Name: Hifi with another crazy three! Motorola Magic Moment
Channel: Euroleague Basketball

Nadir Hifi dances with Sergio Llull and hits a huge three-pointer over the legendary Real Madrid guard

Hifi with another crazy three! Motorola Magic Moment

Real Madrid v Paris Basketball (2025-04-15T19:00:00.000Z)

Paris Basketball upset Real Madrid 73-81 on Tuesday in the Play-In Showdown to clinch seventh place and set up a playoff showdown with Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul. Real's playoff hopes have not ended as Los Blancos will host FC Bayern Munich on Friday in a do-or-die showdown, which will see the winner take on Olympiacos Piraeus in the quarterfinals. Paris never trailed after the first quarter and led by as many as 13. Although Real mounted a late charge, the EuroLeague debutants held on to continue their historic campaign.

TJ Shorts paced the Parisians with 23 points and 9 assists, freshly crowned EuroLeague Rising Star Award winner Nadir Hifi added 15 points, Tyson Ward tallied 11 points and 7 rebounds and Kevarrius Hayes added 10 and 6 for the winners. Facundo Campazzo led Real with 17 points and 5 assists and Gabriel Deck contributed 10 points and 8 rebounds in defeat.

Game Videos

TJ Shorts showed that he is ready for the Play-In Showdown with a three-pointer on the first offensive set of the game to give Paris an early 0-3 advantage. The elusive guard continued his fine start by finding Kevarrius Hayes for a slam at 3-5 before scoring a layup at 6-7. Walter Tavares scored four points in a row to put Madrid up by three, 10-7, then a Facundo Campazzo triple gave the hosts’ biggest lead of the first half at 13-8. Nadir Hifi lit the flame for the fightback, then the Shorts-Hayes combination worked to perfection on a couple more dunks as Paris went up 19-25. Andres Feliz’s free throw was the last score of the quarter, making it 22-27 after 10 minutes.

A slow start to the second quarter was ended by Dzanan Musa scoring inside on the fast break, but a long two by Sebastian Herrera and a mid-range jumper by Shorts showed that Paris was not about to collapse, 24-31. Campazzo did his best to get Madrid going with a layup and a triple, then Usman Garuba’s layup resulted in a huge roar from the home supporters and a timeout by Paris coach Tiago Splitter. That pause did wonders for the visitors, who had Hifi score 8 points in a flurry, including back-to-back threes that put Paris up by 33-41. Garuba’s triple looked like it would inspire a reaction, but Ward hit back with a corner three before Shorts ended the half by going at Garuba and scoring a layup to make it 36-46 at the interval – the first double-digit lead of the game.

Game News

Paris continued to heap the pain on Madrid in the early stages of the third frame, with Shorts scoring on back-to-back offensive sets – giving the visitors a new game-high 11-point lead, 39-50 – before finding Hayes for a score inside, 41-52. Tyson Ward had a perfect trip to the line as Paris opened a new game-high 13-point lead, 41-54, but Alberto Abalde, Gaby Deck and Campazzo forced the visitors into a timeout at 49-55. Malcolm and Shorts restored a double-digit advantage, 49-61, but Andres Feliz and Serge Ibaka provided a boost to the hosts, who trailed 58-62 after 30 minutes following scores by Deck and Mario Hezonja.

It looked like a memorable Real Madrid comeback was on, with Feliz and Sergio Llull combining to make it a one-point ballgame at 61-62. Ibaka responded to Shorts’s mid-range jumper, 63-64, then Ward and Campazzo went back and forth as it was 67-68 entering the final minutes. However, a Mikael Jantunen three took the air out of the arena, 67-71, as did a sidestep Hifi triple over Llull, 68-74. The final dagger came with another triple courtesy of Jantunen, which made it 71-79, before Paris eventually secured a famous 73-81 win to set up a playoff date with Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul.

The French side continues to write a fairy-tale story in its debut EuroLeague season

Paris stuns Real Madrid in play-in, 73-81, to set up playoff date with Fenerbahce

They’ve done it again – TJ Shorts has found Kevarrius Hayes for another dunk

Hayes alley-oop dunk off another Shorts assist! Motorola Magic Moment

TJ Shorts drives towards the basket and dishes to Kevarrius Hayes, who dunks with force

The Shorts-Hayes combo works again! Motorola Magic Moment

After a Facundo Campazzo steal, he led the Real Madrid offense and found the trailing Walter Tavares, who slammed home the dunk

Tavares dunks in transition! Motorola Magic Moment

Filip Petrusev rocks the rim with a two-hander after a lovely assist from Luka Mitrovic

Petrusev with a ferocious dunk! Motorola Magic Moment

FC Bayern Munich v Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (2025-04-15T18:30:00.000Z)

The trio of EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast co-hosts are back together again with Javier Gancedo making his triumphant return alongside Vasiliki Karamouza and Frankie Sachs. There is only main topic of conversation this week: The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Play-In Showdown.

The Fantasy Challenge Podcast tackles the Play-In Showdown

The trio of EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast co-hosts are back together again with [Javier Gancedo](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fganchetto&data=05%7C02%7Cigor.petrinovic%40euroleague.net%7C78f411fe745c432da56508dd7b56c320%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638802334749751491%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=8DKh%2BlF4corkMBAdaOaCieST%2BUgrtvMtJae4Zk09uoI%3D&reserved=0) making his triumphant return alongside [Vasiliki Karamouza](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fkaramouza_vas&data=05%7C02%7Cigor.petrinovic%40euroleague.net%7C78f411fe745c432da56508dd7b56c320%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638802334749767493%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=3sAFU21%2Fno29DHV7IoXkiDi3IBRJLJ32pGJ%2FpBP58EM%3D&reserved=0) and [Frankie Sachs](https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FMrEuroleague&data=05%7C02%7Cigor.petrinovic%40euroleague.net%7C78f411fe745c432da56508dd7b56c320%7C2b3d64f0329542979f1528435f0a62ce%7C1%7C0%7C638802334749778256%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=t830C3BcgSc7yJU4%2BG1rjayHdVh6A7tj%2BY8%2F%2F9U1B0M%3D&reserved=0). There is only main topic of conversation this week: The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Play-In Showdown.

The trio discusses the best strategy to employ for Tuesday's two games and what risks are worth taking. There is a lot of overlap between the three of them with the likes of TJ Shorts, Walter Tavares and Filip Petrusev universally recommended. In fact, Frankie and Javi chose identical starting lineups!

Time is of the essence with the Play-In Showdown tipping on Tuesday when FC Bayern Munich hosts Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade at 20:30 CEST, so make sure to have your lineups finalized by then. And, as always, good luck, fantasy fans.

Javier Gancedo makes his triumphant return to the show alongside co-hosts Vasiliki Karamouza and Frankie Sachs

Antonio Blakeney ranked second in the EuroCup in scoring on a per-minute basis with an average of 26.7 points over 40 minutes. And now, for the first time in his professional career, Blakeney is a champion, too. 

Tribute to the Champs: Antonio Blakeney

Some say that "timing is everything". For [Antonio Blakeney](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/antonio-blakeney/013402/) in the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup, that was certainly the case. 

The guard had his best stretch of the season when it mattered most, playing a decisive role for Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv in the semifinals and the finals to lead the club to glory. Blakeney had three of his four best-scoring games all season in the final stretch with 22 points in Game 2 of the semifinals, 32 in Game 3 and 27 in the deciding game of the finals. He tied for the finals lead in scoring (22.0 ppg.), steals (1.5 spg.) and PIR (23.5). 

Scoring in bunches is what Blakeney does best and that is exactly what he did for Hapoel in the finals. In the series opener, he scored 10 of his 17 points in the first quarter and then in Game 2 he erupted for 18 points in the third quarter.

Blakeney was a mid-season addition, who debuted in the EuroCup in Round 7. He found his rhythm during a stretch between Rounds 10 and 14 when he averaged 16.2 points on 52.2% three-point shooting, but then cooled off and did not score at all in three of his next four appearances. However, Coach Dimitris Itoudis encouraged him to work harder and when the playoffs arrived, Blakeney was ready for primetime. He finished the season averaging 13.4 points per game and ranked [second in the EuroCup in scoring on a per-minute basis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/stats/expanded/?size=25&viewType=traditional&seasonCode=U2024&statisticMode=perMinute&seasonMode=Single&sortDirection=descending&statistic=score) with an average of 26.7 points over 40 minutes. And now, for the first time in his professional career, Blakeney is a champion, too.

More Hapoel Tel Aviv News

The instant-offense guard was at his best in the biggest games of the season

Tribute to the Champs: Antonio Blakeney 

All the latest injury news surrounding all registered players ahead of the 2025 EuroLeague Play-In Showdown.

EuroLeague injury report: Play-In Showdown

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

### FC Bayern Munich vs. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (20:30 CEST)

#### FC Bayern Munich

Bayern has not yet sent an injury report for its play-in game against Crvena Zvezda on Tuesday.

- Oscar da Silva, who last played in Round 27, is out for 'the coming weeks', the club announced on March 6.

#### Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade

Joel Bolomboy and Milos Teodosic are both ruled out for Crvena Zvezda's play-in game at Bayern on Tuesday, the club has confirmed.

- Joel Bolomboy is out for 3-6 weeks after spraining his ankle, [the club announced on March 14](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/joel-bolomboy-out-3-6-weeks-with-ankle-sprain/).
- Luka Mitrovic and Mike Daum both returned to action in Round 34 after being out with injuries.

### Real Madrid vs. Paris Basketball (21:00 CEST)

#### Real Madrid

Real Madrid has not yet sent an injury report for its play-in game against Paris on Tuesday.

- Bruno Fernando did not play in Round 33 nor Round 34, but he did feature in the Spanish League last weekend.
- Eli Ndiaye, who last played in Round 28, [has been dealing with a shoulder issue](https://x.com/pilarcasado/status/1909957418328502603).
- Xavier Rathan-Mayes last played in Round 27 but has been fit and ready to go.

#### Paris Basketball

Real Madrid has not yet sent an injury report for its play-in game at Real Madrid on Tuesday.

- Maodo Lo is out for 'several weeks' with a hamstring injury, [the club's website stated on March 24](https://parisbasketball.com/en/2025/03/medical-statement-from-paris-basketball/).
- Daulton Hommes is out for 'several months' with a hand injury, [the club's website stated on March 24](https://parisbasketball.com/en/2025/03/medical-statement-from-paris-basketball/).
- Leon Kratzer is out for an 'indefinite period' due to personal reasons, [the club's website stated on March 24](https://parisbasketball.com/en/2025/03/medical-statement-from-paris-basketball/).
- Enzo Shahrvin has been deregistered.

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

Injury report, play-in: Teodosic, Bolomboy missing for Crvena Zvezda

Paris Basketball shooting guard Nadir Hifi has been chosen as the 2024-25 EuroLeague Rising Star Trophy winner. The 23-year-old becomes the first French player to secure the prize.

Paris's Nadir Hifi is the 2024-25 EuroLeague Rising Star

Paris Basketball shooting guard Nadir Hifi has been chosen as the 2024-25 EuroLeague Rising Star Trophy winner. The 22-year-old becomes the first French player to secure the prize. Hifi managed to do so in his first season in the competition as he helped EuroLeague debutante Paris reach the postseason.

Voted for by EuroLeague head coaches, the Rising Star Trophy recognizes the best player each season who was younger than 22 on July 1 of the previous summer. Hifi was eligible by just a few days, as he was born on July 16, 2002, two weeks before the deadline. Hifi was the runaway leader in this season's voting, followed by Matthew Stazel of AS Monaco, who was second. Melvin Ajinca of LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne was third, Hugo Gonzalez of Real Madrid fourth, while Juan Nunez of FC Barcelona and Matteo Spagnolo of ALBA Berlin tied for fifth place.

Hifi quickly made sure he would be remembered for more than his haircut and run-and-gun playing style. In just his third EuroLeague game, Hifi scored 20 points against defending champion Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, leading Paris to an 84-80 victory. It was the first of seven times that Hifi reached the 20-point mark.

Hifi led all Rising Star eligible players this season in points (14.7 ppg.) and PIR (10.4). He was also the best per-minute scorer in the regular season. Hifi averaged 29.8 points per 40 minutes, edging of Carsen Edwards of FC Bayern Munich (28.6) and his Paris teammate TJ Shorts (27.6). Hifi was also first in three-pointers made per 40 minutes (5.0). He finished the regular season with averages of 14.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 3.0 fouls drawn per game. He was one of 41 players to take part in all 34 regular season games and one of only two players to come off the bench in all of those games.

Born in Strasbourg, France, Hifi started his career with local fourth-division team Illkirch-Graffenstaden before joining ESSM Le Portel Cote d'Opale, where he played for three seasons. He joined Paris in the summer of 2023 and helped the team win the French Leaders Cup and the BKT EuroCup titles last season. Hifi has also been a member of the French national team.

The first-ever Rising Star award went to Erazem Lorbek of Climamio Bologna in 2005. He was followed by Andrea Bargnani of Benetton Treviso in 2006; Rudy Fernandez of Joventut Badalona in 2007; Danilo Gallinari of EA7 Emporio Armani Milano in 2008; Novica Velickovic of Partizan Belgrade in 2009; Ricky Rubio of FC Barcelona in 2010; Nikola Mirotic of Real Madrid in 2011 and 2012; Kostas Papanikolaou of Olympiacos Piraeus in 2013; Bogdan Bogdanovic of Partizan in 2014 and again with Fenerbahce Istanbul in 2015; Alex Abrines of Barca in 2016; Luka Doncic of Real Madrid in 2017 and 2018; Goga Bitadze of Buducnost VOLI Podgorica in 2019; Usman Garuba of Real in 2021; Rokas Jokubaitis of Barcelona in 2022; Yam Madar of Partizan in 2023 and Gabriele Procida of ALBA Berlin in 2024.

The 'Prince of Paris' has impressed in his first EuroLeague season

Panathinaikos OPAP Athens announced on Tuesday that it has signed star forward Cedi Osman for two more seasons

Panathinaikos, Cedi Osman pen two-year extension 

Panathinaikos OPAP Athens announced on Tuesday that it has signed star forward [Cedi Osman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/cedi-osman/004088/) for two more seasons. Osman (2.04 meters, 30 years old) joined the Greens in September and averaged 7.9 points and 2.4 rebounds over 32 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague games. It marked his first season in the competition since 2016-17 with Osman spending seven seasons in the NBA – six with the Cleveland Cavaliers and one with San Antonio Spurs – in between. In his first season in the NBA, Osman was a member of the Cavaliers squad – alongside the likes of LeBron James, Kevin Love and J.R. Smith – that reached the 2018 NBA Finals.

Cedi Osman's top plays from the 2024-25 regular season

His best NBA campaign came in the 2018-19 season, the first after James’s departure, as he averaged career highs in points (13.0 ppg.) and rebounds (4.7 rpg.) in 76 regular-season games as a full-time starter. Osman remained a key player for the Cavs throughout the rest of his time in Cleveland, although he was a regular bench player in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons.

Osman is a product of the Anadolu Efes Istanbul junior setup and debuted in the EuroLeague with the club in 2013. He also played one season on loan at Pertevniyal Istanbul. He was a long-time member of the Turkish national team and has represented his country at the Basketball World Cup and the European Championships.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Ο Τσεντί Οσμάν στον Παναθηναϊκό AKTOR έως το 2027 ☘️<br><br>Η ΚΑΕ Παναθηναϊκός AKTOR ανακοινώνει την επέκταση της συνεργασίας της με τον Τσεντί Οσμάν έως το καλοκαίρι του 2027.<br><br>—<br><br>Cedi Osman to remain with Panathinaikos AKTOR until 2027 ☘️<br><br>Panathinaikos BC AKTOR is pleased to… <a href="https://t.co/CULg5jfC6B">pic.twitter.com/CULg5jfC6B</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@Paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/Paobcgr/status/1912053817966788616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

More Panathinaikos news

The Greens have locked up the star forward for two more seasons

Panathinaikos, Cedi Osman pen two-year extension

Check out what the coaches and players are saying ahead of the 2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Play-In Showdown.

Pregame quotes hub: Play-In Showdown

### FC Bayern Munich vs. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (20:30 CET)

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

"After the poor performance in our last game against Fenerbahce, we have a chance to bounce back in front of our own fans. Of course, there’s pressure now, but we’re confident and can handle it. Pressure also means you’re fighting for something meaningful — something you’ve earned. That’s what we’ve worked for all year. The key will be to start better than we did against Fener. Then the crowd will really be in the game with us. It’s a do-or-die game — we have to come out focused and pay attention to the details on every possession. In big games like this, it’s also crucial to stick together — on the court and on the bench — staying tightly connected, even when mistakes happen. We’ll need to go beyond our limits in terms of effort. It’s our fifth game in 10 days, okay, but there are no excuses at this point."

**Nick Weiler-Babb, FC Bayern Munich guard**

"We’re not in the playoffs yet, unfortunately, but we still have the chance to make it. It’s going to be a very hard-fought game — a lot is on the line for both teams. The good thing is we’re playing at home with the crowd behind us. Crvena Zvezda is a very physical team, and they have a lot of scoring threats. The key will be which team plays better defense."

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

"We are starting the play-in – this is different from the league part. This is a knockout game. The result is very important. We know the importance of the game, we have to fight hard because we are playing against a strong team, especially on their home court. They are talented, especially on offense, so we have to play as well as possible. It is important that we control the game and play good defense; they have such a team and players who can find their rhythm and kill you. That's why I say that we have to control the game, to do what we can. To read their intentions."

**Dejan Davidovac, Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade forward**

"A difficult game, for sure. They play well at home, where they've had just four defeats all season. They are in a good rhythm, and so are we. We've lost some games, we've been unlucky, but I think we're playing well even though the games we've lost – we've lost in tight finishes near the end. We are aware that we are playing well – we will go to Munich with that mentality. We are in a good rhythm and we should continue like this."

### Real Madrid vs. Paris Basketball (21:00 CET)

**Chus Mateo, Real Madrid head coach**

"We have to achieve the goal we set at the beginning of the year: to fight to be as high as possible, and this play-in is a bridge to the playoffs that we have to take advantage of. I think the team is mentally strong and I feel that we are ready to face a big game at Movistar Arena, with our fans, knowing that what happens depends a lot on our performance as a team and our mentality: not turning the ball over, not thinking the game is won or lost because we are up or down on the scoreboard, but fighting until the end. We need the help of our fans and I think we have earned the support of our fans at home to go to the playoffs."

**Alberto Abalde, Real Madrid forward**

"We head into this play-in with a lot of optimism. We expect a very difficult game against a team that is enjoying a spectacular season, a special and different team because of the way they play like Paris Basketball. Paris has a very high rhythm, many weapons on offense, many options: creators like TJ Shorts and \[Nadir\] Hifi and then a good group of players who accompany and complement them, who create danger at any time. We must try to prevent them from playing comfortably to lower their scoring and be solid, control the rebounding and, from there, impose our rhythm. It is a game that could allow us to qualify for the playoffs and therefore it is key. The home court factor is also very important because we feel very supported by our fans at the Movistar Arena. We play there with extra motivation and we are sure that tomorrow they will help us."

Pregame quotes hub, play-in: 'There are no excuses at this point'

Kendrick Nunn was mic’d up during one of the most intense games of the regular season — and nothing was off-limits. From defensive commands to emotional outbursts, arguments with refs, and leadership in clutch moments… you hear it all.

Kendrick Nunn Mic’d up | AS Monaco vs. Panathinaikos

Kendrick Nunn was mic’d up during one of the most intense games of the regular season — and nothing was off-limits. From defensive commands to emotional outbursts, arguments with refs, and leadership in clutch moments… you hear it all.

This is Nunn, unfiltered.

Kendrick NUNN Got MIC’D UP and SCORED BIG | AS Monaco - Panathinaikos

Kendrick Nunn Mic’d up  | AS Monaco vs. Panathinaikos

AS Monaco v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2025-04-03T17:00:00.000Z)

Kendrick Nunn of Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens claimed another individual award by winning the 2024-25 Alphonso Ford EuroLeague Top Scorer Trophy thanks to his regular season-best average of 21.1 points per game

Kendrick Nunn is the 2024-25 Alphonso Ford Top Scorer Trophy winner

In just his second Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season, [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/) of Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens claimed another individual award by winning the 2024-25 Alphonso Ford EuroLeague Top Scorer Trophy thanks to his regular season-best average of [21.1 points per game](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/stats/expanded/?size=25&viewType=traditional&seasonCode=E2024&statisticMode=perGame&seasonMode=Single&sortDirection=descending&statistic=score). Nunn was one of two players who set the EuroLeague’s regular season scoring record with 696 total points. [Carsen Edwards](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/carsen-edwards/011987/) of FC Bayern Munich matched Nunn in total points, but finished second in the scoring race due to having played one more game than Nunn.

The Ford Trophy is the only post-season award based solely on statistics. Nunn overtook Edwards and [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/) of Olympiacos Piraeus in the second half of the season for the top spot. Edwards was second in this race at 20.5 points per game. Vezenkov was third (20.5 ppg.), [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tj-shorts/012608/) of Paris Basketball fourth (18.7 ppg.) and [Nikola Mirotic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikola-mirotic/000796/) of EA7 Emporio Armani Milan fifth (17.7 ppg.).

When Nunn was on fire, he was unstoppable. He became the first scorer in EuroLeague history to rack up at least 35 points in a game three times in a season. Only four players had managed to reach 35 points twice in a single campaign: [Markus Howard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/markus-howard/011948/) (2023-24), [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) (2020-21), [Shane Larkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shane-larkin/007200/) (2019-20) and the late [Alphonso Ford](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/alphonso-ford/acf/) (2000-01). Nunn led the competition in three-pointers made with 101 and was also fourth in two-point shots made. He converted 42.6% of his three-pointers and 85.6% of his free throw attempts.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">NUNN BETTER 🔥<br><br>Kendrick Nunn is the 2024-25 Alphonso Ford Top Scorer Trophy winner 🏆<br><br>The <a href="https://twitter.com/Paobcgr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Paobcgr</a> superstar was the regular season scoring leader with 21.1 points per game🎯 <a href="https://t.co/my4ONzmdDU">pic.twitter.com/my4ONzmdDU</a></p>&mdash; Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1911821041745220073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Nunn, who recently signed a contract extension with Panathinaikos through the end of the 2027-28 season, is in his second season with the Greens. Last season, he was chosen to the [All-EuroLeague First Team](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/meet-the-2023-24-all-euroleague-first-team/), was the [MVP for April/May 2024](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/april-may-mvp-kendrick-nunn-panathinaikos-aktor-athens/) and helped the club win its first EuroLeague championship since 2011. Nunn was chosen as the [EuroLeague MVP for February 2025](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/kendrick-nunn-shines-as-euroleagues-mvp-for-february/), too.

The award is named after Alphonso Ford, who died of leukemia in September 2004 after a brilliant career in which he was the competition's leading scorer twice, in 2000-01 and 2001-02, both seasons with Olympiacos Piraeus. He subsequently led Montepaschi Siena in scoring as it reached the 2003 Final Four. Ford owns the EuroLeague's all-time best scoring average with 22.2 points in 54 career games. Nunn is now second on the list at 18.5 points per night.

Nunn is the 16th winner of the Ford Trophy since it was first awarded in 2005. Three players won the award multiple times. [Igor Rakocevic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/igor-rakocevic/anb/) did so with Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz in 2007 and 2008 and won a third with Anadolu Efes Istanbul in 2011. [Keith Langford](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/keith-langford/001887/) first won with Olimpia Milan in 2014 and then with UNICS Kazan in 2017. [Alexey Shved](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/alexey-shved/kvz/) won with Khimki Moscow Region in 2018 and 2021.

The other Ford Trophy winners are [Markus Howard](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/baskonias-markus-howard-wins-the-2023-24-alphonso-ford-top-scorer-trophy/) with Baskonia (2024), [Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/sasha-vezenkov-captures-the-2022-23-ford-top-scorer-trophy/) with Olympiacos (2023), [Vasilije Micic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/2021-22-alphonso-ford-top-scorer-trophy-winner-vasilije-micic-anadolu-efes-istanbul/?pageTitle=Homepage&historyUrl=/euroleague/) with Efes (2022); James with Milan (2019); [Nando De Colo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nando-de-colo/002100/) with CSKA Moscow (2016); [Taylor Rochestie](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/taylor-rochestie/002972/) with Nizhny Novgorod (2015); [Bobby Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/bobby-brown/000129/) (2013) and [Bo McCalebb](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/bo-mccalebb/002014/) (2012), both with Montepaschi Siena; [Linas Kleiza](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/linas-kleiza/001925/) with Olympiacos (2010); [Marc Salyers](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/marc-salyers/teu/) with Chorale Roanne (2008); [Drew Nicholas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/drew-nicholas/kng/) with Benetton Treviso (2006); and [Charles Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/charles-smith/ctn/) with Scavolini Pesaro in the award's original season, 2005.

More on Kendrick Nunn

The Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens superstar was the regular season scoring leader with 21.1 points per game

By leading Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv to the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup championship, Coach Dimitris Itoudis became the fourth man to ever guide clubs to glory in both the EuroCup and the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Dimitris Itoudis has joined a select club of coaches

By leading Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv to the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup championship, Coach Dimitris Itoudis became the fourth man to ever guide clubs to glory in both the EuroCup and the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.

It was an unusual campaign for Itoudis. When he took the coaching reins at Hapoel from his former assistant coach Stefanos Dedas in November, it marked the first time in his coaching career that Itoudis had joined a team midseason. And then he led Hapoel to 12 wins in its final 15 games.

Itoudis helped Hapoel finish second in Regular Season Group B before the team skipped past Turk Telekom Ankara, Valencia Basket and Dreamland Gran Canaria - going 5-1 in the playoffs - to lift the trophy. He joined Dusan Ivkovic, David Blatt and Ergin Ataman as the only coaches to win both the EuroLeague and EuroCup.

Itoudis had previously won EuroLeague titles as head coach of CSKA Moscow in 2016 and 2019. He has five more EuroLeague crowns as Zeljko Obradovic's top assistant coach with Panathinaikos Athens (2000, 2002, 2007, 2009 and 2011).

"I was surprised I didn't know about that. That's another blessing. The fans know my relation with the late Dusan, "Duda" and his family, Nena \[Ivkovic's wife\], Petar and Pavle \[his sons\]. And being among also great coaches like David and also Ergin, it's a blessing," Ivkovic said after the last game of the finals on Friday. "I'm proud to be among this great group of coaches: Dusan, Ergin and David."

The late Ivkovic was the first coach to win both titles. In 1997, he led Olympiacos to the EuroLeague crown by downing FC Barcelona 73-58 in the championship game. Almost a decade later, Ivkovic helped Dynamo Moscow become one of the first champions in EuroCup history. Dynamo defeated Aris Thessaloniki 73-60 in the 2006 EuroCup final. Ivkovic went on to lift the EuroLeague trophy for the second time with Olympiacos in 2012.

David Blatt was the second coach to join this club. He led Maccabi Tel Aviv to the 2014 EuroLeague championship, beating Real Madrid 86-98 in overtime in the championship game behind an outstanding effort from Final Four MVP Tyrese Rice. Coach Blatt went on to lift the EuroCup with Darussafaka Istanbul in 2018, defeating heavy favorite and previously undefeated Lokomotiv Kuban Krasnodar 0-2 in the best-of-three finals. Rice is also a EuroLeague and EuroCup champion as a player: in 2015, he led Khimki Moscow Region to EuroCup glory as the season and Final Four MVP.

By the time Coach Blatt joined the club, Ergin Ataman was already a EuroCup champion. He claimed the EuroCup with Galatasaray Istanbul after beating Strasbourg in the two-game total-points finals in 2016. Ataman then won back-to-back EuroLeague crowns with Anadolu Efes Istanbul in 2021 and 2022 and again celebrated by winning the trophy with Panathinaikos last season.

Ataman, Blatt and Ivkovic also won other European competitions in which Itoudis has never coached or been a part of as head coach. Ivkovic won Korac Cup titles with Partizan Belgrade in 1979 and PAOK Thessaloniki in 1994 and a Cup Winners' Cup with AEK Athens in 2000. Blatt lifted the EuroChallenge trophy with Dynamo St. Petersburg in 2005. Ataman led Mens Sana Siena to the Saporta Cup in 2002 and also won the EuroChallenge with Besiktas in 2012.

By leading Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv to the BKT EuroCup crown, Coach Itoudis reached a new milestone in his career

Real Madrid's Declan Duru: 'Three-peat is more than a title. It’s a legacy'

U18 Real Madrid will be entering the Adidas NextGen EuroLeague Finals with a chance at history. *Los Blancos* can become the first team in nearly 20 years of the competition to complete a three-peat. Declan Duru knows the team cannot expect any advantage because of its successful past but it would be an unforgettable moment for the star forward and the team.

Duru helped Real win last year’s NextGen title, bringing the club’s total to a record five trophies. The German admits that he will never forget last season’s NextGen Championship Game - a thrilling 85-84 overtime win over U18 PFBB INSEP Paris in Berlin.

“That game will stay with me forever. It was intense, emotional and physically exhausting - everything a final should be,” said Duru, who contributed 3 points, 5 rebounds and 3 blocks in the win, including a spectacular put-back dunk and one with 34 seconds left in overtime.

“We knew how strong INSEP was, and taking it to overtime just showed how closely matched we were. The energy in Berlin was absolutely unreal, and winning in such a thrilling way made it an experience I'll never forget.”

"I knew I had to step up. It’s been a big responsibility, but also a great opportunity for me to grow."

Duru is one of six players from this year’s squad who were in the championship game, but the team lost much of its firepower and leadership with the generational graduation of the likes of Hugo Gonzalez, Egor Demin, Ismaila Diagne and Mitar Bosnjakovic.

“It was definitely a big shift. Those guys were more than just talented players, they were leaders - both on and off the court. Their absence created a space that needed to be filled and I knew I had to step up. It’s been a big responsibility, but also a great opportunity for me to grow,” Duru said.

The forward averaged 4.2 points and 3.0 rebounds at the NextGen EuroLeague Munich, but it was not enough to book an automatic ticket to the NextGen Finals. Real lost to U18 Next Gen Team Munich in the final group game to snap its streak of consecutive qualifying tournament first place finishes at 11. And it meant Real was reliant on a wild card to have a chance to defend their title in Abu Dhabi.

Declan Duru highlights - 2024 NextGen EuroLeague

Real will face a major test in Abu Dhabi, being put into Group B along with U18 Overtime Elite, U18 Zalgiris Kaunas and INSEP.

“It’s definitely a tough group where there’s no easy game. Overtime Elite brings a unique playing style, Zalgiris is always disciplined and efficient, and INSEP… well, we know exactly how dangerous they can be,” said Duru. “But this kind of competition pushes us to be at our best from the very first game, and that’s exactly what we want.”

The highlight of the group schedule is the showdown between Real and INSEP. A number of players on both teams were in last year’s championship game and the French side - itself a two-time U18 continental champion - will be out for revenge.

“That game is going to be intense. It might be a sense of unfinished business from their side, and we’re aware of that,” Duru said.

"It’s not about defending the past. It’s about earning it all over again."

Duru insists he and his teammates will not be thinking about previous games or previous tournament results.

“For us, it’s not about defending the past. It’s about earning it all over again. It’ll be emotional and physical, but I trust our preparation and mentality,” he said.

Should Real overcome the group and then prevail in the championship game on May 25, the team would increase its record to six NextGen crowns. And the club would match U18 CSKA Moscow as the only other team to three-peat. The Russians won the competition in 2004, 2005 and 2006.

“It would mean everything. To be part of a team that makes history is what you dream of as a kid. The three-peat is more than a title. It’s a legacy. We’re all motivated by that and we know what it would mean to the club, our coaches and everyone who’s helped us along the way. Although we all know too how difficult it is,” Duru said.

Real will already have played in the Spanish domestic junior championship before it heads to Abu Dhabi, meaning the NextGen EuroLeague games will be the final youth games for Duru.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The sequence of 𝕋ℍ𝔼 𝔻𝕌ℕ𝕂 of the tournament😤<br><br>Declan Duru from <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RMBaloncesto</a> U18s over Ivan Kharchenkov🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AdidasNGT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AdidasNGT</a> <a href="https://t.co/757uowvDrk">https://t.co/757uowvDrk</a> <a href="https://t.co/i7yGGRBbG2">pic.twitter.com/i7yGGRBbG2</a></p>&mdash; Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1751928257031630859?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“It’s been an incredible journey. Moving to Spain at 13 wasn’t easy, but Real Madrid became home. I’ve grown so much not just as a player, but as a person. The coaches, teammates, and the entire organization helped shape who I am today. Whatever comes next, this chapter will always be special,” said Duru, who debuted with Real’s senior team in early November 2024 and then made his EuroLeague debut on November 12 against Vitrus Segafredo Bologna. 

This last junior season has been special for Duru because he has had fellow German Fabian Kayser alongside him.

“Having Fabian on the team has been great. We understand each other on a different level not just culturally, but in how we approach competition,” Duru said of the 2009-born talent who came to Real in the off-season. “I’ve seen how hard he works and how much he has developed this season. He has a bright future ahead, he is competitive, talented and grounded. I’m proud of him and excited to see where his path takes him.”

Duru hopes he can experience a first NextGen EuroLeague title with his compatriot and make history at the same time.

NextGen EuroLeague champ Duru knows Real Madrid faces a massive test for another title

Fantasy Challenge guru Javier Gancedo shares his recommendations for this week

Javier Gancedo's fantasy tips for the Play-In Showdown

The 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season is in the books and the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge continues with the Play-In Showdown, three do-or-die games that will complete the playoff picture. There is only one turn and limited choices in the game, so fantasy managers should not have second thoughts: it is all about getting the right players, right now, so I am recommending one star per team and another player with added value.

 

### TJ Shorts, Paris Basketball (20.2 credits)

This is a no-brainer. Paris needs one win this week to reach the playoffs and [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tj-shorts/012608/) should lead the way, like he has done since joining the club in the summer of 2023. His only game against Real this season? Shorts had 24 points and 10 assists for a PIR of 25. Was it long ago? Nope, it was earlier this month. Shorts is a solid choice for team captain, as he rarely underperforms.

### Walter Tavares, Real Madrid (16.1 credits)

[Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/) has been chosen as the [EuroLeague MVP for March and April](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/walter-tavares-named-turkish-airlines-euroleague-mvp-for-march-april/), which says plenty about his great form. Against Paris, Tavares has averaged 12-5 points and 11.5 rebounds over two games for a PIR of 26. Tavares has had a PIR of at least 14 or higher in each of his last seven games and consistency is what you look for in this situation with a limited number of players available.

Codi Miller-Mcintyre, Filip Petrusev, Walter Tavares, Carsen Edwards and TJ shorts are featured in this week's article.

EuroLeague Fantasy tips: play-in showdown

### Carsen Edwards, FC Bayern Munich (15.5 credits)

[Carsen Edwards](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/carsen-edwards/011987/) was close to the scoring title, averaging 20.5 points per game this season. He has been to the free throw line consistently, averaging 4.3 fouls drawn and 3.6 attempts per night. Edwards had one of his best games against Zvezda (30 points, 29 PIR) but also one of his worst (3 points, -2 PIR) this season. In this situation, I think Edwards will be very strong.

### Filip Petrusev, Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (12.5 credits)

Even if [Joel Bolomboy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/joel-bolomboy/009035/) returns, [Filip Petrusev](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/filip-petrusev/011194/) is a solid choice against Bayern, as he has played well with or without Zvezda's starting center. Petrusev has been able to achieve very good numbers (13.5 ppg., 4.9 rpg., 16.0 PIR) in less than 21 minutes per night. He is the perfect choice for a do-or-die showdown, a smart, versatile forward able to find advantages pretty much everywhere.

### Codi Miller-McIntyre, Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (9.9 credits)

I have been following him lately and it is time to recommend him. [Codi Miller-McIntyre](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/codi-miller-mcintyre/009048/) has stepped up at the very end of the regular season, averaging 18.2 points on 21-of-33 two-point shooting and 15-of-35 on three-pointers plus 3.2 assists for a PIR of 16.6 over his last five appearances. In the past, Miller-McIntyre proved he can pass the ball really well. He is scoring a lot now, too. Freed from desire, Codi Miller-McIntyre!

Euroleague Basketball has named Real Madrid center Walter Tavares as the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague MVP for the months of March and April

Walter Tavares named EuroLeague MVP for March-April

Euroleague Basketball has named [Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/real-madrid/mad/) center [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/) as the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague MVP for the months of March and April. The towering center was instrumental in Real Madrid's strong 6-1 finish to the regular season, which helped *Los Blancos* advance to the postseason, securing seventh place and home-court advantage for the Play-In Showdown.

During the March and April stretch, in which EuroLeague teams played the final seven rounds of the regular season, Tavares consistently dominated on both ends of the court. He averaged an impressive 16.7 points per game, shooting a highly efficient 77.4% from two-point range (41-of-53) and 75.9% from the free-throw line (22-of-29). His presence was also felt on the boards, where he pulled down 7.1 rebounds per game, and defensively, where he contributed 0.9 blocks per contest. He posted a remarkable PIR of 21.3 over those seven games.

The MVP of the Month award is now in its 20th season. The winner is named by Euroleague Basketball based on his and his team's performance during the month in question. The award for March and April was based on the seven games that all teams played during that period.

This is Tavares's fourth monthly MV. He was similarly honored in October 2018, November 2021 and April 2023, after which he led *Los Blancos* to the EuroLeague crown. With four MVP of the Month trophies, Tavares has tied Sasha Vezenkov of Olympiacos Piraeus for the third-most in competition history. Nikola Mirotic of EA7 Emporio Milan is the leader with seven and Mike James of AS Monaco is second with five.

Tavares showcased incredible consistency throughout March and April. He scored between 13 and 23 points in each of the seven contests, never dipping below a PIR of 14 and reaching as high as 28. He also secured at least 5 rebounds in every game.

Real Madrid's impressive 6-1 record during March and April included victories on the road against Virtus Segafredo Bologna, Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade, and Paris Basketball, as well as home wins against LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, and ALBA Berlin. The team's only loss came on the road at Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens.

Tavares's stellar performances positioned Real Madrid to host Paris Basketball in the first game of the Play-In Showdown this Tuesday, April 15. His continued leadership and dominance will be crucial as the team embarks on its quest for a record 12th EuroLeague title.

It is the fourth such honor for the All-EuroLeague center