Most basketball experts point at Olympiacos Piraeus power forward Sasha Vezenkov when it comes to the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague MVP race. In Round 29, Vezenkov provided even more reasons to consider his case. 

Sasha Vezenkov took a huge step in MVP race

Most experts already considered Olympiacos Piraeus power forward Sasha Vezenkov to be the favorite in the race for the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague MVP. In Round 29, Vezenkov provided even more reasons to consider his case. On the road at Zalgiris Kaunas, Vezenkov put together another rock-solid performance as he led Olympiacos to a 72-74 victory. 

In a game in which his Reds trailed for stretches, Vezenkov helped Olympiacos rally to win and become the first team to clinch a playoff berth this season. He put the finishing touches on the victory when he buried a contested baseline jumper with 6.7 seconds remaining.

Vezenkov finished the game with 25 points, shooting 9-of-9 on two-pointers, 2-of-7 on three-pointers and making his lone free-throw attempt. He also added 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 3 fouls drawn for a PIR of 32. Thursday night's fixture at Zalgirio Arena also saw the Bulgaria international pass the 2,000-point mark in his EuroLeague career. This was not Vezenkov's first big game against Zalgiris this season. Back in Round 2, the 27-year-old led Olympiacos to a 90-80 win with 23 points, 14 rebounds and a PIR of 37.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">2.000 🆙 for Sasha Vezenkov! <br><br>Needed 19 points tonight for achieving a new milestone in his EuroLeague career and got 25🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EveryGameMatters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EveryGameMatters</a> <a href="https://t.co/2thUcBFwg2">pic.twitter.com/2thUcBFwg2</a></p>&mdash; Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1636463721923878927?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Aside from hitting the game-winning shot, Vezenkov was there every time his team needed him. When Zalgiris took a 41-40 lead right after the break, Vezenkov took over with a backdoor basket, a three-pointer and a layup-plus-foul, as he single-handedly restored a 42-48 Olympiacos edge. By the time he buried a buzzer-beating jumper, Olympiacos led 49-61 at the end of the third quarter and, when it was time to win the game, Vezenkov delivered again.

"\[On the last offense\] I felt good. I felt confident as soon as the guys trusted me and the coaches gave me ball. I always think positive, so I was thinking I would make it," Vezenkov said. He did, however, admit to some doubts when the ball left his fingers: "At the beginning, I saw the ball a little bit short but, in the end, everything went well."

Sasha Vezenkov (25 points) highlights vs. Zalgiris Kaunas, 03/16/2023

Vezenkov leads Olympiacos to a big road win

When it comes to the EuroLeague MVP race, Vezenkov has plenty of arguments in his favor. After all, he has already been named the EuroLeague MVP of the Month twice this season.

Vezenkov leads the EuroLeague in the three most acclaimed statistical categories. He is the top scorer of the competition (18.2 ppg.), in addition to ranking first for rebounds (7.2 ppg.) and being the runaway leader in PIR (22.9). In fact, he has become the youngest player to reach a PIR of 2,500, thanks in large part to his performances this season. His outstanding shooting percentages (65.5% 2FG, 42.5% 3FG, 85.5% FT) have helped Olympiacos boast the highest assist average in EuroLeague history (22.0 apg.), too.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🇧🇬 Sasha Vezenkov became the youngest player to reach 2,500 total PIR in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroLeague</a>:<br><br>🇧🇬 Sasha Vezenkov 27 yrs 222 days👈<br>🇷🇸 Vasilije Micic 28 yrs 70 days<br>🇨🇿 Jan Vesely 28 yrs 268 days<br>🇺🇸 Shane Larkin 29 yrs 75 days<br>🇪🇸 Sergio Llull 29 yrs 157 days</p>&mdash; Darius Garuolis (@DariusGaruolis) <a href="https://twitter.com/DariusGaruolis/status/1636458148687912970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Most importantly, Olympiacos was the first team to qualify for the playoffs and tops the standings with a 21-8 record. With his team in first place and Vezenkov leading the competition in points, rebounds and PIR, it is safe to say that he has a leg up on the competition challenging for the MVP trophy.

Sasha Vezenkov took a huge step in MVP race with game-winner in Kaunas

Zalgiris Kaunas v Olympiacos Piraeus (2023-03-16T18:00:00.000Z)

Marco Belinelli of Virtus takes the ball away from Monaco's Alpha Diallo

Josh Nebo of Maccabi dunks against Baskonia in Tel Aviv

Shaquielle McKissic of Olympiacos drives past Zalgiris's Edgaras Ulanovas

Partizan's Zach LeDay rises to dunk in Istanbul against Anadolu Efes

Dzanan Musa of Real Madrid drives past Milan's Stefano Tonut

Nikola Mirotic of Barcelona and Ben Bentil of Crvena Zvezda fight for the ball

ASVEL's Dee Bost dribbles past Paris Lee of Panathinaikos 

ALBA's Yanni Wetzell dunks in front of Vladimir Lucic of Bayern

Nigel Hayes-Davis of Fenerbahce keeps the ball away from Valencia's Victor Claver

Walter Tavares of Real Madrid dunks against Milan

Look back at all the action from Round 29 of the regular season by checking out the best photos of the week!

The Top 10 photos of the week, Round 29

### Fall became a creator for Olympiacos

Olympiacos Piraeus became the first team to punch a playoff ticket with its dramatic [72-74](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2022-23/zalgiris-kaunas-olympiacos-piraeus/E2022/255/) win over Zalgiris Kaunas in at sold-out Zalgirio Arena, home of this season's Final Four. In the absence of starting point guard Kostas Sloukas, the Reds playmaking came from an unlikely source – center [Moustapha Fall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/moustapha-fall/008811/). The big man, who previously never had more than 5 assists in a single game, dished out 7 on Thursday in Kaunas, tied for a team high. Fall also had 6 points, 4 rebounds and a block, but it was him putting his teammates in position to score that was one of the key contributions to the playoff-clinching Olympiacos victory.

Fall became a creator for Olympiacos

### Nebo protected Menora Mivtachim Arena

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv came from behind to register a pivotal [93-79](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2022-23/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv-cazoo-baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/E2022/256/) win over Cazoo Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz on Thursday, and big man [Josh Nebo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/josh-nebo/011199/) had a whole lot to do with that success. Nebo set a new career high with 14 rebounds, including his joint career-best 6 on the offensive glass. His total rebounds tied Bonzie Colson, who pulled 14 in Round 19, for Maccabi's best mark this season. Nebo's 6 takes off the offensive glass were the most by a Maccabi player in more than three years. Nebo also scored 15 points in 28 minutes on the floor, coming up with a monster double-double for a key victory in the midst of the playoff race.

Nebo protected Menora Mivtachim Arena

### Hermannsson's impactful return

It was an emotional night at La Fonteta, not only for the way Valencia Basket pulled out an [82-80](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2022-23/valencia-basket-fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/E2022/261/) win on a last-second tip-in, but also due to the return of fan favorite [Martin Hermannsson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/martin-hermannsson/008780/), who had been missing in action since last May due to a torn ACL. And Hermannsson wasted no time to leave his mark. Playing just 6 minutes was enough for Valencia guard to score 7 points, making 3 of 4 shots from the field, and dish 1 assist. All of that came late in the third and early in the fourth quarter. His +10 in the plus/minus column was the highest of any player in the game. A great and timely return by Hermannsson helped Valencia stay firmly in the playoff race.

Hermannsson's impactful return

### Calathes reaches major steals milestone

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul point guard [Nick Calathes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nick-calathes/001932/) did not have his best game in Valencia, scoring just 2 points, along with 4 rebounds and 4 assists in a dramatic loss. What Calathes also had in this game was 1 steal, which put him at exactly 400 for his career. Calathes joined his former teammate Dimitris Diamantidis, a six-time EuroLeague best defender, as the only two men in competition history to pick up at least 400 steals in their careers. With 35 more, Calathes will catch Diamantidis for first place all-time.

### Scoreless Rudy made his presence felt

[Rudy Fernandez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rudy-fernandez/bmt/) did not score a single point in Real Madrid's [91-87](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2022-23/real-madrid-ea7-emporio-armani-milan/E2022/257/) win over EA7 Emporio Armani Milan. Rudy also had to leave the court early in the fourth quarter with a cut under his eye and remained sidelined the rest of the game. But the veteran swingman still had a resoundingly positive impact for his team, showcased in his game-high +16 in a plus/minus column. In his 16 minutes on the floor, Rudy grabbed 4 rebounds, dished 2 assists and picked up 2 steals, which moved him past Theo Papaloukas into the third place on the all-time list. He now had 336 steals for his career, right behind Calathes.

Scoreless Rudy made his presence felt

### Veteran Nunnally keyed big Partizan comeback

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade escaped Sinan Erdem Dome with a resounding [84-97](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2022-23/anadolu-efes-istanbul-partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/E2022/253/#boxscore) win over two-time defending champion Anadolu Efes Istanbul despite trailing by 17 points in the first quarter. One of the most effective players in that big comeback was [James Nunnally](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/james-nunnally/007400/). The veteran swingman used his own championship-winning experience, as well as his hot hand, first to get Partizan out of that big hole, and then to play a key part in team's 0-16 fourth-quarter run that broke the game wide open. Nunnally finished with 16 points on 4-for-6 three-point shooting and also pulled down 4 rebounds.

Veteran Nunnally keyed big Partizan comeback

Roll call: Steals milestones for Nick Calathes, Rudy Fernandez

Valencia Basket was starting to be written off in the fight for the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs, but the Spanish side rose to the challenge and silenced some doubters in Round 29 with an 82-80 victory against Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul at La Fonteta. In short, Valencia's playoff dreams are still alive. 

Valencia lives to fight another day 

Valencia Basket was starting to be written off in the fight for the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs, but the Spanish side rose to the challenge and silenced some doubters in Round 29 with an 82-80 victory against Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul at La Fonteta. In short, Valencia's playoff dreams are still alive.

Valencia entered Thursday night's game in 12th place, having lost its last four games and also dropped its last three contests at La Fonteta. Yet, following its win, Alex Mumbru’s team now sits 10th in the standings with a 14-15 record, just one victory behind eighth-place Cazoo Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz and ninth-place Zalgiris Kaunas, both of whom are 15-14.

“We are happy to stay in the race for the playoffs. It was an important game for us, not only for our mentality, but it’s good to see ourselves in the race to get to the playoffs,” said Coach Mumbru afterward.

Valencia’s long-time center Bojan Dubljevic added: “It’s an important victory for us, especially in the fight for the top eight. I’m really proud of my team, because we fought amazingly against one of the best teams in the EuroLeague.”

Four consecutive defeats has left Valencia on the brink of a premature exit from European competition. They strive to reignite their crusade at the expense of in-form Fenerbahçe, who may have to cope without the versatility of the injured Dyshawn Pierre for the remainder of the regular season.

Valencia Basket vs Fenerbahçe Beko Istanbul - Round 29 - Highlights

In terms of possible tiebreakers with Baskonia and Zalgiris, the former won both games against Valencia while the latter prevailed 76-80 at La Fonteta in Round 10. In Round 32, the two teams face off in Lithuania.

That game at Zalgiris is also one of four road games for Valencia in the final five regular-season fixtures. The Spanish side has dropped it last two games on the road for a 6-7 mark away from home, and it is keeping its feet on the ground, despite the jubulent scenes at the final buzzer on Thursday night.

"We have no time to celebrate. We are still alive. We will fight until the end,” Dubljevic stated.

The win also saw another big game from Jared Harper, who scored 15 points for the third time in the last four games. The EuroLeague rookie is really coming into his own down the stretch.

“I’m just trying to create a rhythm and do the things that I do well and do whatever it takes to help my team win,” noted Harper, who also scored a career-high 20 points in Rounds 21 and 23.

Not to be overlooked in the win was also the season debut of Martin Hermannsson, who scored 7 points and dished 1 assist in fewer than six minutes on the court. The Icelander's experience from the guard spot could come in handy on the road in the final few games.

For now, though, Valencia lives to fight another day.

Valencia lives to fight another day

Valencia Basket v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2023-03-16T19:30:00.000Z)

A dominant display in Real Madrid's 91-87 win against EA7 Emporio Armani Milan has seen [Dzanan Musa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dzanan-musa/006540/) earn MVP of the Round honors in Round 29 of the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season. This is the 23-year-old's third MVP award in his debut campaign with Los Blancos.

Musa finished with a career-high 38 PIR, the highest of any Real player in almost five years, after scoring 27 points, grabbing 5 rebounds, dishing 3 assists, recording 1 steal and drawing 10 fouls. En route to his 27 points, he went 4-of-5 on two-pointers, 2-of-5 on three-pointers and 13-of-14 from the free-throw line. The 13 free throws made by Musa ranks second in the league this season. Musa's 27 points is his second-highest total in 2022-23, having scored a career-high 28 points in Round 9 against Valencia Basket.

[Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/) of Olympiacos Piraeus had a PIR of 32, the second highest in Round 29, in his team's 72-74 win at Zalgiris Kaunas. The forward recorded 25 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 3 fouls drawn. Coming in third place in the Round 29 MVP race is Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv guard [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/wade-baldwin-iv/009863/), who had a 31 PIR as his side beat Cazoo Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz 93-79. Baldwin amassed 24 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal and 6 fouls drawn. [Youssoupha Fall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/youssoupha-fall/006568/) of LCLC ASVEL Villeurbanne had the fourth-best PIR mark with 28, but his squad ended up losing 82-86 to Panathinaikos Athens. The center finished with a 13-point, 12-rebound double-double, in addition to 1 steal, 1 block and 7 fouls drawn. Rounding out the top five is [Elie Okobo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/elie-okobo/011212/) of AS Monaco, as the guard had 21 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 1 block and 7 fouls drawn on his way to a PIR of 27 in his team's 81-68 win against Virtus Segafredo Bologna.

A dominant display in Real Madrid's 91-87 win against EA7 Emporio Armani Milan has seen Dzanan Musa earn MVP of the Round honors in Round 29 of the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season. This is the 23-year-old's third MVP award in his debut campaign with Los Blancos.

Dzanan Musa | Round 29 MVP | 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Round 29 MVP: Dzanan Musa, Real Madrid

The Round 29 MVP, [Dzanan Musa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dzanan-musa/006540/) of Real Madrid, led all scorers with 27 points against Milan. Olympiacos Piraeus star [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/) is the competition's top scorer at 18.2 points per game.

[Josh Nebo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/josh-nebo/011199/) of Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv grabbed 14 rebounds as his side beat Baskonia. Vezenkov averages a league-best 7.3 boards per night. 

Five players – [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/wade-baldwin-iv/009863/) of Maccabi, [Shabazz Napier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shabazz-napier/011224/) of EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, [Milos Teodosic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/milos-teodosic/jdr/) of Virtus Segafredo Bologna, [Cassius Winston](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/cassius-winston/011940/) of FC Bayern Munich and [Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rokas-jokubaitis/007519/) of FC Barcelona – recorded 8 assists in Round 29. Cazoo Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz playmaker [Darius Thompson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/darius-thompson/011078/) leads the way for assists this season, averaging 6.5 per contest.

A couple of players had a round-high 4 steals in Round 29: [James Webb](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/james-webb-iii/011971/) of Valencia Basket and [Daulton Hommes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/daulton-hommes/011949/) of Baskonia. Olympiacos guard [Thomas Walkup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/thomas-walkup/008855/) posts a league-best average of 1.8 steals per game.

There were eight players – [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/) of Real, [Elijah Bryant](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/elijah-bryant/009846/) of Anadolu Efes Istanbul, [Nigel Hayes-Davis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nigel-hayes-davis/008962/) of Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, [Matthew Costello](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/matthew-costello/010444/) of Baskonia, [Alen Smailagic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/alen-smailagic/011051/) of Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade, [Jonah Radebaugh](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jonah-radebaugh/011972/) of Valencia, [Achille Polonara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/achille-polonara/002084/) of Zalgiris Kaunas and [Louis Olinde ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/louis-olinde/006919/)of ALBA Berlin – who blocked 2 shots, the most in this round. Tavares comfortably leads the way for blocks this year, averaging 2.3 per night. 

Nebo (15 points, 14 rebounds) of Maccabi and [Youssoupha Fall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/youssoupha-fall/006568/) (13 points, 12 rebounds) of LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne were the only players who registered a double-double in Round 29.

Round 29 individual highs: Josh Nebo, Maccabi, 14 rebounds

Turkish Airlines EuroLeague fans, we have our 29th winner in the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge, powered by Ardu Prime! Moulin Rouge beat everyone else in Round 29 as his team Moulin rouge! had a whopping Fantasy Challenge score of 259.1.

 

Moulin Rouge used the following lineup: Sasha Vezenkov (team captain) of Olympiacos Piraeus, Darius Thompson of Cazoo Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz, Wade Baldwin of Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, Nikola Mirotic of FC Barcelona and Youssoupha Fall of LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, all as starters. Dzanan Musa of Real Madrid was his sixth man.

 

The bench featured Jordan Mickey of Virtus Segafredo Bologna, Louis Olinde of ALBA Berlin, Rokas Jokubaitis of FC Barcelona and Bugrahan Tuncer of Anadolu Efes Istanbul. His coach was Sasa Obradovic of AS Monaco.

 

The prize for finishing first in Round 29 is a free subscription to Euroleague TV for the 2023-24 season!

 

Christos Anatolitis is the new leader atop the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge overall standings. Christos leads everyone else with a score of 4,947.75 fantasy points.

 

Trades are now open for Round 30. Remember, three trades are allowed before each round until the end of the regular season, and you can also trade your head coach.

 

The first game in Round 30 is Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade vs. Cazoo Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz, scheduled on Thursday, March 23 at 19:00 CET, making that the next round's deadline for trades.

 

Try to improve your teams and challenge for more prizes at the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge, powered by Ardu Prime!

EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge: Round 29 winner!

ALBA Berlin exited the Audi Dome with a thrilling 75-76 win over Bayern Munich, which left plenty of smiles on the visiting team's faces. When the dust was settled, Maodo Lo was deservedly named as the player of the game.

Maodo Lo finished what he started to push ALBA past Bayern

ALBA Berlin exited the Audi Dome with a thrilling 75-76 win over Bayern Munich, which left plenty of smiles on the visiting team's faces. When the dust was settled, Maodo Lo was deservedly named as the player of the game.

The visitors were down by 1 point, 75-74, with just 6 seconds to play, but a terrific play by Lo, who got rid of his defender to drive and provide the assist to Yanni Wetzell for the winning slam, sealed the outcome in the closing moments.

“I think \[Nick Weiler-Babb\] is our best defender, and he was on him,” revealed Bayern head coach Andrea Trinchieri in the post-game press conference. “I believe Nick didn’t have a clear idea of what \[time was left on\] the shot clock and he went to him to avoid a three-point shot, and Maodo \[Lo\] made a great play”.

Maodo Lo had 16 points and the game-winning assists to lead ALBA Berlin past FC Bayern Munich.

Lo leads ALBA in the German derby

Lo’s assist was the cherry on the cake for him, as he finished as the game's top scorer with 16 points. But, his impact on the contest first came in the first quarter, as he gave ALBA the confidence it needed to beat Bayern for the first time in the EuroLeague.

The 30-year-old's first bucket came early in the game as he tied it at 4-4, then he scored the next 8 ALBA points to help his team grab a 14-20 lead that lasted for more than 20 minutes. Lo clearly set the tone for his teammates for the rest of the game.

“After every EuroLeague win, we are happy, we are relieved,” Lo confessed afterward. “It was a tough game against Munich, like it always is. All the games we had against them finished with a very low margin \[of victory for either team\]. Today, it was just 1-point difference. I’m very relieved that we won."

Game Videos

Game News

FC Bayern Munich v ALBA Berlin (2023-03-17T19:30:00.000Z)

The Round 29 game between FC Barcelona and Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade went down to the final two minutes. Barca needed a go-to guy, and Rokas Jokubaitis stepped up to make sure that his team cruised to its 19th victory.

Rokas Jokubaitis rescued Barcelona in crunch time

The Round 29 game between FC Barcelona and Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade went down to the final two minutes. Barca needed a go-to guy, and Rokas Jokubaitis stepped up to make sure that his team cruised to its 19th victory.

Barca led 73-64 midway through the fourth quarter and, just when it seemed as though it was on its way to victory, Zvezda came back. Facu Campazzo began to cause plenty of headaches for the hosts, as he brought the guests as close as 75-73 with under three minutes left. 

But, then Jokubaitis appeared with three crucial plays: a wild layup-plus-foul, a jumper from the elbow and an assist, finding Nikola Kalinic for a three-pointer that sealed the deal, 83-76, with 50.9 seconds remaining.

Rokas Jokubaitis (8 points) Highlights vs. Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade, 03/17/2023

Jokubaitis steps up for Barca

Jokubaitis's late heroics capped off one of his best games this season, finishing the contest with 8 points, 8 assists, just 1 turnover and a PIR of 12. Remember, the 22-year-old, who was chosen as the EuroLeague Rising Star last season, is eligible to win the award again. Barca coach Sarunas Jasikevicius gave Jokubaitis a lot of credit after the game, too: "He took these last two decisions and did really well. We found a situation in which he could do some damage. In the end, I believe he was solid all game long and these two possessions allowed us to get out of here with a victory."

FC Barcelona v Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (2023-03-17T19:30:00.000Z)