following season. It was in that second season, however, that his career nearly came to a sudden halt.

In a January 2018 game against Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz, Nunnally was frustrated with Coach Obradovic after not playing at all in the first half. When he got in the game in the third quarter, he was eager to make a statement.

33:30 “Brad \[Wanamaker\] gets a steal. He tosses it up and I was about to dunk it so hard with one hand and just look at, and just stare Coach down because I knew a timeout was coming. Like ‘I should have been in’. And it didn’t go like that.

“So I was setting up my feet to dunk with one hand and I see Beaubois come and swipe at the ball last minute. So I picked the ball up, jumped off the wrong foot, dunked it with two hands and I didn’t have enough… I jumped off the wrong foot so I didn’t get up high enough. I couldn’t grab onto the rim when I tried. Once I dunked it, all I hear is everything went quiet and I just heard a pop sound, And that’s all I remember.”

Nunnally landed on his neck and blacked out. The next thing he remembers is arriving at the hospital. Nunnally was diagnosed with a concussion, nine brain hemorrhages and a broken left hand.

Ultimately, he made a full recovery to help Fenerbahce get back to the Final Four. After that, Nunnally’s career was on the move again. He returned to the NBA with Minnesota and also played for Houston and New Orleans in the NBA, Milan, Fenerbahce (again) and Maccabi in the EuroLeague and Shanghai in China before reuniting with Coach Obradovic in Belgrade in the summer of 2022.

One of the biggest challenges for Nunnally in recent years has been being away from his family. He and his wife decided that to give their three children a normal childhood, where they could grow up in the same place with the same friends, the children would remain in the United States with their mother during the season and only come for visits, as opposed to living in Belgrade together. It is not always easy for Nunnally.

50:15 “They are younger, so I am missing all their accomplishments, achievements. Just the small everyday things that I want to be around for like school drop-offs, making breakfast in the morning and helping them get ready. Those are things I really miss that a lot of people don’t understand about the sacrifice as players we have with families,” he explained.

With a one-hour format of exclusive one-on-one interviews, The Crossover with Joe Arlauckas goes well beyond the playing court with each podcast to delve into the life experiences that have made his guests protagonists and legends of the EuroLeague. The Crossover debuted in 2018 and has featured such current stars as [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/mike-james-opens-up-at-the-crossover/), [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/lorenzo-brown-hops-aboard-the-crossover/) and [Mario Hezonja](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/mario-hezonja-stops-by-the-crossover/); coaching greats such as [Georgios Bartzokas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/hear-from-coach-bartzokas-on-the-crossover/), [Dimitris Itoudis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/the-crossover-opens-its-season-with-dimitris-itoudis/), and Zeljko Obradovic, and legends like Theo Papaloukas, Nikola Vujcic and [Mike Batiste](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/panathinaikos-legend-mike-batiste-visits-the-crossover/), among others. Nunnally is the third guest this season after Nigel Hayes-Davis and Kemba Walker.

The Crossover with Joe Arlauckas is available on [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rYpAbSLlCc), [iTunes](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-crossover-with-joe-arlauckas/id1440034922), [Audioboom](https://audioboom.com/channel/the-crossover-with-joe-arlauckas), [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/6T1SYvGSpzyrYZpG9z2wjR), [Deezer](https://www.deezer.com/fr/show/65962), [RadioPublic](https://radiopublic.com/the-crossover-with-joe-arlauckas-6NkdjJ), [Google Podcasts](https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hdWRpb2Jvb20uY29tL2NoYW5uZWxzLzQ4ODM3OTkucnNz?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahcKEwiYzr_b78XtAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ), [TuneIn](https://tunein.com/podcasts/Sports--Recreation-Podcasts/The-Crossover-with-Joe-Arlauckas-p1174586/), [Stitcher](https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-crossover-with-joe-arlauckas), [CastBox](https://castbox.fm/channel/The-Crossover-with-Joe-Arlauckas-id1467328?country=gb), [iVoox](https://www.ivoox.com/podcast-the-crossover-with-joe-arlauckas_sq_f1629856_1.html) and other platforms.

Nunnally opens up with Joe Arlauckas and shares his experiences about the multiple teams he's played for, Zeljko Obradovic's evolution and the injury that could have ended his career.

James Nunnally opens up on The Crossover

After missing most of the 2022-23 season to injury, ASVEL's Joffrey Lauvergne is back and loving the game.

Joffrey Lauvergne on his recovery from injuries: 'I appreciate everything more'

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne center [Joffrey Lauvergne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/joffrey-lauvergne/004194/) played only three games in the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season. The season before, he suited up just 13 times for Zalgiris Kaunas. This season, the veteran center has already surpassed his games played total in both of those seasons combined and has reasserted himself as a force to be reckoned with. 

### Finally healthy

It was a rough couple of years for Lauvergne. After a strong 2020-21 campaign with Zalgiris Kaunas, Lauvergne suffered a shoulder injury in October 2021 that caused him to miss 14 straight games. He was healthy again at the start of the 2022-23 season, his first with ASVEL, and averaged 8.3 points and a PIR of 10.7 in three games before injury struck again. This time it was a season-ending injury: a torn ACL.

<center>
<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Following my injury in yesterday’s game, I will be out for few months with a torn ACL but I will come back stronger 💪🏼 <a href=https://t.co/rxarHpiCdu>pic.twitter.com/rxarHpiCdu</a></p>&mdash; Joffrey Lauvergne (@1JOLOLO) <a href=https://twitter.com/1JOLOLO/status/1583534432807317504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>October 21, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src=https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js charset="utf-8"></script>

Fortunately, Lauvergne has gone through the current campaign unscathed to date. He has played in every game and averaged 12.5 points and 5.5 rebounds for a PIR of 13.4 in 27:04 minutes per game. Lauvergne said he missed the EuroLeague when he was sidelined and being out there in front of such great atmospheres served as a motivating factor for him to return to action. 

"It's the funnest part of our job, to play EuroLeague. I was missing it a lot last year. It has been long, but I made my way back and I'm really happy about it," Lauvergne said. "EuroLeague has great gyms with a great atmosphere. I was missing it a lot."

Lauvergne has always been very passionate about basketball, however, after those two injuries, he has learned to enjoy playing the game even more than before. 

"I appreciate everything more. I mean, unfortunately, in the last few years, I had a lot of injuries. I'm always back pretty good and pretty quick, as fast as possible," he said. "So it's also changed a bit my perspective about basketball. And, you know, I have a few years left, and I want to enjoy it as much as possible."

Conversation with Joffrey Lauvergne, ASVEL

### Partizan changed his life

Just a few months removed from his 21st birthday, Lauvergne made an unusual move for a rising star from France when he joined Partizan Belgrade in December 2012. There his career received the boost it needed and Lauvergne made bonds for life when he was named the first foreign-born captain in club history. 

The 2024 calendar year started with a treat for Lauverge as he had the chance to face Partizan in Belgrade for the first time since leaving the club almost a decade earlier. The  2013-14 EuroLeague campaign, when he was coached by Dusko Vujosevic, was Lauvergne's breakout. He played alongside the likes of Leo Westermann, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Nikola Milutinov and Davis Bertans. Lauvergne was that season's EuroLeague leading rebounder with 8.6 per game while also averaging 11.1 points in 24 games. He ranked 10th in PIR (15.4). 

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">7️⃣©️!<a href=https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKPartizan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>#KKPartizan</a> <a href=https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>#EuroLeague</a> <a href=https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>@EuroLeague</a> <a href=https://twitter.com/KPJunior_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>@KPJunior_</a> <a href=https://twitter.com/1JOLOLO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>@1JOLOLO</a> <a href=https://t.co/sk0fACrO0N>pic.twitter.com/sk0fACrO0N</a></p>&mdash; KK Partizan Mozzart Bet (@PartizanBC) <a href=https://twitter.com/PartizanBC/status/1742278364365279446?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>January 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src=https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js charset="utf-8"></script>

"I was there two years, and basically, I arrived and it was an opportunity. An opportunity to be somewhere where I will be able to practice, to improve and to play if I deserve it. And I worked my ass off, but I was playing like 38 minutes a game. I became the first foreign captain ever. And at the end of the first season, I was with the national team. And at the end of the second season, I was in the NBA," he said.  "So I'm really thankful about the opportunity they gave me and I realized then in many other options of where I will have played, it would have taken much more time to arrive at the same position. So I feel like in two years, I did 10."

As a symbol of his appreciation for the club, Lauvergne has a giant Partizan tattoo on his left arm. "I have quite a lot of tattoos and all of them mean something to me. And Partizan definitely means something that changed my life and the life of my family. So I felt like it was the right place to put the logo."

A young veteran at age 32, Lauvergne is on pace to set career highs in several statistical categories this season and to keep climbing the all-time EuroLeague charts in a few others. And now healthy, he should have many years ahead of him to keep enjoying basketball and to appreciate it even more with every game he plays.

Lauvergne is back at it again, averaging 13.0 points, 5.9 rebounds and a PIR of 13.9, taking part all of his team's games until now.

2023-24 EuroLeague highlights: Joffrey Lauvergne, ASVEL

After losing twice on the road in the latest double-round week, Olympiacos (11-10) will be hoping for home comforts as it welcomes unpredictable Maccabi (12-9) in a crucial battle for playoffs qualification.

Olympiacos looks to leap-frog visiting Maccabi

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/olympiacos-piraeus-maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/E2023/194/#roster) | [Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs22-game-facts-oly-tel/) | [Notes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs22-game-notes-oly-tel/) | [Quotes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs22-prequotes-oly-tel/) |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/tv-listings-el/) | [Fantasy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fantasy-challenge-tips-round-22/)

With head-to-head advantage very much at stake, the Reds will take inspiration from its 74-79 road win over Maccabi in November, helped by the versatility of [Thomas Walkup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/thomas-walkup/008855/) with 13 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists, but will be without [injured center Moustapha Fall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/olympiacoss-fall-to-miss-three-weeks-with-knee-injury/). Walkup's defense restricted [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/lorenzo-brown/009622/) to just 2 field goals on 13 attempts in that game, so Maccabi's backcourt leader will be looking to bounce back after suffering a similarly tough night in Friday's collapse against Partizan.

[Olympiacos Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/statistics/oly/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases) | [Maccabi Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/statistics/tel/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases)

Alec Peters vs. Bonzie Colson: Two of the most consistent power forwards in the competition will clash on Thursday.

After beginning its temporary Belgrade residency with a hard-fought victory over Bayern, Maccabi seek to climb into the top-six with a visit from Olympiacos, which has suffered two straight losses and harbour issues in attack, averaging just 76.1 points - the third-worst in the competition.

Last Game: 2023-24, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs. Olympiacos Piraeus - Round 8

After losing twice on the road in the latest double-round week, Olympiacos Piraeus (11-10) will be hoping for home comforts as it welcomes unpredictable Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (12-9) in a crucial battle for playoffs qualification.

Two teams aiming to bounce straight back from bad losses meet with Virtus Segafredo Bologna hosting (14-7) last-place LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (4-17).

Virtus aims for 10th straight home win vs. ASVEL

[Rosters](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/virtus-segafredo-bologna-ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne/E2023/192/#roster) | [Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs22-game-facts-vir-asv/) | [Notes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs22-game-notes-vir-asv/) | [Quotes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs22-prequotes-vir-asv/) |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/tv-listings-el/) | [Fantasy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fantasy-challenge-tips-round-22/)

The Italian team has won nine in a row at home, and also prevailed in a Round 5 thriller at ASVEL, 84-87, thanks to 20 points with just one miss from [Isaia Cordinier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaia-cordinier/009549/). He and veteran [Daniel Hackett](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/daniel-hackett/001844/) will look to give more control to an offense that committed 18 turnovers in Friday's 24-point loss at Efes, while ASVEL hopes for a big improvement in long-range shooting after only making 2 triples in last week's blowout home loss to ALBA.

[Virtus Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/virtus-segafredo-bologna/statistics/vir/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases) | [ASVEL Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne/statistics/asv/?season=2023-24&phase=All%20phases)