Name: Oturu with the alley-oop! Motorola Magic Moment
Channel: Euroleague Basketball

Oturu with the alley-oop! Motorola Magic Moment

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens v Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2025-04-24T18:30:00.000Z)

Jerian Grant shows big hustle! Motorola Magic Moment 

Poirier with the put-back slam! Motorola Magic Moment

Poirier with a fierce small-dunk! Motorola Magic Moment

Dimitris Itoudis: 'We kept believing we can do it'

In this exclusive interview that took place minutes after lifting the trophy at Gran Canaria Arena, Dimitris Itoudis spoke about many topics, including the challenges him and his team overcame an route to claiming a historic BKT EuroCup trophy, and securing a ticket for the 2025-26 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

By leading Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv to this title, Itoudis joined Dusan Ivkovic, David Blatt and Ergin Ataman as the only coaches to win both the EuroLeague and EuroCup.

A starring performance in series-opening victory has seen Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens forward Juancho Hernangomez secure Game 1 MVP honors with a career-high PIR of 40, the joint third highest PIR recorded by a player in modern playoff history.

Playoffs Game 1 MVP: Juancho Hernangomez, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens

A starring performance in a series-opening victory has seen Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens forward [Juancho Hernangomez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/juancho-hernangomez/012712/) secure Game 1 MVP honors with a career-high PIR of 40, the joint third highest PIR recorded by a player in modern playoff history.

In Panathinaikos’s 87-83 comeback win over Anadolu Efes Istanbul, Hernangomez had a career-high 20 points on 7-of-7 two-pointers and 2-of-5 threes, as well as a career-best 16 rebounds – the joint most in modern playoff history – 3 assists, a joint career-high 3 steals, a joint career-best 2 blocks, and 3 fouls drawn. This is the first time that Hernangomez has earned MVP of the Round honors, while his number of rebounds (16) and PIR (40) were both new club records in a playoff game.

The next-best index rating belonged to [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/), who posted a 31 PIR in Olympiacos Piraeus’s 84-72 triumph over Real Madrid. Vezenkov amassed 23 points on 5-of-7 twos, 3-of-4 threes and 4-of-6 free throws, 7 rebounds, 3 steals and 3 fouls drawn.

Efes’s [Vincent Poirier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/vincent-poirier/004887/) finished with a 29 PIR – tying his season high – in his side’s loss at Panathinaikos, having recorded 17 points on 7-of-8 twos and 3-of-4 free throws, 8 rebounds, including 4 on the offensive end, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 5 blocks, which is a modern playoff record.

[Elie Okobo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/elie-okobo/011212/) of AS Monaco had a 26 PIR as his squad downed FC Barcelona 97-80. The guard posted 19 points on 5-of-7 twos, 2-of-3 threes and 3-of-4 free throws, 2 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals and 4 fouls drawn.

Rounding out the list of top performers is Barcelona’s [Youssoupha Fall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/youssoupha-fall/006568/), who had a joint season-high 13 points on perfect shooting, going 5 of 5 on twos and 3 of 3 on free throws, a season-best 14 total rebounds and a joint season-high 5 on the offensive end, 1 steal and 2 fouls drawn.

### Individual highs: Juancho Hernangomez, Panathinaikos, 16 rebounds

Olympiacos’s Sasha Vezenkov led all players in Game 1 with 23 points. Panathinaikos’s [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/) is the EuroLeague’s leading scorer this season with 20.9 points per game.

Juancho Hernangomez of Panathinaikos tied a modern playoff record with 16 rebounds, more than anyone else in Game 1. He is the new rebounding leader this season with 7.0 rebounds per night.

Monaco’s Elie Okobo and Paris Basketball’s [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tj-shorts/012608/) both dished 7 assists, the most of any player. Shorts is the season leader in assists with 7.5 dimes per contest.

Real Madrid’s [Andres Feliz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/andres-feliz/011247/) made a career-high 4 steals, more than anyone else in Game 1. FC Bayern Munich’s [Nick Weiler-Babb](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nick-weiler-babb/010391/), whose team has been eliminated from the postseason, averaged a league-best 1.5 steals per game.

Vincent Poirier of Efes blocked 5 shots in Game 1, which is a modern playoff record. Monaco’s [Georgios Papagiannis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/georgios-papagiannis/005844/) is atop the charts in blocks with 1.4 rejections per night.

Juancho Hernangomez (20 points, 16 rebounds) and Youssoupha Fall (13 points, 14 rebounds) were the only players to record a double-double in Game 1.

His first-ever MVP of the Round award came on a career night for the Spanish forward

The Reds rarely looked troubled after taking control with an early 12-0 run in the series opener, benefitting from another great performance by Sasha Vezenkov – 23 points, 7 rebounds and 3 steals – to enjoy a surprisingly comfortable win for Georgios Bartzokas’s men.

Real, on the other hand, needs to play with better control – both of the ball and its emotions – with 19 turnovers making a significant contribution to the Game 1 defeat.

The Spanish side would also be well advised to focus on playing the game rather than the referees after racking up 3 technical fouls on Wednesday – a common occurrence throughout the season for Los Blancos – including an early expulsion for coach Chus Mateo.

Real will hope to get more out of center Walter Tavares after early foul trouble restricted him to just 7 points and 2 rebounds in the opener, and the long-range shooting skills of Dzanan Musa and Mario Hezonja must resurface following a bad night with a combined total of 1-of-10 three-pointers.

But with Olympiacos strengthened by the return of backcourt general Thomas Walkup following a three-month injury absence, the Reds will feel fully confident of its ability to move within one win of the Final Four.

### Olympiacos Piraeus

 

**Streaks**

Sasha Vezenkov has scored in double figures and posted double-digit PIRs in 36 straight games.

Vezenkov has posted a PIR of 14 or more in 32 straight games.

Vezenkov has made at least 1 three-pointer in 21 straight and 30 of his last 31 games.

Vezenkov has pulled down at least 5 rebounds in 12 straight games.

Alec Peters has made 14 consecutive free throws.

Peters has made at least 1 three-pointer in five of his last six games.

Keenan Evans has scored at least 10 points in 10 straight and 21 of his last 22 games.

Evans has posted a double-digit PIR in nine of his last 10 games.

Evans has made at least 1 three-pointer in 17 straight games.

Evans has made 21 consecutive free throws.

 

**Season rankings**

Sasha Vezenkov finished the regular season as the league leader in average index rating with 24.5 per game.

Vezenkov finished the regular season ranked third in scoring with 20.2 points per game.

Evan Fournier finished the regular season ranked 10th in scoring with 15.8 points per game.

Vezenkov finished the regular season ranked fourth in rebounding with 6.6 per game.

Nikola Milutinov finished the regular season ranked fifth in offensive rebounding with 2.6 per game.

Moustapha Fall finished the regular season as the league leader in two-point shooting at 77.2%.

Alec Peters finished the regular season ranked second in three-point shooting at 54.4%.

Peters finished the regular season ranked fourth in free-throw shooting at 94.1%.

Evan Fournier finished the regular season ranked fifth in three-pointers made with 2.6 per game.

Olympiacos leads the league in assists with 21.2 per game.

Olympiacos is second in the league in team PIR with 102.5 per game.

 

**Records/Milestones**

Kostas Papanikolaou is the all-time leader in games started with 335.

Papanikolaou is in eighth place all-time in steals with 324. Mike James of AS Monaco is seventh with 326 and counting.

Papanikolaou is ranked 13th all-time with 1,425 career rebounds. Johannes Voigtmann of FC Bayern Munich is 12th with 1,430.

Nikola Milutinov is ranked 15th all-time with 1,406 career rebounds. Othello Hunter is 14th with 1,424.

Milutinov is ranked sixth all-time in offensive rebounds with 645. Jan Vesely of FC Barcelona is fifth with 657 and counting.

Moustapha Fall ranks second all-time in two-point accuracy at 73.2%.

Fall is ranked 13th all-time with 166 career blocked shots. James Gist is 12th with 167 and Stephane Lasme is 11th with 174. 

Milutinov is tied with Ante Tomic for 18th place all-time with 155 blocked shots. With his next block, he will tie Jordan Mickey for 17th place.

Sasha Vezenkov needs 5 assists to reach 300 for his career.

Thomas Walkup ranks 19th all-time with a 2.5-to-1 career assist-to-turnover ratio.

Walkup is ranked 14th all-time in assists with 999. Vasilije Micic is 13th with 1,097 assists.

Walkup is in 15th place all-time in steals with 279. Scottie Wilbekin of Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul is in 14th place with 282 steals and Shane Larkin of Anadolu Efes Istanbul is 13th with 283 and counting.

Alec Peters ranks 11th all-time in free-throw shooting accuracy at 90.2%.

Peters ranks third all-time in three-point accuracy at 46.8%.

Keenan Evans needs 2 steals to reach 100 for his career.

Game Videos

### Real Madrid

 

**Streaks**

Mario Hezonja has made at least 1 three-pointer in 15 straight and 45 of his last 46 games.

Facundo Campazzo has made at least 1 three-pointer in eight of his last nine games.

Campazzo has had at least 1 steal in seven of his last eight games.

Gabriel Deck has made at least 1 three-pointer in four of his last five games.

 

**Season rankings**

Facundo Campazzo finished the regular season ranked eighth in average index rating with 18.0 per game.

Campazzo finished the regular season ranked third in assists with 6.4 per game.

Walter Tavares finished the regular season ranked second in rebounding with 7.1 per game.

Tavares finished the regular season ranked second in offensive rebounding with 2.8 per game.

Tavares finished the regular season ranked second in blocks with 1.3 per game.

Tavares finished the regular season ranked second in two-point shooting at 75.3%.

Usman Garuba finished the regular season ranked fourth in two-point shooting at 71.1%.

Real leads the league in rebounding with 36.8 per game.

Real leads the league in defensive rebounding with 26.5 per game.

Real leads the league in two-point accuracy at 59.5%.

Real has held opponents to a league-low 51.9% two-point shooting.

 

**Records/Milestones**

Walter Tavares blocked 88 shots in the 2022-23 season to set the all-time single-season record.

Tavares is the competition's all-time leader in blocks with 470.

Tavares is in fourth place all-time in two-point accuracy at 68.5%.

Tavares ranks second all-time with 1,863 rebounds. Paulius Jankunas is the all-time leader with 2,010 rebounds.

Tavares is tied with Felipe Reyes for second place all-time with 705 offensive rebounds. Kyle Hines is the all-time leader with 824 career offensive rebounds.

Tavares is eighth on the all-time list with 4,267 PIR points. Nick Calathes is seventh with 4,295 and counting, and Kyle Hines is sixth with 4,299.

Sergio Llull is the all-time leader in games played with 444 EuroLeague appearances.

Llull is the all-time leader in three-point shots made with 684.

Llull ranks fourth all-time in scoring with 4,197 points. Vassilis Spanoulis is third with 4,455.

Llull is in seventh place all-time with 1,473 assists. Mike James of AS Monaco is sixth with 1,483 and counting, and Milos Teodosic of Crvena Zvezda is fifth with 1,491.

Facundo Campazzo is in 11th place all-time with 1,117 assists. Nando De Colo of LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne is 10th with 1,204.

Llull ranks 12th all-time with 733 free throws made. Paulius Jankunas is 11th with 748.

Llull ranks fifth all-time with a 2.7-to-1 career assist-to-turnover ratio.

Facundo Campazzo is tied for 13th all-time with a 2.6-to-1 career assist-to-turnover ratio.

Game News

A clash of giants will see Olympiacos seek another strong performance to double its advantage over Real Madrid in Piraeus.

Game Facts: Olympiacos vs. Madrid

Olympiacos Piraeus v Real Madrid (2025-04-25T18:30:00.000Z)

Vassilis Spanoulis's team performed with great efficiency to score 97 points on Wednesday, delivering 21 assists with just 8 turnovers. That process was led by star guards as Elie Okobo netted 19 points with 7 assists and Mike James added 22 points plus 4 helpers, so disrupting the Roca Team's backcourt is a clear defensive focus for Barça.

Conversely, the Spanish team needs to take better care of the basketball after committing 18 turnovers on Wednesday, and needs more productivity from veteran leader Tomas Satoransky after he posted just 2 points and 2 assists.

The Blaugrana is also looking for Jabari Parker to regain his usual standards after he only scored 7 points in Game 1, as well as hoping that giant Youssoupha Fall delivers another strong performance in the paint after pairing 13 points with 14 rebounds.

But the basis of Barca’s approach must be defense. Monaco big men Daniel Theis and Mam Jaiteh combined for 11 two-point conversions on just 16 attempts in Game 1, so breaking up the home team’s rhythm and forcing tougher shots will be crucial for Joan Penarroya’s men.

### AS Monaco

 

**Streaks**

Mike James has made at least 1 three-point shot in 11 straight games.

James has scored 11 or more points in six of his last seven games.

James has posted PIRs of 12 or more in six of his last seven games.

James has at least 1 steal in six straight and nine of his last 10 games.

Elie Okobo has scored 12 or more points and made at least 1 three-pointer in seven of his last eight games.

Daniel Theis has posted PIRs in double figures in seven of his last eight games.

Theis has pulled down 5 or more rebounds in seven of his last eight games.

Theis has blocked at least 1 shot in eight straight games.

Georgios Papagiannis has made 15 consecutive free throws.

Matt Strazel has made at least 1 three-pointer in six straight games.

 

**Season rankings**

Mike James finished the regular season ranked fourth in assists with 5.7 per game.

Georgios Papagiannis finished the regular season as the league leader in blocks with 1.4 per game.

Monaco has committed 10.5 turnovers per game, the second-lowest in the league.

Monaco ranks second in blocks with 3.0 per game.

Monaco has forced a league-high 13.7 turnovers per game.

 

**Records/Milestones**

Mike James is the EuroLeague's all-time leading scorer with 5,181 career points.

James is second all-time with 5,322 index rating points. Nando De Colo of LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne is first with a PIR of 5,473.

James is in second place all-time in free throws made with 1,140. De Colo is the all-time leader with 1,181.

James is sixth in place all-time with 1,483 career assists. Milos Teodosic of Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade is fifth with 1,491 assists.

James has moved into fifth place all-time with 599 three-pointers made. Scottie Wilbekin of Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul is fourth with 608, and Sergio Rodriguez is third with 609 three-pointers made.

James is fifth all-time in two-point shots made with 1,122. Ante Tomic is fourth with 1,137.

James is in seventh place all-time with 326 career steals. Theo Papaloukas is sixth with 335 career steals.

Nick Calathes is the EuroLeague’s all-time leader in assists with 2,130.

Calathes set the EuroLeague single-season assists record in 2018-19 with 286.

Calathes is the EuroLeague’s all-time leader in steals with 459.

Calathes ranks second all-time in games started with 318, behind only Kostas Papanikolaou, who has 335 and counting.

Calathes ranks eighth all-time with a 2.6-to-1 career assist-to-turnover ratio.

Calathes is seventh all-time with 4,295 performance index rating points. Kyle Hines is in sixth place all-time with 4,299 performance index rating points.

Calathes is ranked 16th all-time in scoring with 3,282 points. Kyle Hines is 15th with 3,339 points.

Georgios Papagiannis is ranked fourth all-time with 252 blocks. Kyle Hines is third with 320 blocks.

Papagiannis ranks 17th all-time in two-point accuracy at 64.3%.

Donatas Motiejunas set the EuroLeague single-game record with 18 defensive rebounds on December 7, 2011, while playing for Asseco Prokom Gdynia against Union Olimpija Ljubljana. In that game, Motiejunas pulled down 21 rebounds, the most rebounds in a single game by any active player.

### FC Barcelona

 

**Streaks**

Kevin Punter has made at least 1 three-point shot in 22 of his last 23 games.

Punter has scored in double figures in 11 of his last 12 games.

Punter has at least 1 steal in 13 straight games.

Jabari Parker has scored 10 or more points in four of his last five games.

Jan Vesely has at least 1 steal in six of his last seven games.

Dario Brizuela has made at least 1 three-pointer in seven of his last eight games.

Nico Laprovittola has made at least 1 three-point shot in 19 straight games.

Chimezie Metu has scored 10 or more points in 13 of his last 14 games.

 

**Season rankings**

Kevin Punter finished the regular season ranked seventh in scoring with 16.9 points per game.

Punter finished the regular season ranked third in steals with 1.3 per game.

Jan Vesely finished the regular season ranked ninth in steals with 1.1 per game.

Punter finished the regular season ranked eighth in free-throw shooting at 93.1%.

Punter finished the regular season ranked ninth in three-pointers made with 2.2 per game.

Tomas Satoransky finished the regular season ranked seventh in assists with 5.3 per game.

Youssoupha Fall finished the regular season tied for eighth in two-point shooting at 68.4%.

Barcelona ranks second in scoring with 87.9 points per game.

Barcelona ranks third in assists with 19.8 per game.

Barcelona ranks first in steals with 7.5 per game.

Barcelona ranks third in three-point shooting at 38.7%.

Barcelona's defense has held opponents to 34.2% three-point shooting, which is the third-lowest in the league.

 

**Records/Milestones**

Tomas Satoransky ranks fourth all-time with a 2.8-to-1 career assist-to-turnover ratio.

Jan Vesely is the all-time leader in two-pointers made with 1,566.

Vesely ranks third all-time with 5,126 index rating points. Mike James of AS Monaco is second with 5,322 and counting.

Vesely is seventh all-time with 4,045 points scored. Nikola Mirotic of EA7 Emporio Armani Milan is sixth with 4,068.

Vesely is tied with Rudy Fernandez in third place all-time with 367 steals. Dimitris Diamantidis is second with 434 steals.

Vesely ranks fifth all-time with 1,780 rebounds. Felipe Reyes is fourth with 1,799.

Vesely is in fifth place all-time with 657 offensive rebounds. Bryant Dunston of Zalgiris Kaunas is fourth with 671.

Vesely ranks ninth all-time with 216 blocks. Vincent Poirier of Anadolu Efes Istanbul is eighth with 217, and Tibor Pleiss of Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens is seventh with 229 and counting.

Vesely ranks eighth all-time with 799 free throws made. Juan Carlos Navarro is seventh with 853.

Kevin Punter ranks ninth all-time in free-throw accuracy at 90.3%.

Youssoupha Fall ranks 12th all-time in two-point accuracy at 65.2%.

Nico Laprovittola needs 3 three-point shots made to reach 300 for his career.

Alex Abrines needs 6 rebounds to reach 500 for his career.

After a strong display at both ends of the court in Game 1, Monaco will again look to dominate visiting Barcelona to take a 2-0 series lead.

Game Facts: Monaco vs. Barcelona

AS Monaco v FC Barcelona (2025-04-25T17:00:00.000Z)

The Turkish team ended Game 1 greatly frustrated after losing the final quarter 23-11 to suffer a narrow defeat, but mounting that kind of late comeback has become a Panathinaikos speciality this season and Ergin Ataman’s men will certainly not suffer from a lack of self-belief.

Efes will again rely on its usual suspects Shane Larkin and Elijah Bryant, who respectively scored 17 and 14 points on Tuesday, and has one of the league’s best big men in top form with Vincent Poirier recording 17 points, 8 rebounds and 5 blocked shots in the series opener.

But visiting coach Luca Banchi probably needs more productivity from other players to down this deep Panathinaikos squad, which could even afford a relatively quiet night from league MVP Kendrick Nunn (15 points on 4-of-15 field goal shooting) in the opener.

Juancho Hernangomez was the undoubted star on Tuesday with 20 points and 16 boards, but the contribution of Omer Yurtseven (14 points, 7 rebounds) was also vital. And with much more to come from the likes of Lorenzo Brown, Dinos Mitoglou and Wenyen Gabriel – who all had limited minutes in Game 1 – the Greens will believe they possess the weapons to outscore Efes again.

### Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens

**Streaks**

Kendrick Nunn has made at least 1 three-point shot in 40 straight games.

Nunn has scored 15 or more points in 12 of his last 13 games.

Nunn has posted PIRs of 20 or more in five of his last six games.

Nunn has dished at least 5 assists in five straight games.

Nunn has made 19 consecutive free throws.

Juancho Hernangomez has PIRs of 12 or more in 16 of his last 17 games.

Hernangomez has pulled down 6 or more rebounds in 17 straight games.

Hernangomez has at least 1 steal in six of his last seven games.

Mathias Lessort has pulled down at least 5 rebounds in 11 straight and 23 of his last 24 games.

Lessort has PIRs of 10 or more in 25 of his last 26 games.

Jerian Grant made at least 1 three-point shot in five of his last six games.

Kostas Sloukas has made 17 consecutive free throws. 

**Season rankings**

Kendrick Nunn finished the regular season as the league leader in scoring with 21.1 points per game.

Nunn finished the regular season as the league leader in three-pointers made with 3.1 per game.

Nunn finished the regular season ranked fifth in average index rating with 20.3 per game.

Juancho Hernangomez finished the regular season ranked third in rebounding with 6.7 per game.

Wenyen Gabriel finished the regular season ranked ninth in offensive rebounding with 1.9 per game.

Gabriel finished the regular season ranked fifth in blocks with 1.1 per game.

Kostas Sloukas finished the regular season ranked ninth in assists with 4.8 per game.

Sloukas finished the regular season ranked sixth in free-throw shooting at 93.5%.

Panathinaikos leads the league in average PIR with 104.7 per game.

Panathinaikos leads the league in scoring with 88.3 points per game.

Panathinaikos ranks second in defensive rebounding with 24.2 per game.

Panathinaikos ranks third in steals with 6.9 per game.

Panathinaikos ranks third in two-point shooting at 58.5%.

Panathinaikos has allowed 10.1 offensive rebounds per game, the third-lowest this season.

**Records/Milestones**

Kostas Sloukas is in third place all-time with 421 games played.

Sloukas ranks third all-time with 1,863 assists. Sergio Rodriguez is second with 1,874.

Sloukas is in fourth place all-time with 1,001 free throws made. Vassilis Spanoulis is third with 1,131.

Sloukas is eighth all-time with 4,012 career points. Jan Vesely of FC Barcelona is seventh with 4,045, and Nikola Mirotic of EA7 Emporio Armani Milan is sixth with 4,068 career points.

Sloukas is ranked fourth all-time with 5,008 index rating points. Jan Vesely of FC Barcelona is third with 5,126 and counting.

Sloukas is 12th all-time with 505 three-point shots made. Nando De Colo of LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne is 11th with 510, and Rodrigue Beaubois of Anadolu Efes Istanbul is 10th with 513 and counting.

Marius Grigonis ranks seventh all-time in free-throw accuracy at 90.6%.

Sloukas ranks 15th all-time in free-throw accuracy at 89.1%.

Sloukas is in 18th place on the all-time charts with 267 career steals. Vassilis Spanoulis is 17th with 273 steals.

Tibor Pleiss is ranked seventh all-time with 229 career blocks. Alex Tyus is sixth with 238.

Pleiss and Vincent Poirier of Efes are tied for 10th place all-time with 470 offensive rebounds apiece. Ante Tomic is ninth with 520 career offensive rebounds.

Pleiss is tied with Nick Calathes of AS Monaco for 11th place all-time with 1,009 two-pointers made. Paulius Jankunas is 10th with 1,011.

Pleiss is ranked 16th all-time with 1,400 rebounds. Nikola Milutinov of Olympiacos Piraeus is 14th with 1,406 and counting.

Grigonis needs 4 steals to reach 100 for his career.

Jerian Grant is the all-time leader with a 3.2-to-1 career assist-to-turnover ratio.

Grant needs 3 steals to reach 100 for his career.

### Anadolu Efes Istanbul

**Streaks**

Shane Larkin has had a PIR of 11 or more in eight of his last nine games.

Larkin has scored at least 11 points in seven of his last eight games.

Larkin has made at least 1 three-point shot in 17 straight games.

Larkin has at least 1 steal in seven straight games.

Elijah Bryant has scored 11 or more points in eight of his last nine games.

Bryant has made at least 1 three-point shot in seven of his last eight games.

PJ Dozier has made at least 1 three-point shot in nine of his last 10 games.

Dozier has made 12 consecutive free throws.

Darius Thompson has made at least 1 three-pointer in five of his last six games.

Vincent Poirier has at least 1 steal in four of his last five games.

 

**Season rankings**

Vincent Poirier finished the regular season ranked third in blocks with 1.1 per game.

Dan Oturu finished the regular season ranked fifth in two-point shooting at 70.8%.

Oturu finished the regular season ranked seventh in offensive rebounding with 2.1 per game.

Elijah Bryant finished the regular season ranked fourth in steals with 1.2 per game.

Shane Larkin finished the regular season ranked fifth in steals with 1.2 per game.

Ercan Osmani finished the regular season ranked third in free-throw shooting at 94.7%.

Rolands Smits finished the regular season ranked seventh in two-point shooting at 69%.

Rodrigue Beaubois finished the regular season ranked eighth in three-point shooting at 45.9%.

Efes leads the league in blocks with 3.9 per game.

Efes ranks third in average PIR with 101.3 per game.

Efes ranks second in two-point shooting at 58.9%.

Efes allows the fewest total rebounds, 31.2 per game.

 

**Records/Milestones**

Shane Larkin is ranked 11th all-time in scoring with 3,586 points. Georgios Printezis is 10th with 3,599 points.

Rodrigue Beaubois is in 19th place in career scoring with 3,113 points. Scottie Wilbekin of Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul is 18th with 3,179 points and counting.

Larkin is in eighth place all-time in three-pointers made with 554. Rudy Fernandez and Monaco's Mike James are tied for sixth place with 594 three-pointers apiece. Milos Teodosic is fifth with 595. 

Beaubois is in 10th place all-time in three-pointers made with 513. Vassilis Spanoulis is ninth with 518 three-pointers made.

Larkin is in 10th place all-time with 788 free throws made. Toko Shengelia of Virtus Segafredo Bologna is ninth with 792, and Jan Vesely of FC Barcelona is eighth with 799 career free throws made.

Larkin is in ninth place all-time with 4,239 PIR points. Walter Tavares of Real Madrid is eighth with 4,267 and counting.

Larkin is in 12th place all-time with 1,113 assists. Facundo Campazzo of Real Madrid is 11th with 1,117, and Nando De Colo of LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne is 10th with 1,204.

Larkin is in 13th place all-time with 283 steals. Nicolo Melli of Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul is in 12th place with 285 steals and counting.

Vincent Poirier ranks eighth all-time in blocks with 217. Tibor Pleiss of Panathinaikos is seventh all-time with 229 and counting.

Poirier and Pleiss are tied for 10th place all-time with 470 offensive rebounds apiece. Ante Tomic is ninth with 520 career offensive rebounds.

Darius Thompson ranks 10th all-time with a 2.6-to-1 career assist-to-turnover ratio.

A spectacular atmosphere is guaranteed in Athens as reigning champ Panathinaikos seeks a second win over visiting Efes.

Game Facts: Panathinaikos vs. Efes

The French team can take consolation from the fact that all its games against Fener have been very close, with Tuesday’s opener only decided in the last minute as Wade Baldwin’s smooth jumper sealed a home win.

Visiting coach Tiago Splitter will focus on two specific areas. Firstly, shooting from long-range, after Paris made just 11 of its 33 attempts on Tuesday, with 5 of those makes coming from Nadir Hifi. With TJ Shorts, Sebastian Herrera and Mikael Jantunen converting just 2 of their 13 combined attempts, there is clear room for improvement.

Secondly, Fenerbahce was allowed to snare 19 offensive rebounds in Game 1, with 3 apiece for Sertac Sanli and Nigel Hayes-Davis, so the visiting team needs to protect the glass much more effectively.

Fenerbahce’s team-based offensive approach – opposed to Paris’s strong reliance on Shorts and Hifi – was shown by the fact that six players scored in double digits on Tuesday, led by Baldwin with 15. And with Devon Hall – who posted 13 points and 4 assists two days ago – providing backcourt control, the host will look to play the game at its tempo and enjoy another night of physical dominance to take a big step towards the Final Four.

### Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul

 

**Streaks**

Nigel Hayes-Davis has made at least 1 triple in 40 straight games.

Hayes-Davis has posted a PIR of 10 or more in 10 of his last 11 games.

Errick McCollum has made at least 1 three-pointer in 11 of his last 12 games.

McCollum has scored at least 10 points in six of his last seven games.

Wade Baldwin has posted a PIR in double figures in five straight games.

Bonzie Colson has made at least 1 three-pointer in five straight games.

Tarik Biberovic has made at least 1 three-pointer in five of his last six games.

 

**Season rankings**

Nigel Hayes-Davis finished the regular season ranked ninth in average index rating with 17.8 per game.

Hayes-Davis finished the regular season ranked eighth in scoring with 16.8 points per game.

Hayes-Davis finished the regular season ranked eighth in steals with 1.1 per game.

Hayes-Davis finished the regular season tied for sixth in three-pointers made with 2.5 per game.

Fenerbahce ranks third in free-throw shooting at 81.9% points.

Fenerbahce ranks third in rebounding with 35.7 per game.

Fenerbahce ranks third in offensive rebounding with 12.0 per game.

Fenerbahce ranks second with 11.3 three-pointers made per game.

Fenerbahce has held opponents to 9.9 offensive rebounds, which is the second-lowest in the league.

Fenerbahce has allowed 81.1 points per game, which is third-fewest in the league.

 

**Records/Milestones**

Nigel Hayes-Davis set the EuroLeague single-game scoring record with 50 points in a victory over ALBA Berlin in Round 32 last season.

Nicolo Melli is in sixth place all-time in rebounds with 1,633. Jan Vesely of FC Barcelona is fifth with 1,780 and counting.

Melli is in second place all-time in defensive rebounds with 1,217. Paulius Jankunas is the all-time leader with 1,453 defensive rebounds.

Melli is tied with Victor Khryapa for 15th place all-time with 161 career blocks. Mirza Begic is 14th with 163 blocks.

Melli is in 12th place all-time with 285 steals. Kyle Hines is 11th with 287.

Scottie Wilbekin is in 14th place all-time with 282 steals. Shane Larkin of Anadolu Efes Istanbul is 13th all-time with 283 career steals and counting.

Melli needs 40 points to reach 2,500 for his career.

Scottie Wilbekin needs 16 rebounds to reach 500 for his career.

Dyshawn Pierre needs 13 points to reach 1,000 for his career.

Sertac Sanli needs 7 rebounds to reach 500 for his career.

Devon Hall needs 8 rebounds to reach 300 for his career.

Hall needs 3 assists to reach 300 for his career.

### Paris Basketball

 

**Streaks**

TJ Shorts has scored in double figures in all but one of his 35 EuroLeague appearances – including the last 28.

Shorts has posted a PIR of at least 10 in 28 straight games.

Shorts has dished at least 7 assists in seven straight games.

Tyson Ward has made at least 1 three-pointer in 15 of his last 16 games.

Ward has posted a PIR of at least 12 in seven straight games.

Ward has scored in double figures in six of his last seven games.

Ward has pulled down 5 or more rebounds in six of his last seven games.

Mikael Jantunen has made at least 1 three-pointer in 13 of his last 14 games.

Jantunen has made multiple three-pointers in seven of his last eight games.

Jantunen has posted a PIR in double figures in seven of his last eight games.

Yakuba Ouattara is perfect in 11 trips to the foul line this season.

Sebastian Herrera has made at least 1 three-pointer in seven of his last eight games.

Nadir Hifi has scored 13 or more points in eight of his last nine games.

Hifi has made multiple triples in seven of his last eight games.

Collin Malcolm has made at least 1 three-pointer in six of his last seven games.

 

**Season rankings**

TJ Shorts finished the regular season ranked second in average index rating with 23.1 per game.

Shorts finished the regular season as the league leader in assists with 7.5 per game.

Shorts finished the regular season ranked fourth in scoring with 18.7 points per game.

Nadir Hifi finished the regular season ranked eighth in three-pointers made with 2.5 per game.

Paris has committed 10.4 turnovers per game, the fewest in the league.

Paris ranks third with 10.7 three-pointers made per game.

Paris has allowed a league-high 12.2 offensive rebounds.

Paris has allowed a league-high 37.8 total rebounds.

 

**Records/Milestones**

Maodo Lo needs 1 rebound to reach 400 for his career.

Yakuba Ouattara needs 4 three-point shots to reach 100 for his career.

Kevarrius Hayes needs 7 steals to reach 100 for his career.

After winning all three meetings between the teams this season, Fenerbahce will look to take a 2-0 series lead against visiting Paris.

Game Facts: Fenerbahce vs. Paris

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v Paris Basketball (2025-04-24T17:45:00.000Z)

Top 10 Plays | Playoffs Game 1 | 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Make sure to take a look at the best plays of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs Game 1!

Playoffs Game 1: Top 10 Plays

CFI Named Official Online Trading Partner of the 2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four

CFI, the MENA’s leading online trading provider, is proud to announce its new designation as the Official Online Trading Partner of the 2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four, taking place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. This collaboration, in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), marks a significant milestone for CFI, further strengthening its association with world-class sporting events and expanding its global brand presence. This agreement underscores the group’s commitment to connecting with broader audiences through high-impact platforms and celebrating values of performance, excellence, and unity.

The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four is the final stage of the most prestigious club basketball league in Europe, bringing together the top four teams from across the continent to compete for the championship. As the Official Online Trading Partner, CFI will benefit from widespread brand visibility across broadcast, digital, and on-ground platforms.

“We are delighted to welcome CFI as a new partner for our signature event, the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four,” said Gawain Davies, Chief Commercial Officer of Euroleague Basketball. “Partnering with CFI, the leading online trading platform in the MENA region, perfectly aligns with our ambition to grow the EuroLeague brand and business across the Middle East. The Final Four in Abu Dhabi presents a unique opportunity to showcase the true spirit of EuroLeague Basketball to new audiences and markets.”

The partnership will also allow CFI to engage with fans through various experiences that reflect the brand’s values of innovation and excellence. From interactive moments to exclusive experiences for selected guests, CFI aims to contribute to the overall excitement of the Final Four.

"We are proud to support the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four in Abu Dhabi, a global celebration of sport, unity, and excellence," said Hisham Mansour, Co-Founder and Managing Director of CFI Financial Group. "This partnership reflects our values and aligns with our strategy to connect with the communities where our audiences live and engage—through moments that inspire, unite, and create lasting impact."

This collaboration is yet another step in CFI’s broader strategy to align with platforms that amplify its presence and impact. With Abu Dhabi, the capital of CFI's headquarters country, as the home of several key initiatives, CFI aims to build deeper connections with its audiences by participating in cultural and sporting events that resonate with the values of ambition, discipline, and achievement—core principles shared by traders and athletes alike.

\- Olympiacos ran away with an 84-72 win in the opening game of this series by making a season-best 27 two-pointers.

\- Olympiacos swept the regular season series against Real Madrid, including an 86-96 win in Madrid in Round 22 behind Even Fournier's personal-best 28 points.

\- Olympiacos beat Real 79-69 in Round 6 in Piraeus with Sasha Vezenkov scoring 23 points, while Shaquielle Mckissic pulled down a career-high 9 rebounds.

\- In the 2024 Final Four semifinal in Berlin, Real beat Olympiacos 87-76 behind 20 points from Dzanan Musa.

\- This is a rematch of the 2023 championship game in which Sergio Lull made a game-winning jumper with 3.1 seconds to go for a 79-78 win in Kaunas for Real to win its 11th EuroLeague championship.

\- Real swept Olympiacos during the 2023-24 regular season, including a 71-77 win in Piraeus as Dzanan Musa scored 23 points and tied a career-best with 5 triples made.

\- Last season in Madrid, Real held off Olympiacos 90-85 with Facundo Campazzo collecting 12 points, 9 assists and 6 rebounds.

\- Real Madrid downed Olympiacos in the 1995 EuroLeague championship game, 73-61, behind Arvydas Sabonis, who was chosen as the 1995 Final Four MVP.

\- Olympiacos defeated Real Madrid 100-89 for the 2013 EuroLeague championship in London. Vassilis Spanoulis scored 22 points in that game and was named Final Four MVP.

\- Real Madrid routed Olympiacos 78-59 in the 2015 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Championship Game in the Spanish capital. Jaycee Carroll led a balanced Madrid attack with 16 points on 4-of-5 three-point shooting and Andres Nocioni was named Final Four MVP.

\- Olympiacos and Real Madrid have faced each other three times in the EuroLeague Playoffs. Real advanced to the Final Four in 1996 with a 2-1 win in the best-of-three series and Olympiacos ousted Real 3-1 in 2009's best-of-five series. Real eliminated Olympiacos in the 2014 EuroLeague Playoffs 3-2. Rudy Fernandez led Los Blancos with an average of 17.2 points and 5.6 rebounds per game and Sergio Llull starred with 20 points in the decisive fifth game.

\- Olympiacos guard Nigel Williams-Goss spent two seasons with Real, from 2021 to 2023, helping it reach the 2022 EuroLeague championship game and win the 2023 EuroLeague crown.

\- Williams-Goss scored a career-high 23 points in an 88-83 Olympiacos win against Real in November 2018.

\- Real swingman Mario Hezonja and Olympiacos forward Kostas Papanikolaou were teammates at FC Barcelona during the 2013-14 season.

\- Olympiacos point guard Luca Vildoza has been a teammate of Real forward Gabriel Deck and guard Facundo Campazzo on the Argentinian national team. Together they won the silver medal at the 2019 Basketball World Cup.

\- Olympiacos guard Luca Vildoza and Real point guard Facundo Campazzo were teammates at Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade during the 2022-23 season.

\- Real Madrid guard Andres Feliz had a personal-best 4 steals in his team's Game 1 loss.

\- Olympiacos forward Alec Peters grabbed a career-high 6 offensive rebounds in the 2024 Final Four semifinal loss against Real Madrid.

\- Olympiacos forward Kostas Papanikolaou posted a career-high 25 points and tied a career-high with 6 triples made in a 90-85 loss against Real in January 2024.

\- Olympiacos guard Naz Mitrou-Long dished a career-high 7 assists against Real in January 2024.

\- Olympiacos guard Tyler Dorsey had a career game while playing for Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv against Real in January 2021, posting a career-high PIR of 36.

\- Hezonja posted his career high with 4 steals while playing for UNICS Kazan against Olympiacos in December 2021.

\- Real’s All-EuroLeague center Walter Tavares had a career-best 4 steals in an overtime win over Olympiacos in April 2021.

\- Real's Facundo Campazzo collected a career-high 5 steals while playing for Crvena Zvezda against Olympiacos in April 2023.

\- Olympiacos center Nikola Milutinov recorded a career-best 3 blocks twice against Real Madrid, in December 2017 and November 2018.

Game Notes: Olympiacos vs. Madrid

Olympiacos Piraeus’s defense recorded 7 steals in the first 20 minutes alone and scored 21 points off of Real Madrid's turnovers, which translated into one-fourth of the team’s points on the night (84) to win Game 1 of their EuroLeague Playoffs series

Olympiacos’s defense set the tone from the off against Real Madrid

A drop in form saw [Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/oly/) win just two of its last five regular-season games, having conceded 81, 81, 80, 92 and 93 points. In the meantime, heading into Wednesday’s clash, a galloping [Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/real-madrid/games/mad/?season=2024-25) had won seven of its last eight games, netting 105, 91 and 93 points in their last three victories.

Injuries paid their toll on the Reds, with the aforementioned outings raising concerns ahead of the playoffs. Yet, in the first game of the season where Georgios Bartzokas had all his players at his disposal, Olympiacos showed defensive strength from the off to strangle Real Madrid’s offense.

*Los Blancos* ended the first half with a season-high 13 turnovers, finishing the game with 19 - the most in club history in a Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoff game. Olympiacos’s defense recorded 7 steals in the first 20 minutes alone and finished the game with 9. More importantly, Bartzokas’s side made the most of those errors by netting 21 points off turnovers, which translated into one-fourth of the team’s points on the night (84).

Olympiacos’s defense set the tone against Real Madrid

Olympiacos's defense set the tone against Real Madrid

Olympiacos kept Real Madrid to just 29 points in the first half, laying the foundation for [a hard-fought Game 1 win](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-takes-care-of-real-madrid-84-72-in-game-1/) by taking an 18-point lead into the third quarter.

“Our defense in the first half was solid and we set the tone by winning by 18 points at halftime and then we managed to win the game without being really in danger,” Bartzokas told EuroLeague TV after the game.

Indeed, Olympiacos maintained a double-digit lead throughout the second half despite Real Madrid winning each of the last two quarters (17-22, 20-21).

“When we played with really good speed and physicality, things really worked well for us,” [Thomas Walkup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/thomas-walkup/008855/), who returned from a three-and-a-half-month absence, said in the post-game press conference. “We played with good physicality on defense. They ended with 72 points, that’s a great number for such an offensively talented team.”

Yet, history has proved that a win in Game 1 anything but seals qualification to the Final Four. In fact, Olympiacos won its first games against [AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/mco/?season=2024-25), [Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/ulk/?season=2024-25) and [FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-barcelona/bar/?season=2024-25) in each of the last three season’s playoffs but lost all three Game 2s, with each of the series going to a nail-biting Game 5.

“A five-game series is short,” Walkup added. “So, to start off well… we’ve done it. We had really good energy from the crowd tonight. The challenge is Game 2. Game 1 was great, we won it and now it’s behind us already. The last three years, we won Game 1, but we’ve lost Game 2.”

And Real Madrid is no newcomer in the EuroLeague. The Spanish powerhouse has been there before and bounced back in style against Panathinaikos Athens in the 2017-18 Playoffs. The Greens thrashed *Los Blancos* [95-67](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2017-18/panathinaikos-superfoods-athens-real-madrid/E2017/242/#boxscore) at OAKA in Game 1, but Pablo Laso’s team hadn’t said the last word. Not only did Real Madrid prevail in Game 2, but they won three in a row to clinch a spot in the Final Four and then went all the way to the trophy led by a certain [Luka Doncic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/luka-doncic/005929/).

“The playoffs are always a battle,” Bartzokas said in the press conference. “It’s about the day, the approach, the physicality you present to the court.”

With Game 2 scheduled for Friday, Olympiacos’s first-half defense could serve as a springboard in its bid to make the most of its home-court advantage.

“\[In Game 2\] we have to impose our rhythm, especially in front of these amazing fans, and then we can make it 2-0,” [Nikola Milutinov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikola-milutinov/003941/) told EuroLeague TV after the game.

Real Madrid showed in the second half of Wednesday’s game that it has what it takes to fight back and upset the Reds. But the hosts also demonstrated that they boast the defensive prowess to contain any opponent, especially at a buzzing Peace and Friendship Stadium.

The Reds forced Los Blancos into 19 turnovers in Wednesday night's win

Olympiacos Piraeus v Real Madrid (2025-04-23T18:30:00.000Z)

\- Monaco beat Barcelona 97-80 in Game 1 behind a career-high 22 points from Daniel Theis.

\- Monaco guard Matthew Strazel tied his career-high PIR of 21 in Game 1, after he set that mark earlier this season, also against Barcelona, in a Round 20 loss.

\- Barcelona guard Dario Brizuela had a career-best game in an 84-98 win in Monaco in Round 20. Brizuela posted career-highs in scoring (27), PIR (25), and minutes played (28:46), and tied his career best with 6 three-point shots made.

\- Monaco center Georgios Papagiannis set the club's single-game record when he blocked 4 shots in Round 20 against Barcelona.

\- Barcelona beat Monaco 86-71 in Round 3 behind 21 points from Kevin Punter, snapping Monaco's three-game winning streak in this series.

\- Monaco beat Barcelona 78-66 in their third-place game at the 2023 Final Four.

\- The two teams met for the first time in the 2021-22 season.

\- Nick Calathes spent two seasons at Barcelona, from 2020 to 2022, and helped it reach two Final Fours, including the championship game in 2021.

\- Monaco forward Petr Cornelie was a teammate of Barcelona's Youssoupha Fall at Le Mans during the 2015-16 season.

\- Barcelona’s injured big man Chimezie Metu tied his personal high with 8 rebounds in a Round 20 win.

\- Barcelona guard Kevin Punter made a career-high 11 free throws playing for Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade against Monaco in January 2024.

Game Notes: Monaco vs. Barcelona

\- Panathinaikos rallied to beat Efes 87-83 in Game 1 behind Juancho Hernangomez who set career-highs in points (20), rebounds (16) and PIR (40) and tied his career-best with 3 steals. His 16 rebounds tied the EuroLeague Playoffs record.

\- Efes center Vincent Poirier became the first player in EuroLeague Playoffs history to block 5 blocked shots when he did so in Game 1. 

\- Panathinaikos beat Efes 104-89 in Round 26 behind Kendrick Nunn who erupted for 30 second-half points as he finished with 36 after going 7 for 10 on two-pointers, 5 for 11 on three-pointers and a perfect 7 for 7 from the free-throw line. Nunn also posted 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 4 fouls drawn for a 37 PIR, earning MVP of the Round honors.

\- Efes thrashed Panathinaikos 93-67 in Round 15 in Istanbul and in the process set a club record with 8 blocks.

\- Panathinaikos head coach Ergin Ataman was in charge of the Efes bench between 2017 and 2023 and guided the team to back-to-back EuroLeague championships in 2021 and 2022. He was named the EuroLeague Coach of the Year in 2021, too.

\- Panathinaikos center Tibor Pleiss will face Efes for the first time since leaving the club last summer. He spent six seasons there and helped the team win the EuroLeague in 2021 and 2022.

\- Panathinaikos forward Cedi Osman grew up with Efes and made his EuroLeague debut there in the 2013-14 season. Efes's former head coach and now assistant Tomislav Mijatovic, was also an assistant coach during Osman's entire time with the club.

\- When Panathinaikos beat Efes 95-69 in October 2021, Daryl Macon scored 34 points and made a club-record 9 three-point shots.

\- Efes set its EuroLeague club record this century with 33 made free throws against Panathinaikos in April 2005.

\- Panathinaikos recorded 51 total rebounds, its most in EuroLeague play this century, against Efes in March 2014.

\- Panathinaikos beat Efes 81-71 in the 2000 EuroLeague Final Four semifinals and 74-66 in the 2001 FIBA SuproLeague semifinals.

\- Panathinaikos ousted Efes 2-1 in their best-of-three EuroLeague playoffs series in 2005.

\- Panathinaikos center Mathias Lessort and Efes center Vincent Poirier have been teammates on the French national team. Together they won bronze medals at the 2019 FIBA World Cup.

\- Efes's Dogus Ozdemiroglu, Shane Larkin, Ercan Osmani and Erkan Yilmaz all played under Coach Ataman on the Turkish national team and alongside Cedi Osman and Omer Yurtseven.

\- Efes forward Derek Willis and Barcelona's Joel Parra were teammates at Joventut Badalona during the 2021-22 season.

\- Efes guard PJ Dozier had career highs in PIR (28) and steals (6) playing for Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade against Panathinaikos in January 2024.

\- Efes's Jordan Nwora grabbed a personal best 8 rebounds in Round 15 against Panathinaikos.

\- Marius Grigonis made a career-high 7 triples and had a career-best PIR of 28 to lead Panathinaikos past Efes, 83-76, last season in Athens.

\- Efes guard Rodrigue Beaubois set his career-high with 4 blocks against Panathinaikos in November 2018.

\- Efes center Vincent Poirier set his career high in steals with 4 for Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz against Panathinaikos in November 2017.

Game Notes: Panathinaikos vs. Efes

\- Fenerbahce and Paris had never played before March 3; this will be their fourth meeting in 52 days.

\- In Game 1, which was Paris's first-ever EuroLeague game, Fenerbahce pulled out an 83-78 win with Wade Baldwin leading five double-digit scorers with 15 points.

\- In Round 31, Fenerbahce edged Paris 101-100 on a game-winning buzzer-beating triple by Nigel Hayes-Davis. That is the only time Fenerbahce has scored more than 100 points in a game this season.

\- Fenerbahce defeated Paris 83-87 in the French capital in early March in a postponed Round 17 game. It was the first-ever official meeting between the two teams.

\- Fenerbahce's Nicolo Melli and Devon Hall were teammates of Paris guard Maodo Lo at EA7 Emporio Armani Milan last season.

\- Melli and Lo and Paris big man Leon Kratzer were teammates at Brose Bamberg during the 2016-17 season.

\- Paris big man Mikael Jantunen grabbed a personal-best 8 rebounds in Round 31 against Fenerbahce.

\- Paris center Kevarrius Hayes grabbed a career-best 9 rebounds for Zalgiris Kaunas against Fenerbahce in March 2023.

\- Paris's Yakuba Ouattara posted career highs in points (19), three-pointers made (5) and PIR (19) for AS Monaco in a 98-94 overtime road loss at Fenerbahce in January 2023.

\- Fenerbahce guard Devon Hall pulled down a career-high 5 offensive rebounds in Round 17 against Paris.

Game Notes: Fenerbahce vs. Paris

Monaco's backcourt stars led the way past Barca

[AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/mco/?season=2024-25) made the most of its home-court advantage by opening its best-of-five playoff series against [FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-barcelona/bar/?season=2024-25) with [a 97-80 victory](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/monaco-downs-barca-in-series-opener-97-80/). Led by its guards, Monaco set a fast pace from the beginning and sealed the win minutes before the final buzzer.

[Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) finally found a way to be effective against Barca. After averaging 13.3 points in his first 18 career games against Barca, James had 23 points in the last regular season game against the club and went for 22 points and 4 assists for a PIR of 19 in Game 1. He was a constant threat on offense, making 5 three-pointers and going one-on-one to hit floaters in the lane. [Elie Okobo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/elie-okobo/011212/) only missed 3 field goal attempts on his way to 19 points and added 7 assists and 2 steals for a game-high PIR of 26.

Mike James hit five three-pointers on his way to 22 points in AS Monaco's 97-80 win over FC Barcelona in Game 1 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague playoffs.

Mike James was unstoppable in Game 1

"It's all about showing effort. I think we showed great character today. We played hard defensively. Even though they had a few offensive rebounds, which we have to correct for Game 2, we just played as a team, sharing the ball. Everybody impacted tonight," Okobo said. "It's playoff time. We compete. Everybody wants to win. Everybody wants to go all the way to the Final Four. We will do what it takes to make it happen."

[Matthew Strazel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/matthew-strazel/008099/) and [Terry Tarpey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/terry-tarpey/012515/) were Monaco's X-factors in this game. Nearing the end of his breakout season, Strazel confirmed his potential with a strong performance: 13 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 6 fouls drawn for a PIR of 21. Tarpey guarded anyone from shooting guard to power forward, allowing Coach Spanoulis to surprise Barca with a small-ball lineup around center [Daniel Theis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/daniel-theis/004132/). Tarpey tallied 6 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks to lead his team's defense.

Terry Tarpey of AS Monaco had had six points, six rebounds, two steals and two blocks, leading his team's defense in Game 1.

Terry Tarpey's all-around game leads Monaco past Barcelona

"Terry was very good tonight, just like the other players. He was a star in his role. Having this kind of player is very important for a team, and he gave us a lot of energy. He was ready to play. I put him in the '4' position and he knew all the plays of the team at the '4' position without playing there, not even in practice," Coach Spanoulis said after the game. "It was my instinct to put him there and he knew everything. This shows how concentrated he was and how concentrated he is in basketball."

"I just wanted to help the team. I was in a good position to help the team tonight," Tarpey said. "I think it was possibly a statement victory. We really did well protecting our home court. Our fans came out and really pushed us to give us the extra 110% that we needed. But again, we have to watch the film tomorrow, see what we did good, what we did wrong, and try to recreate the same thing in two days."

Monaco hosts Game 2 at Salle Gaston Medicin on Thursday, April 25 at 19:00 CEST.

Monaco heavily relied on its backcourt players to take a 1-0 lead in the playoffs

AS Monaco v FC Barcelona (2025-04-23T17:00:00.000Z)