It’s quite the storyline for this season’s EuroLeague that the 2024-25 MVP marathon has now evolved more or less into a race between two prominent representatives of Greece’s two archrival clubs and perennial powerhouses in the competition.

2024-25 EuroLeague MVP Ladder by Eurohoops Vol. 3

It’s quite the storyline for this season’s Turkish Airlines EuroLeague that the 2024-25 MVP marathon has now evolved more or less into a race between two prominent representatives of Greece’s two archrival clubs and perennial powerhouses in the competition.

[Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/) versus [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/); Kendrick Nunn versus Sasha Vezenkov. While [Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/pan/), the reigning champion, and [Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/oly/) are competing to go all the way and lift the trophy, these two fantastic players are also clashing in their own way for the now regular season MVP award.

You will find [Paris Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/paris-basketball/prs/) guard [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tj-shorts/012608/) a couple of spots lower than in the previous MVP Ladder mainly due to his team losing some of its spark. [Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/ulk/) forward [Nigel Hayes-Davis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nigel-hayes-davis/008962/) and [EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/ea7-emporio-armani-milan/mil/) forward [Nikola Mirotic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikola-mirotic/000796/) retain their place while [FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-bayern-munich/mun/) scorer [Carsen Edwards](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/carsen-edwards/011987/) was cut due to a combination of inconsistent games and an extra number of losses for the Bavarian side.

A reminder that individual numbers, their team’s record, leadership on the floor and overall impact on results all play a part in composing the MVP Ladder.

Read more [HERE](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/trademarks/1774345/2024-25-euroleague-mvp-ladder-by-eurohoops-vol-3/).

There is a new overall leader – someone who was not even on the last MVP Ladder

EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge guru Javier Gancedo shares some tips ahead of Round 23.

EuroLeague Fantasy tips, Round 23: It's time to rebuild

Round 23 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season is a very special one in the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge. Unlimited trades are allowed this week, so it is a unique opportunity to rebuild your roster and make a final push in both the overall table and your favorite private leagues. 

Every team needs a superstar or two. But when it comes to filling out your rosters, here are some players I'd suggest to help you alongside those fantasy stars.

Rokas Jokubaitis, Leandro Bolmaro, Rokas Jokubaitis, Filip Petrusev and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot are featured in this week's article.

EuroLeague Fantasy tips: Round 23

### Rokas Jokubaitis, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (12.4 credits)

Maccabi may be on a losing streak at the moment but [Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rokas-jokubaitis/007519/) is definitely trying to end it. In the last two games, [Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/rokas-jokubaitis/007519/) averaged 18.0 points by making 11-of-14 two-pointers and 8-of-9 free throws, 5.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists for a PIR of 24.5. He has become Maccabi's floor general and should keep leading his team in the foreseeable future.

### Filip Petrusev, Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (11.7 credits)

We have seen [Filip Petrusev](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/filip-petrusev/011194/)'s best form lately, getting a PIR of 14 or better in each of the last three games. In Round 22, Petrusev had 29 points on near-perfect shooting plus 6 rebounds and 5 fouls drawn for a PIR of 32. Zvezda plays against high-scoring Maccabi in Belgrade and it looks like a perfect opportunity for Petrusev to keep shining.

<center>
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### Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (8.1 credits)

I hear you, [Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/timothe-luwawu-cabarrot/012080/) has been up and down all season, mixing great individual performances with some not-so-good games. He has been truly outstanding in the last two games, averaging 22.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists for a PIR of 23.5. For just 8.1 credits, Luwawu-Cabarrot is worth the gamble against high-scoring Real.

### Leandro Bolmaro, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (10.0 credits)

It took him a while, but [Leandro Bolmaro](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/leandro-bolmaro/008985/) has finally found his rhythm and is helping Milan in many aspects of the game. Over the last three games, Bolmaro has been just unstoppable, averaging 13.0 points and 4.7 assists for a PIR of 18.7. He has been seeing more playing time and getting the most out of it, becoming a key player in coach Ettore Messina's rotation.

### Dario Brizuela, FC Barcelona (6.4 credits)

Barcelona is on a four-game winning streak and [Dario Brizuela](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/dario-brizuela/009992/) has a lot to do with it. He scored a career-high 27 points in round 20 against Monaco and also scored in double digits against Panathinaikos and Efes last week. Over the last three games, Brizuela made 8 of 11 two-pointers and 11 of 19 three-pointers. A confident shooter for 6.4 credits? Bring him in!

More EuroLeague Fantasy News

EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge guru Javier Gancedo shares some tips ahead of Round 23

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv v Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (2025-01-23T19:05:00.000Z)

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne v FC Barcelona (2025-01-24T19:00:00.000Z)

Real Madrid v Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (2025-01-23T19:45:00.000Z)

Anadolu Efes Istanbul v EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (2025-01-23T17:30:00.000Z)

The drama continues with Round 23 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague concluding with a heavyweight matchup at the top of the standings. Here’s your guide to this week’s games.

Round 23 at a glance: A top-of-the-table clash awaits

## Wednesday, January 22

### [Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade vs. Paris Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade-paris-basketball/E2024/207/)

The action starts early with a Wednesday meeting between in-form playoffs chasers Partizan (11-11) and Paris (13-8). Both teams are coming off perfect double-round weeks with Partizan led to a couple of emphatic road wins by the scoring power of [Sterling Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sterling-brown/012720/), who has averaged 21.5 points over the last five games. Paris’s return to winning ways was underlined by another dominant display from star guard [T.J. Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tj-shorts/012608/) in Friday’s destruction of Maccabi when he paired 11 points with a season-high 14 assists. With head-to-head tiebreak advantage very much in play, the Serbian team needs to take a 4-point victory following [Paris’s 74-71 home win](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/paris-keeps-rolling-with-gritty-74-71-home-win-over-partizan/) in Round 8. [Nadir Hifi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nadir-hifi/012640/) netted 17 points that night and will be a big factor again on Wednesday, having netted multiple triples in 14 consecutive games.

Round 23 Head-to-Head: Brown vs. Ward

## Thursday, January 23

### [Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/anadolu-efes-istanbul-ea7-emporio-armani-milan/E2024/199/)

Efes (10-12) will seek to end a five-game losing slide by overcoming a Milan team (12-10) also looking to recover winning ways. Luca Banchi’s men need to show much stiffer defensive resistance after allowing an average of 87.6 points over the last five games, while the offense would be boosted if [Rodrigue Beaubois](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/rodrigue-beaubois/006590/) can return to form; the veteran shooter has averaged just 2.2 points during the losing run. Milan suffered a 20-point demolition at home by Partizan last time out, not helped by key man [Shavon Shields](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shavon-shields/007831/) committing 6 turnovers, and also has revenge on the agenda after [losing 84-96](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/efes-piles-more-misery-on-milan-with-84-96-road-win/) at home to Efes in November. [Darius Thompson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/darius-thompson/011078/) orchestrated that triumph with 17 points and 7 assists and Milan will look to slow him down on Thursday.

 

### [Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv-crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/E2024/203/)

Zvezda (13-9) will attempt to maintain its push for the playoffs against a Maccabi team (5-17) which is fast fading from contention. The Serbian team is riding the feelgood factor of [Friday’s overtime triumph over Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/crvena-zvezda-forces-monaco-into-submission-in-overtime-88-82/), when young forward [Filip Petrusev](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/filip-petrusev/011194/) continued his outstanding season with 29 points on 10-of-11 shooting from the field. Zvezda will also be encouraged by its defensive performance after holding Monaco to 76 points in regulation and will look to inflict more pain on a Maccabi team that has lost four in a row. Oded Kattash’s team can rely on the consistent backcourt skills of [Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/rokas-jokubaitis/007519/) (12.2 points and 5.2 assists per night), but must improve a defense which has allowed 90.6 points per game, second-most in the league.

 

### [Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens vs. Zalgiris Kaunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/panathinaikos-aktor-athens-zalgiris-kaunas/E2024/200/)

An all-green battle between two teams eager to bounce back will see joint-third Panathinaikos (13-9) host a Zalgiris team (11-11) just outside the playoff zone. The Lithuanian team is coming off [a defeat at Fenerbahce](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/hayes-davis-biberovic-lead-fenerbahce-turnaround-against-zalgiris-98-86/) where 24 points from [Alen Smailagic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/alen-smailagic/011051/) – including a club record quarter total of 19 in the second frame alone – was not enough to secure a prestigious road win. Most importantly, Zalgiris lost its usual defensive toughness as Fenerbahce scored 64 points in the second half and the visitor faces the tough task of offering more resistance against a hungry Panathinaikos. The reigning champ lost twice in Spain last week, [at Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/parker-leads-barcelona-past-the-greens-82-73/) and [Baskonia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/baskonia-holds-off-panathinaikos-91-77/), and will look to control the paint through in-form [Omer Yurtseven](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/omer-yurtseven/005353/) who has recorded at least 11 points and 7 rebounds in four consecutive games.

Round 23 Head-to-Head: Grant vs. Francisco

### [Virtus Segafredo Bologna vs. AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/virtus-segafredo-bologna-as-monaco/E2024/201/)

After damaging Bayern’s playoff push last time out, Virtus (7-15) will now look to do the same against struggling Monaco (13-9). The Roca Team has lost three in a row after [Friday’s overtime loss at Zvezda](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/crvena-zvezda-forces-monaco-into-submission-in-overtime-88-82/), where big man [Donatas Motiejunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/donatas-motiejunas/lcz/) delivered a season-high 16 points but didn’t receive enough support. [Virtus’s win in Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/toko-shengelia-stars-as-virtus-stuns-bayern-at-sap-garden-72-82/) was powered by 20 points on 7-of-11 two-point shooting from veteran leader [Toko Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/), who will relish his battle for inside dominance with Motiejunas. [Monaco cruised to victory, 101-85](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/monaco-makes-light-work-of-virtus-101-85/), in this season’s first meeting between the teams, led by 20 points and 6 assists from [Elie Okobo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/elie-okobo/011212/) – who will be targeting a return to form after shooting just 1-of-8 from the field last time out.

### [Real Madrid vs. Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/real-madrid-baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/E2024/202/)

An all-Spanish affair will see Real Madrid (12-10) attempt to kickstart another winning run with a visit from former coach Pablo Laso’s Baskonia (9-13). Real needs to recover its efficiency and its discipline after a bad-tempered [home loss to Olympiacos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-dominates-real-in-statement-making-win-86-96/) last time out and [Facundo Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) – who could be joined in the backcourt by new signing [Dennis Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/real-madrid-baloncesto-signs-ex-nba-guard-dennis-smith-jr/) – will look to return to his usual form after being held to 7 points and 4 assists in that game. Baskonia boosted both its confidence and its playoff chances by [downing Panathinaikos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/baskonia-holds-off-panathinaikos-91-77/) last time out, with [Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/timothe-luwawu-cabarrot/012080/) continuing his best form of the season with 20 points and 7 boards. [Markus Howard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/markus-howard/011948/) also returned from injury – albeit scoring just 1 point – and his shooting skills will be required to take a huge road victory.

Round 23 Head-to-Head: Hezonja vs. Moneke

## Friday, January 24

### [LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne vs. FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne-fc-barcelona/E2024/205/)

Inconsistent ASVEL (10-12) will attempt to narrow the gap to the top 10 by ending Barcelona’s (13-9) four-game winning streak. The Spanish team climbed to a share of third place by [downing Panathinaikos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/parker-leads-barcelona-past-the-greens-82-73/) and [Efes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcelona-stops-efes-for-fourth-straight-win-90-80/) at home last week, partly thanks to growing chemistry between bench-boosters [Juan Nunez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/juan-nunez/010106/) (11 points and 6 assists against Efes) and [Chimizie Metu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/chimezie-metu/013379/) (10 points and 6 rebounds last time out). Barca has also greatly improved its defense in recent weeks, and will look to stifle an ASVEL side that needed overtime [to overcome ALBA](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/asvel-survives-alba-96-89-in-overtime-thriller/) last time out. Former Barca sharpshooter [Edwin Jackson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/edwin-jackson/000229/) was key with 18 points on 4-of-5 three-point shooting. The visiting team leads the league in steals (7.7 per game), so ASVEL star [Theo Maledon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/theo-maledon/007027/)’s tendency to lose possession (3 turnovers per game) will be tested.

Round 23 Head-to-Head: De Colo vs. Satoransky

### [ALBA Berlin vs. FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/alba-berlin-fc-bayern-munich/E2024/204/)

The German derby will see last-placed ALBA (3-19) attempt to salvage pride with a visit from up-and-down Bayern (12-10). History suggests a victory for Bayern, which has won nine of the 10 EuroLeague matchups with ALBA and cruised home [115-88 in Round 10](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/bayern-puts-on-offensive-show-in-115-86-rout-of-alba/) behind a double-double from [Nick Weiler-Babb](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nick-weiler-babb/010391/) (12 points, 11 assists). Bayern’s leading scorer [Carsen Edwards](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/carsen-edwards/011987/) has been below par recently, making just 1 of his 8 three-pointers in last week’s home loss to Virtus, so he’ll seek a return to form against an ALBA defense that has allowed more points than any other team (92 per game). Bayern also has defensive struggles, allowing 88.2 points per night, so ALBA will look to take advantage through in-form shooter [Matt Thomas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/matt-thomas/008967/), who has drained 13 triples in the last four games.

### [Olympiacos Piraeus vs. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/olympiacos-piraeus-fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/E2024/206/)

First hosts second in a mouthwatering matchup in Piraeus as Olympiacos (16-6) and Fenerbahce (14-7) put their winning runs on the line. The Reds have taken seven straight following last week's Spanish triumphs at [Baskonia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-wins-overtime-thriller-at-baskonia-101-102/) and [Real](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-dominates-real-in-statement-making-win-86-96/), where [Evan Fournier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/evan-fournier/013380/) was unstoppable with 22 and 28 points on 13-of-16 three-pointers. Fenerbahce had to show character to come from behind and [beat Zalgiris at home ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/hayes-davis-biberovic-lead-fenerbahce-turnaround-against-zalgiris-98-86/)on Friday, inspired by proven leaders [Nigel Hayes-Davis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nigel-hayes-davis/008962/) (21 points) and [Marko Guduric](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/marko-guduric/004004/) (20) to make it four wins in a row. The Turkish team will hope for a repeat of the season-opening home win over the Reds, when the rebounding power of [Bonzie Colson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/bonzie-colson/009783/) (10 points, 9 rebounds) helped seal an 82-71 outcome. But Olympiacos big men [Moustapha Fall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/moustapha-fall/008811/) and [Nikola Milutinov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikola-milutinov/003941/) both missed that game, and their presence will make the Reds a different proposition this time around.

Round 23 Head-to-Head: Vezenkov vs. Hayes-Davis

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade v Paris Basketball (2025-01-22T19:30:00.000Z)

Olympiacos Piraeus v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2025-01-24T19:15:00.000Z)

ALBA Berlin v FC Bayern Munich (2025-01-24T19:00:00.000Z)

Virtus Segafredo Bologna v AS Monaco (2025-01-23T19:30:00.000Z)

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens v Zalgiris Kaunas (2025-01-23T19:15:00.000Z)

While the EuroLeague at large is embracing the three-point shot as much as ever, pull-up jump shooting remains the part of that equation that teams vary on the most. 

Stats review: Efficiency on pull-up jump shots

[Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/oly/) has risen a game and a half clear of the field in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague standings following the double-round week, but the Reds took a unique route to their road wins over Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz and Real Madrid. Averaging 11.8 points on pull-up jump shots per game coming into the week, the Greek club poured in 52 points on dribble jumpers alone over their pair of victories.

While the EuroLeague at large is embracing the three-point shot as much as ever, pull-up jump shooting remains the part of that equation that teams vary on the most. Whereas every team is working hard to create open looks in the corners, their pull-up shooting often gives an insight into their personnel, rules around shot selection, overall approach on the offensive end or, in the case of Olympiacos, how resilient they can be when the moment calls for it.

The table above ranks this season’s most efficient pull-up jump shooting teams, with some details about the volume of dribble jumpers they attempt and what percentage of those shots come from beyond the arc. 

Olympiacos has an interesting profile as it ranks among the least aggressive teams shooting off the dribble but attempts one of the highest percentages from beyond the arc – the Reds are not hesitant to rise and fire from the perimeter off the dribble, but they resist the urge in mid-range spots. Olympiacos attempts the second-fewest mid-range jumpers in the EuroLeague, and given they have made both 37% of their pull-up two-pointers and three-pointers, their shot selection lands them near the top of the list above.

Interestingly, the two other teams attempting the highest proportion of their pull-up jumpers from beyond the arc fall on different ends of the spectrum. While [FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-bayern-munich/mun/) leads the league in pull-up three-pointers attempted by a wide margin this season and makes them at a rate that certainly supports that approach, the team taking the highest volume of their pull-ups from beyond the arc ranks towards the bottom of the EuroLeague in efficiency shooting off the dribble – shot selection can only take teams so far at the moment.

The table above paints that picture vividly as the three teams tied for taking the most pull-up jumpers all appear, and while Bayern is not fond of the mid-range, [Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/tel/) and [Paris Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/paris-basketball/prs/) both embrace long twos. While Maccabi attempts nearly three times as many pull-up two-pointers per game than Olympiacos, at nearly 10 per game, they convert a serviceable 44% of them as their accuracy does justify that approach in many games.

[Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/pan/) is making a tremendous 49% of their mid-range jumpers, which has them knocking on the door for the league average in overall offensive efficiency with one of the game’s least efficient shots in recent seasons. Couple that with their 37% shooting on pull-up three-pointers, which trails only Bayern, Olympiacos, and [Zagiris Kaunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/zalgiris-kaunas/zal/), and their placement at the top of this list tracks with their all-around consistency.

Individually, Panathinaikos's [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/) has a lot to do with his team’s shooting efficiency, though [FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-barcelona/bar/)'s [Kevin Punter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kevin-punter/009862/) maintains a slight lead in points per game. Olympiacos's [Evan Fournier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/evan-fournier/013380/) sits third in points scored per game pulling up off the dribble, in part because he poured in 25 points on pull-up jumpers alone last week. 

Olympiacos's Evan Fournier netted 25 points on pull-up jumpers alone last week

EuroLeague top photos of the week

Look back at all the action from Round 21 and 22 of the regular season by checking out the best photos of the week!

Top 10 photos of the week: Rounds 21 and 22

A very impressive individual performance in a big road win has allowed Carlik Jones of Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade to earn Round 22 MVP honors with a career-high PIR of 37.

Round 22 MVP: Carlik Jones, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade

 A very impressive individual performance in a big road win has allowed [Carlik Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/carlik-jones/013369/) of Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade to earn Round 22 MVP honors with a career-high PIR of 37.

 

Jones led Partizan to a 70-90 road win over EA7 Emporio Armani Milan with 24 points – a joint personal best – on 9-of-11 two-pointers and 6-of-7 free throws, adding 3 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 steals and 6 fouls drawn for a PIR of 37, the highest in Round 22. He became the first Partizan player to earn MVP of the Round honors this season, and this is the 17th time a Partizan player has been MVP of the Round in the club’s history.

 

Two of his Partizan teammates were also among the four best individual performances in Round 22. [Sterling Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sterling-brown/012720/) had a career-best 26 points on 5-of-7 two-pointers, 4-of-6 three-pointers and 4-of-4 free throws, as well as 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 3 fouls drawn for a PIR of 32. [Tyrique Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tyrique-jones/011981/) reached a PIR of 31, getting 22 points on perfect shooting: 9-of-9 two-pointers and 4-of-4 free throws. He also had 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block and 4 fouls drawn. [Filip Petrusev](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/filip-petrusev/011194/) of Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade amassed a PIR of 32 in his team's 88-82 overtime home victory over AS Monaco. Petrusev finished the game with 29 points on 8-of-9 two-pointers, 2-of-2 three-pointers and 7-of-9 free throws, 6 rebounds, 1 steal and 5 fouls drawn. [Toko Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/) of Virtus Segafredo Bologna had a PIR of 30 in his team's 72-82 road victory over FC Bayern Munich to complete the top individual performances in this round. Shengelia posted 20 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks and 6 fouls drawn.

 

### Individual highs: TJ Shorts, Paris, 14 assists

 

Petrusev led all Round 22 scorers with 29 points. [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/) of Olympiacos Piraeus is the competition's best scorer with 20.1 points per game.

 

Three players grabbed 9 rebounds in this round: Vezenkov, and Monaco duo [Jaron Blossomgame](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jaron-blossomgame/011231/) and [Alpha Diallo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/alpha-diallo/011226/). Real Madrid’s [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/) ranks first in rebounds with 7.7 boards per night.

 

[TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tj-shorts/012608/) of Paris Basketball dished 14 assists in Round 22, a new EuroLeague season high. [Tamir Blatt](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tamir-blatt/011193/) of Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv is first overall with 7.63 assists per game; Shorts is right behind with 7.60 dimes per night.

 

[Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/lorenzo-brown/009622/) of Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens had 4 steals, more than anyone else in this round. Bayern’s [Nick Weiler-Babb](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nick-weiler-babb/010391/) is the EuroLeague's steals leader with 1.6 per game.

 

Four players had 2 blocks apiece in this round: LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne’s [Mbiya Paul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mbiya-paul/013377/), Virtus’s Shengelia, and FC Barcelona pair [Youssoupha Fall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/youssoupha-fall/006568/) and [Chimezie Metu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/chimezie-metu/013379/). Anadolu Efes Istanbul’s [Vincent Poirier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/vincent-poirier/004887/) and Monaco’s [Georgios Papagiannis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/georgios-papagiannis/005844/) are tied for first place with 1.3 blocks per night.

 

TJ Shorts (11 points, 14 assists) was the only player to get a double-double in Round 22.

Partizan playmaker had the highest PIR in this round of action.

Turkish Airlines EuroLeague fans, we have our 22nd winner in this season's EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge! Miroslav Svonja beat everyone else in Round 22 with his team '1992 copy paste', which had a Fantasy Challenge score of 256.05.

EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Round 22 winner

Turkish Airlines EuroLeague fans, we have our 22nd winner in this season's [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/)! Miroslav Svonja beat everyone else in Round 22 with his team '1992 copy paste', which had a Fantasy Challenge score of 256.05.

Miroslav had the following starting lineup: Carlik Jones of Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade as team captain, then his Partizan teammates Sterling Brown and Tyrique Jones, Nigel Hayes-Davis of Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul and Neal Sako of LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne. His sixth man was Marko Guduric of Fenerbahce. On the bench, Miroslav had Fenerbahce's Tarik Biberovic, Niels Giffey of FC Bayern Munich, Tamir Blatt of Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot of Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz. His team's head coach was Partizan play-caller Zeljko Obradovic..

The prize for finishing first in Round 22 is a free VIP Euroleague TV subscription for the 2025-26 season, so congratulations, Miroslav!

Marko Dukic and his team 'Kughat' remains the leader of the [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/) overall standings with 3,777.19 points.

Trades are now open for Round 23, and all fantasy players are allowed unlimited trades.

The first game in Round 23 tips off on Wednesday, January 22, as Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade welcomes Paris Basketball at 20:30 CET. 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. 

Toko Shengelia may be 33 years old, but he is still one of the top power forwards in Europe and he was pivotal in Virtus Bologna beating FC Bayern Basketball in Round 22.

Virtus keeps building momentum with Bayern win – and Toko Shengelia key to it all

When you think of [Virtus Segafredo Bologna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/virtus-segafredo-bologna/vir/) in recent years, [Toko Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/) is one of the first players that comes to mind. On Friday night, he showed why with a stellar performance in a [72-82 win at FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/toko-shengelia-stars-as-virtus-stuns-bayern-at-sap-garden-72-82/) which keeps the Italian side’s faint play-in hopes alive.

Shengelia did a bit of everything for Virtus, posting 20 points, 6 rebounds, a season-high 6 assists and a joint season-best 2 blocks, which gave him 30 PIR, his best mark since Round 13 of last season. Despite his impressive individual display, he didn’t want any of the praise himself.

“I’m not the man of the match, I’m the player of the team of the match,” he told EuroLeague TV afterward.

Now 33 years old, the Georgian is one of the clear leaders at Virtus, yet he was appearing in just his third game since [Dusko Ivanovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/virtus-segafredo-bologna/vir/ivanovic-dusko/?season=E2024) – his former coach at [Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/bas/) – replaced [Luca Banchi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/anadolu-efes-istanbul/ist/banchi-luca/?season=E2024) in Bologna, having been out with an ulcer issue between Rounds 16 and 20.

“It was not easy \[to play against Bayern\], to be honest. I had just one full practice with the team,” Shengelia stated. “It’s not easy for me, it’s not easy for the coaches to give me the trust, but I want to thank them for this and thank my teammate for the trust as well. I’m out there, tired or not, and I’m trying to do my best. I’m really happy tonight that we got the win.”

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Have a good night 😏🧢 <a href="https://t.co/VXDKZewezs">pic.twitter.com/VXDKZewezs</a></p>&mdash; Virtus Segafredo Bologna (@VirtusSegafredo) <a href="https://twitter.com/VirtusSegafredo/status/1880384452339331481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This victory, Virtus’s fifth in eight games under Coach Ivanovic, was also notable as the Italian outfit had suffered three straight road defeats after winning at Baskonia in the Montenegrin’s first game in charge back on December 12.

Virtus remains in 16th position in the standings with a 7-15 record, yet with Shengelia showing that he is still among the best power forwards in Europe, the Black V’s supporters can still dream. Bayern currently occupies 10th spot, the final place for the play-in, with a 12-10 mark, so Virtus will be looking to use this Round 22 as momentum and have a strong finish to the season.

Game News

The Georgian forward is thriving in his role as a leader

FC Bayern Munich v Virtus Segafredo Bologna (2025-01-17T19:30:00.000Z)

Youssoupha Fall and Juan Nunez paved the win to a big victory as FC Barcelona beat Anadolu Efes in Round 22.

Barcelona found new go-to guys in Round 22 win over Efes

[FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-barcelona/bar/) overcame a slow start to [beat Anadolu Efes Istanbul 90-80](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcelona-stops-efes-for-fourth-straight-win-90-80/) at home in Round 22. A balanced offense, good hustle and great efficiency inside the rim allowed Barca to grab its 13th win and remain in playoff territory.

Barca had 6 players in double figures. [Kevin Punter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kevin-punter/009862/) led the way with 15 points. Its three centers made the difference in the paint, as [Chimezie Metu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/chimezie-metu/013379/), [Jan Vesely](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jan-vesely/000925/) and [Youssoupha Fall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/youssoupha-fall/006568/) all scored in double digits, with the three big men combining for 34 points on 16-of.18 two-pointers (87.5% 2FG). Fall was the first player in the game to reach double digits, and all three made sure Barca always had a reliable scoring reference in the paint.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">PARTIDÀS, YOUSS!!! 💪 <a href="https://t.co/QZLtVhuqWz">pic.twitter.com/QZLtVhuqWz</a></p>&mdash; Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket/status/1880371931792433559?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

All of them allowed Barcelona to finish the game with a 72.5% two-point shooting percentage, hitting 29-of-40 attempts inside the arc. It is Barca's best two-point shooting percentage this season: its highest until now was 66.7% in Round 11 against FC Bayern Munich. The club's all-time record came in a 90-66 home win against Rytas Vilnius on November 22, 2012, hitting 27-of-33 two-pointers (81.8% 2FG).

[Juan Nunez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/juan-nunez/010106/) did not set any career high but had arguably his best game of the season with a truly all-around performance. He finished the game with 11 points on 5-of-6 two-pointers, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, a steal, no turnovers and a PIR of 17. 

Juan Nunez of FC Barcelona did not set any career-high but arguably had his best game of the season with a truly all-around performance against Anadolu Efes Istanbul. He finished the game with 11 points on 5 of 6 two-pointers, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, a steal, no turnovers and a PIR of 17.

Nunez does it all against Efes

The Spanish guard helped Barca finish the game with 29 assists, a new season high- It previously had 27 assists in Round 2 against ALBA Berlin. Efes had 18 assists and as many as 14 turnovers. Barca also won the battle of the boards, outrebounding Efes 30-21.

After the game, Nunez highlighted Barca's defense as the biggest key to this victory, and pointed to the club's next immediate goal.

"Efes is a great team. They have great talents but we played great defense. I think they scored 80 points which for us is really important. We have to keep that mentality in defense," Nunez said. "My performance is not the important thing. It's about winning on Sunday and qualifying for the Spanish Cup."

Youssoupha Fall and Juan Nunez paved the win to a big victory 


FC Barcelona v Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2025-01-17T19:45:00.000Z)