Name: Roman Sorkin: 'A lot of guys stepped up'
Channel: Euroleague Basketball

Check out what the coaches and players are saying ahead of Round 27 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Pregame quotes hub: Round 27

### February, February 28

#### Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs. ALBA Berlin (18:30 CET)

**Luca Banchi, Anadolu Efes Istanbul head coach**

"We had a pretty long break before the EuroLeague regular season started again and for us was the opportunity to take some time to recover, especially because of the injuries we suffered. We arrive at this game with some uncertainties, but with firm motivation to have a great game. We have a big respect of ALBA Berlin, their system and the talent of their players. That's why we expect to have a solid performance, being consistent from the beginning with a proper approach, without forgetting that every single game in this competition for us will have a special value."

**Rodrigue Beaubois, Anadolu Efes Istanbul guard**

"We are entering the most important part of the regular season. We have eight games left and we must find a way to get as many wins as possible. ALBA Berlin is a dangerous team... We must be very careful and be ready to compete."

#### Virtus Segafredo Bologna vs. Olympiacos Piraeus (20:00 CET)

**Dusko Ivanovic, Virtus Segafredo Bologna head coach**

"We face Olympiacos after the pause, during which we worked very well with the eight players who stayed in Bologna. We will also see how the others, who returned from their national teams' commitments, will respond. In any case, to win this game, it will be necessary to fight and battle."

**Momo Diouf, Virtus Segafredo Bologna center**

"We are expecting a tough team. They can count on very strong players with points in their hands. We will have to play as a team, stay together, put a lot of energy and physicality by pressing full court."

**Georgios Bartzokas, Olympiacos Piraeus head coach**

"Eight games are left till the end of the regular season, and no team has given up. All teams are fighting till the end, even those that have zero chances to make it to the playoffs. Virtus is a good, competitive team, and they play very well, especially on their home court. They have experienced coach and experienced players like \[Toko\] Shengelia, \[Marco\] Belinelli and \[Isaia\] Cordinier. They are very competitive and very proud to not fight for the win. It will be a tough game. As far as it concerns us, we must follow our plan and play our basketball in order to head to Greece with the win."

**Giannoulis Larentzakis, Olympiacos Piraeus guard**

"It is the first game after the break, but we worked hard this period of time, and I hope that tomorrow we will show our good face and that we will get the win. Our goal is to finish as high as possible in the standings, and why not in the first position? Of course it is not going to be easy. Virtus is a good and experienced team, but if we stay focused on our game plan, we can make it."

#### Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade vs. Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (20:30 CET)

**Zeljko Obradovic, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade head coach**

"Both Baskonia and we had many players away with their national teams, but there was also time for some players to rest. I assume they took advantage of that. They are saying that this is a very important game for them, but it is for us as well. They are talking about tactical changes before the match, but that is nothing new, as I know Pablo Laso well – he tends to do that and will certainly try to surprise us with their game. We have tried to react and think about what those changes might be. In any case, this is a very important game for us after the break we had. We have completed two training sessions with the full squad, so we will see how everything looks tomorrow. I would like to ask all Partizan fans to support us, as they always do. Due to recent events, our arena capacity will be reduced by 20% tomorrow, and once again, I urge them not to insult anyone or throw objects onto the court. Instead, I encourage them to focus all their energy solely on supporting the team."

**Vanja Marinkovic, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade forward**

"I think the break was beneficial for the guys who were in a tough rhythm, allowing them to get some rest, while I used this period to get back in shape after my injury. We are ready to face Baskonia, a team that also had many players away during the national team break. I'm glad that I will be playing against my former club, where there are still many people I care about. I’ve stayed on good terms with many of my former teammates and continue to follow their performances in the EuroLeague and the Spanish League."

**Pablo Laso, Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz head coach**

"It's a difficult game. I think that Partizan's court is the most passionate and challenging in Europe. They have a very good team, a very athletic team. They have improved as the season has gone on, something that was expected because they had a lot of new signings. It took a lot for us to beat them here at home \[in Round 1\], and we're anticipating a very difficult game. With regard to us, we have trained well these last two weeks; we've had training sessions, we've been able to rest. I think the first week was very good when we still had the internationals. The work we did with those who stayed was very good, too. We had some bad luck with Kamar \[Baldwin\]'s injury and the minor injury of Sander \[Raieste\], although with Sander I'm pretty optimistic \[that he can play against Partizan\]. With Kamar, this week, no."

#### LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne vs. Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (21:00 CET)

**Ergin Ataman, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens head coach**

"After the two-week break, we will start the last part of the EuroLeague season. We will play eight games: four games at home and four on the road. The reality is that we must win five games minimum to protect a top-four position. This is a must. Less than five will be very difficult. ASVEL maybe has the aim to reach the playoffs, the play-in, but for us it's a very important game. We beat them in OAKA with a huge difference, but ASVEL plays different and very well on their home court. They won their last home game against Barcelona and scored 100 points, so for us it will be important to play well on defense to control the game. \[Tibor Pleiss brings\] experience, experience. He's a player who knows my system and I said yesterday in our practice that we only have one player who has more titles in the team, Kostas Sloukas. Tibor has big results in the EuroLeague with Efes, with me, and now it's not easy immediately, but in practice he was very good. We know we have had problems in the center position and we don't know exactly when \[Omer\] Yurtseven will be 100% ready, nor when \[Mathias\] Lessort will come back, so we took Tibor as security. I don't know how many minutes he can play, but even if he plays fewer minutes, he can give something to the team. Last week, we were in a bit of panic about \[Wenyen\] Gabriel's situation because he had a problem with his knee, then he was sick, but he had a good practice. He said that he's feeling good, so I hope before \[this next\] practice the doctors will not come to see me."

**Tibor Pleiss, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens center**

"I played with Ergin for a couple of years so I'm really used to his style of basketball, although the last time I played with him was one and a half years ago, so I know a couple of plays but not all of them. The team really welcomed me right away. Yesterday was my first practice and everybody tried to help me, so it was easy for me to adjust and feel like a part of the team."

### Thursday, February 27

#### Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade vs. Zalgiris Kaunas (20:00 CET)

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

"Zalgiris is an extremely strong team, they are still fighting for the play-in and playoffs. We know they have the second-best defense in the EuroLeague, while we are the best. So, I expect a tactical game from both teams. On offense, we have to read how they defend us and have the patience to find the best solutions. We have players with minor injuries and those with fly. I hope all goes well and we end up with the best possible roster available."

**Filip Petrusev, Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade forward**

"I expect a good game. We are aware that it is a frenzy between our supporters; everyone is looking forward to the game and it is very important. Let's understand the seriousness and that it won't be easy. With the departure of \[Lonnie\] Walker, it is known which player will take most of the possessions and attacks, and especially the responsibility when the game breaks down. Of course, I mean \[Sylvain\] Francisco. He is the number one, the other players will try to jump out and get more space after the departure of an important player."

**Andrea Trinchieri, Zalgiris Kaunas head coach**

"My nature is to be a dreamer. Dreams are for free. We know that it is very difficult, it is extremely difficult. The next opponent is a hot one playing in a very crazy environment. As I said, we need to dream, we need to build an opportunity. Every day is a good day to build an opportunity. Every day is a good day to think positive, to stay hungry, to fight, to compete. This could be one of the toughest games that we could face, and we will miss players, but it's the spirit, the thing that you have inside, that can push you over your limits. Every possession will be very important. We need to man up, we need to stay together. We need to play good basketball, we need to play hard, we need to resist, and play the best possible game."

#### Paris Basketball vs. FC Bayern Munich (20:30 CET)

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

"This is an interesting and challenging game for both teams, not only because of the tight standings. We all had a break, both teams were eliminated from the cup, and players were away with their national teams – six of ours were gone. We definitely need to try to control their pace; with their speed, they are hard to stop. The Paris guards are outstanding offensive players and can change games with their tempo and intensity. We need to match that intensity."

#### EA7 Emporio Armani Milan vs. AS Monaco (20:30 CET)

**Ettore Messina, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan head coach**

"We are both teams disappointed by the epilogue of their respective national cup tournaments. However, we prepared well in order to approach this final EuroLeague stretch in the best possible way, knowing how important every game is from now to the end. Returning to a good ball circulation and to a defense capable to generate transition opportunities will be crucial to defeat a team extremely deep and with great aspirations."

**Vassilis Spanoulis, AS Monaco head coach**

"Milan is a dangerous team, so we've been warned. These last eight matches are crucial for us. We need to play with great intensity and mental strength."

**Matthew Strazel, AS Monaco guard**

"We've got eight EuroLeague finals to play for. We'll have to be ready. Milan has a lot going for them, but so do we. The team that gives its all will win. I think Daniel Theis is going to bring us a lot. He can switch, defend on the outside, and he's active on the rebound. We needed his profile, and I think that bodes well."

#### Real Madrid vs. FC Barcelona (20:45 CET)

**Chus Mateo, Real Madrid head coach**

"We will play against FC Barcelona, a rival that, like us, needs to win badly, and we know how to play for the playoffs. Now we have many direct games with teams that are directly involved in this fight to enter the playoffs and we will try to make a good final sprint. Hopefully we will be able to achieve it because that is the next objective. Barcelona will go out as Barcelona always goes out, giving 100% and trying to reverse a situation that is not very favorable to them either. I am sure that we will come up against the best Barcelona possible, I have no doubt. We will try to do our job with conviction and trying to fight for every ball. We will do everything we can to win a really important game for us because a victory would give us a lot of optimism for the end of the season."

**Sergio Llull, Real Madrid guard**

"We are looking forward to the return of the EuroLeague. We will play a vital game for us against a direct rival, which is a Clásico, a special game, and I hope our fans will support us and help us to get that important victory. Our goal is to reach the playoffs and try to finish as high as possible. That means securing a win tomorrow, securing the home games and trying to win some away games as well because this EuroLeague is becoming more and more competitive and evenly matched. I expect a wounded Barcelona after their elimination in the Spanish Cup, a team that has had time to prepare for this game and that will come out to bite from the first moment."

**Joan Penarroya, FC Barcelona head coach**

"It is a very important game and we are looking for a victory that would allow us to get the tiebreaker against a direct rival with seven games left to finish the regular season."

**Tomas Satoransky, FC Barcelona guard**

"Obviously we are in a pretty bad moment. We lost the opportunity to fight for the Spanish Cup and we have many injuries. We have to get out of this situation with what we have, there is no other way. The EuroLeague is very close and now we have a very complicated game against a classic rival and we have to go with the mentality of being positive, even though it is the most complicated moment of the season."

#### Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (21:00 CET)

**Oded Kattash, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv head coach**

"We needed that break – it was good for us, especially mentally. But we're still going to miss two or three important players for us, so it's not going to be easy against a great team like Fener. It's going to be a really tough game for us. I remember the first game against them, we missed \[the chance to steal the win\] in the end. Hopefully we will have a better result this time."

**Will Rayman, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv forward**

"It'll be nice to get back to our second home in Belgrade. I think we had a really good week in the cup and I feel like there's a good spirit right now, so we're excited to go and play some basketball. "

**Saras Jasikevicius, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul head coach**

"Maccabi is a very specific basketball team. They are coming off a great win at the cup. Like always, one of the best teams in transition basketball and offensive rebounds. Taking away easy points and making them play half court will be very important."

**Nicolo Melli, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul forward**

"Every EuroLeague game is a tough one. We’re coming after the break so we need to find our rhythm immediately. Maccabi is a tough opponent. They like to run so we need to be good at transition defense. But overall, we just need to play our basketball and that’s what we will try to do."

Pregame quotes hub: 'The team really welcomed me right away'

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2025-02-28T20:00:00.000Z)

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade v Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (2025-02-28T19:30:00.000Z)

Virtus Segafredo Bologna v Olympiacos Piraeus (2025-02-28T19:00:00.000Z)

Anadolu Efes Istanbul v ALBA Berlin (2025-02-28T17:30:00.000Z)

Real Madrid v FC Barcelona (2025-02-27T19:45:00.000Z)

Paris Basketball v FC Bayern Munich (2025-02-27T19:30:00.000Z)

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan v AS Monaco (2025-02-27T19:30:00.000Z)

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2025-02-27T20:00:00.000Z)

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade v Zalgiris Kaunas (2025-02-27T19:00:00.000Z)

All the latest injury news surrounding all registered players in the 2024-25 EuroLeague season.

EuroLeague injury report: Round 27

Follow all the latest injury information for registered players in the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season, 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!

### ALBA Berlin

ALBA has not yet sent an injury report for its game at Efes on Friday.

- [New signing Robert Baker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/alba-berlin-registers-robert-baker-before-deadline/) has been registered ahead of Round 27.
- Martin Hermannsson and Gabriele Procida returned to action during the EuroLeague break.
- [Justin Bean](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/justin-bean-out-three-months-with-broken-wrist/) has been out since early November after breaking his wrist.

### Anadolu Efes Istanbul

Shane Larkin and Dan Oturu are questionable while Ridvan Oncel is out for Efes's game against ALBA on Friday, the club has confirmed.

- Shane Larkin, who missed Rounds 25 and 26, returned to action during the EuroLeague break.

### AS Monaco

Vitto Brown is ruled out for Monaco's game at Milan on Thursday, according to the club's website.

- [New signing Daniel Theis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/daniel-theis-returns-to-the-euroleague-with-as-monaco/) has been registered ahead of Round 27.
- Elie Okobo and Jordan Loyd returned to action during the EuroLeague break.

### Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz

Baskonia has not yet sent an injury report for its game at Partizan on Friday.

- Kamar Baldwin suffered a foot injury while on international duty, [the club confirmed on February 25](https://www.baskonia.com/parte-medico-kamar-baldwin/). Pablo Laso said that he will miss the game against Partizan.
- Ousmane Ndiaye has been loaned out to Granada, [the club confirmed on February 27](https://x.com/Baskonia/status/1895050149593764178).

### Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade

Luka Mitrovic and Milos Teodosic are questionable while Mike Daum is ruled out for Crvena Zvezda's game against Zalgiris on Thursday, the club has confirmed.

- Milos Teodosic, who last played in Round 23, returned to action during the EuroLeague break.
- Branko Lazic last played in Round 15.
- Mike Daum, who last played in Round 18, has undergone knee surgery, the club confirmed on January 9.

### EA7 Emporio Armani Milan

Fabien Causeur is a game-time decision while Leandro Bolmaro and Josh Nebo are ruled out for Milan's game against Monaco on Thursday, the club has confirmed.

- [Nikola Mirotic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/leg-injury-sidelines-milans-nikola-mirotic/), who last played in Round 22, returned to action during the EuroLeague break.
- Fabien Causeur last played in Round 18.
- [Josh Nebo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/josh-nebo-to-be-reevaluated-in-3-4-weeks/) suffered another injury in Round 17 and is expected to miss extended time, according to coach Ettore Messina.

### FC Barcelona

Kevin Punter, Juan Nunez, Jan Vesely and Nico Laprovittola are all ruled out for Barcelona's game at Real Madrid on Thursday, the club has confirmed.

- [Juan Nunez is dealing with a knee injury](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/juan-nunez-suffering-with-knee-injury-out-for-el-clasico/), the club confirmed on February 26.
- [Kevin Punter suffered a shoulder injury](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcas-punter-sidelined-by-shoulder-injury/) during the Spanish Cup, with the swingman expected to be out until early March.
- [Jan Vesely is expected to be sidelined for 8-10 weeks](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcelona-jan-vesely-out-8-10-weeks/) due to a knee injury, the club announced on Friday.
- [Nico Laprovittola](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/nico-laprovittola-to-undergo-knee-surgery/) was ruled out for the season due to an ACL and meniscus injury.

### FC Bayern Munich

Devin Booker is Bayern's only absentee for its game at Paris on Thursday, the club has confirmed.

- Devin Booker last played in Round 24.

### Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul

Marko Guduric (illness) and Scottie Wilbekin are ruled out for Fenerbahce's game at Maccabi on Thursday, the club has confirmed.

- [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/wade-baldwin-out-with-hamstring-injury/), who last played in Round 16, returned to action during the EuroLeague break.
- [Scottie Wilbekin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-confirms-the-worst-scottie-wilbekin-has-torn-his-acl/) tore his ACL in Round 1 and is out long term.

### LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne

ASVEL has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Panathinaikos on Friday.

- [Charles Kahudi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/charles-kahudi-out-for-four-weeks-with-groin-injury/) last played in Round 14.
- [Mbaye Ndiaye ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/mbaye-ndiaye-ldlc-asvel-out-for-several-months-with-knee-injury/)has ruptured the cruciate ligaments in his right knee and is likely out for the season.

### Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv

Rokas Jokubaitis and Tamir Blatt are game-time decisions while Rafi Menco is ruled out for Maccabi's game against Fenerbahce on Thursday, the club has confirmed.

- Jaylen Hoard is out for two to four weeks with a hamstring injury, the club announced on January 29.

### Olympiacos Piraeus

Thomas Walkup, Keenan Evans and Moses Wright are all out for Olympiacos's game at Virtus on Friday, the club has confirmed.

- [New signing Saben Lee](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-pens-deal-with-saben-lee/) has been registered ahead of Round 27.
- Keenan Evans has been registered. He has not played this season after undergoing knee surgery last May.
- Luca Vildoza suffered an ankle injury in Round 24, but is expected to play, according to the club.
- Thomas Walkup (back) last played in Round 20.
- [Moses Wright](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/moses-wright-out-for-the-season-with-health-issue/) is out for the season with a health issue.

### Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens

Wenyen Gabriel is questionable while Marius Grigonis, Mathias Lessort and Omer Yurtseven are all ruled out for Panathinaikos's game at ASVEL on Friday, the club has confirmed.

- [New signing Tibor Pleiss](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/tibor-pleiss-reunites-with-coach-ataman-at-panathinaikos/) has been registered ahead of Round 27.
- [Omer Yurtseven](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/panathinaikos-loses-center-yurtseven/) suffered a leg injury on January 20, which will sideline him for six to eight weeks.
- [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/all-euroleague-center-mathias-lessort-leaves-game-with-leg-injury/) suffered a broken fibula in Round 17 and will miss several months.
- Marius Grigonis (lower back surgery) has not played since Round 4.

### Paris Basketball

Paris has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Bayern on Thursday.

- Daulton Hommes made his first appearance this season in Round 26.

### Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade

Isaac Bonga is ruled out while Frank Ntilikina is expected to miss Partizan's game against Baskonia on Friday, the club has confirmed.

- Isaac Bonga is out with a hand injury suffered while playing for the German national team.
- Vanja Marinkovic, who last played Round 16 due to an Achilles injury, returned to action during the EuroLeague break and is available.
- Frank Ntilikina, who last played in Round 20, has returned to team practices after injury.
- Mitar Bosnjakovic last played in Round 16, but returned to action during the EuroLeague break.

### Real Madrid

Real Madrid has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Barcelona on Thursday.

- Dzanan Musa, who last played in Round 25, returned to action during the EuroLeague break.
- [Gaby Deck](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/real-madrid-loses-gabriel-deck-to-torn-hamstring/) last played in Round 18 after tearing his hamstring.

### Virtus Segafredo Bologna

Will Clyburn is the only player Virtus declared as out on the injury report for its game against Olympiacos on Friday.

- Ante Zizic, who last played in Round 19, is not among the reported injuries for Round 27.
- [Will Clyburn is out until mid-March](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/will-clyburn-virtus-bologna-out-at-least-10-weeks-with-foot-injury/) due to a foot injury.

### Zalgiris Kaunas

Lukas Lekavicius is out for Zalgiris's game at Crvena Zvezda on Thursday, the club has confirmed.

- Lukas Lekavicius is out with a groin injury.
- [New signing Isaiah Wong](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/zalgiris-adds-scoring-punch-with-isaiah-wong/) has been registered ahead of Round 27.
- Dovydas Giedraitis, who last played in Round 23 dues to a knee injury, is back to practicing, the club confirmed.

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

Injury report, Round 27: Larkin, Gabriel questionable; Bonga, Walkup ruled out

There was an extra edge between old foes Real Madrid and FC Barcelona in Round 27 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Fight not flair gave Real Madrid crucial Clásico victory

Every installment of *El Clásico* is important, but there was an extra edge between old foes [Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/real-madrid/mad/) and [FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-barcelona/bar/) as the Rivalry Series returned from the February break in the Spanish capital on Thursday night.

Both teams were heading into the game in poor form, with Real losing its last three EuroLeague games while Barca had dropped three out of four to leave these traditional heavyweights floundering in the middle of the standings – far below their usual expectations of a top-four finish.

More pressure was piled on by domestic failure in the Copa del Rey during the break, with Barca knocked out in the quarterfinals while Real reached the final before suffering a disappointing defeat against Unicaja Malaga.

So it was no surprise that Thursday’s showdown was an intensely contested matchup, with defenses dominating for long stretches and both sets of players keeping their game faces on with little room for smiles or showtime – despite the presence of Real’s football superstars Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham to provide a healthy serving of glamour inside Movistar Arena.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">⚽🤝🏀 <a href="https://t.co/5bssx8atwi">pic.twitter.com/5bssx8atwi</a></p>&mdash; Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto/status/1895224452868345930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Barca led for the majority of the first half and would have been disappointed to be up by only three points (40-43) at halftime. The second half was a mirror image, with Real looking dominant and repeatedly threatening to establish a big lead but the visiting team continuing to fight and somehow hanging in the game until the final stages.

Those final stages, however, were just about controlled by Real as Facundo Campazzo scored a couple of clutch tough layups and Barca missed 3 three-pointers in the last 40 seconds. The home team came away celebrating – through gritted teeth and with relief rather than joy – a very badly needed 96-91 triumph.

One of the key individual contributions came from [Alberto Abalde](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/alberto-abalde/003733/), whose hard-charging, hustling style epitomized the nature of a game that was more about substance than style. Abalde was highly efficient as he scored 16 points on 5-of-7 field goal shooting, also dishing 5 assists without a turnover and grabbing 2 steals for a PIR of 23, just one short of his personal best.

Alberto Abalde came up big in 'El Clasico'

And the hard-working forward readily admitted the significance of the win as he said: “*El Clasico* is always very special. Barca is a great team and we needed this one, in front of our fans, especially now everything is really tight. So this win is important for us.”

Real coach Chus Mateo will be greatly relieved to have quelled talk of the crisis surrounding his team – at least for a few days – and tried, without convincing, to claim that there is nothing unusual in the pressure facing his players right now as they attempt to climb into the playoff positions.

“Of course there is pressure,” Mateo said. “We know what this is. But we try to fight against this and try to enjoy, sometimes with suffering.”

On Thursday night there was a lot more suffering than enjoyment, and this wasn’t a pretty win. But it was enough, and it might yet also be enough to spark Real Madrid’s season.

Game News

A bruising battle short on spectacular but high on drama saw the home team hold on

Nikola Mirotic and Shavon Shields stepped with 14 of Olimpia Milano’s 18 points in the fourth quarter to down AS Monaco in Round 27 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Mirotic, Shields stepped up when it mattered to down Monaco

In a highly competitive Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, where numerous games are decided in crunch time, teams need to have their go-to guys on whom they can rely when it matters most. And that’s precisely what EA7 Emporio Armani Milan has in Shavon Shields and Nikola Mirotic. The two forwards combined for 14 of Milan’s 18 points in the closing quarter, including a couple of free throws each late in the game to clinch the victory.

Returning from injury in style, Mirotic ended the duel with a game-high 22 points, 10 of which were netted in the fourth. Elie Okobo tied the game at 74-74 from deep with 2:57 left on the clock, but the 2021-22 EuroLeague MVP responded with one of his own to restore a three-point cushion. When Monaco answered with a 0-4 run to take a 77-78 edge, Mirotic came to the fore again by completing a three-point play to make it 80-78 with 1:41 remaining.

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Okobo made 2 of 2 from the charity stripe to tie it again, but that’s when Shields stepped up from the line, where he struggled earlier in the game. The Milan forward had missed all his previous 3 attempts, but he remained ice-cold with 0:32 left to maintain an 82-80 cushion.

After the final whistle, Mirotic, who has netted at least 16 points in 19 games this season, hailed his teammate.

“I think that the MVP tonight was Shavon Shields,” Mirotic told EuroLeague TV after the game. “In clutch moments he really gave us what we needed not just offensively, but also defensively.”

In fact, Shields produced a complete outing by pairing his 19 points with a game-high 9 rebounds and a team-high 5 assists, tying his season-high PIR of 29. More importantly, he didn’t let his difficulties from the line affect his confidence down the stretch.

“I’ve had troubles all year in EuroLeague shooting free throws for whatever reason and I’m happy those two went in because if not, it would have been a long night for me,” he told EuroLeague TV.

Having improved its record to 15-12, Milan will look to extend its winning streak to three games by beating Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul at home next week. With Mitoric and Shields leading by example, Milan has demonstrated that it has what it takes to compete for a playoff spot until the very end.

They netted 14 of Milan’s 18 points in the closing quarter

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv head coach Oded Kattash was pleasantly surprised as his team overcame the absences of point guards Tamir Blatt and Rokas Jokubaitis as well as Jaylen Hoard and Rafi Menco to defeat Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul 94-76 in Round 27 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Maccabi's effort, next-man-up mentality pleasantly surprised Coach Kattash 

Oded Kattash did not see this result coming. The Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv head coach was pleasantly surprised how well his team played despite missing four crucial players in knocking off the second-placed team in the league.

Maccabi overcame the absences of point guards Tamir Blatt and Rokas Jokubaitis as well as Jaylen Hoard and Rafi Menco to defeat Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul 94-76 after having dropped seven of its last eight games.

“We were not expecting this,” Kattash told the post-game press conference. “We were missing a lot of players. We came into the game without high expectations but I am really proud of the way we played. A lot of players stepped up and right from the beginning we played the right way. Including Jimmy \[Clark\] who only joined us four or five days ago. That is a big win for us.”

Highlights from Jimmy Clark's EuroLeague debut

Clark was needed even more with the injuries to playmakers Blatt and Jokubaitis - who rank second (7.3 apg) and ninth (5.0 apg) in the EuroLeague in assists, respectively.

When asked how satisfied he was with Clark’s performance - 7 points, 6 rebounds and 10 assists - Kattash said very much so and added: “For such a short time, he was really open to learn a big part of our system. It will take time but he’s a player with a lot of upside. He will be better in the future.”

There was a real next-man-up mentality among the Maccabi players.

Roman Sorkin stepped up for 21 points - 1 point off his season high and 2 from his career high. Jasiel Rivero tallied a season-high 18 points And John DiBartolomeo scored 13 points - 2 points off his season high - and grabbed 8 rebounds - 1 off his career high.

Even 18-year-old talent Omer Mayer scored all 7 of his points in a 36-second span at the end of the third quarter to help pull away. Mayer, who also dished out a career-high 6 assists, had totaled just 3 points and 3 assists in 30 minutes over four games this season coming into the contest.

“It was a big challenge for us. Rokas and Tamir have been such a big part of our offense throughout the season. Jaylen was also out. But different guys stepped up and we were able to come up with a really important win,” said DiBartolomeo. 

“The main thing is we won the game and everybody got involved. We’re not a new team. We have a new player and we are missing a lot of guys right now. A lot of guys stepped up and we played great. We want to keep going. It’s just one win. We look forward to the next games,” added Sorkin.

The Israeli champs grabbed a big win thanks to a number of players stepping up to make up for absences

It has been a rough stretch for Daulton Hommes but it has come to an end. 


Paris's Daulton Hommes put his injuries behind him

Paris Basketball beat FC Bayern Munich 93-88 in Round 27 with [Daulton Hommes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/daulton-hommes/011949/) playing a critical role. What made that special is that it was just the second Turkish Airlines EuroLeague game of the season for Paris the forward.

The basketball gods have not been merciful with Hommes in recent years. Between the ages of 15 and 18, Hommes didn't play in an official basketball game. Injuries to the same knee two summers in a row caused him to miss his last two seasons of high school basketball and only practice during his first year at university. Hommes convinced a NCAA Division 2 coach to let him walk-on and he spent a year playing only in practices.

Hommes started his professional career in the G-League and also played for Italian side Vanoli Cremona before making his EuroLeague debut with Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz in the 2022-23 season. He averaged 7.0 points in 31 EuroLeague games despite battling knee problems all season long. 

Daulton Hommes had 12 points in just his second Turkish Airlines EuroLeague game with Paris Basketball this season.

Hommes has breakout performance

In the summer of 2023, Hommes underwent knee reconstruction surgery, which caused him to miss most of the 2023-24 campaign. He returned to action with Dolomiti Energia Trento in April 2024 and averaged 5.0 points and 5.0 rebounds in four games. 

Hommes joined Paris over the summer but was immediately sidelined, missing his team's training camp in Estonia. He ended up missing more than four months due to a leg injury. Hommes returned to action in Round 26 and was held scoreless in less than 5 minutes against Virtus. After the February break, Hommes is finally healthy, with better rhythm and ready to deliver.

He had a really solid performance against Bayern, coming off the bench to score 12 points on 2-of-2 three-point shooting plus 2 rebounds, 1 assist and 3 fouls drawn for a PIR of 13 in less than 16 minutes. He fills a critical spot as a stretch power forward, adding an extra scoring threat and giving [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tj-shorts/012608/) even more space to attack the time. Once again, Shorts led Paris with 27 points and made a career-high 3 three-pointers in as many attempts.

Hommes has had to battle injuries over and over again. His mental strength and all-around talent could take Paris even further down the road.

The rough stretch for the Paris forward seems to have come to an end


Zalgiris Kaunas ground out a lifeline 80-86 victory at Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade as Sylvain Francisco sank a game-high 25 points

Sylvain Francisco fired on all cylinders to lift Zalgiris 

Zalgiris Kaunas ground out a lifeline 80-86 victory at Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade to keep alive its hopes of squeezing into the business end of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague postseason, with a bid to the next phase no longer a distant dream for the Lithuanian champs.

The visitors thrived on an outstanding performance from Sylvain Francisco, who sank a game-high 25 points as he made a series of long-range efforts that kept Zalgiris in the driver’s seat of a thrilling contest.

Francisco made the most of his speed and ball-handling skills to create space for himself as he shot 6 of 9 from deep and 5 of 5 from the foul line, adding 6 boards and 4 assists to complement a valiant solo effort backed by some rock-solid teamwork.

“This is the team of Zalgiris,” a delighted Francisco said courtside in his postgame comments. “We played hard and executed pretty well on offense, but most importantly we made two or three stops when we needed to. I was able to make shots as the defenders gave me some space and then I was also happy to facilitate my team by driving through into the paint.”

Sylvain Francisco fired on all cylinders to lift Zalgiris in Belgrade

Zalgiris head coach Andrea Trinchieri heaped praise on his outfit, having singled out Francisco while he also stressed that the supporting cast’s role was essential in forcing Zvezda into submission. Having won four of their previous five games in Europe’s premier club competition, Zvezda was a firm favorite to come out on top as Zalgiris had lost four of their previous five in what has been a patchy season for the Lithuanian champions.

However, ironclad defense limited Zvezda’s top performer Filip Petrusev to just 6 points in the last three quarters after the forward scored 10 in the opening period to give Zalgiris the edge.

“I am extremely proud how we played against one of the hottest teams at the moment,” the Italian tactician told the postgame press conference. “The character, personality and fighting spirit were there from start to finish and we can now keep chasing our dream of making the postseason. We knew it was going to be tough but I also expected us to produce a superb performance.

“I reckon we deserved to win and we pulled it off thanks to an outstanding Francisco as well as on the back of hard work by everybody else. The whole team was fantastic and we’re now looking forward to taking it one game at a time for the remainder of the regular season.”

Big man Alen Smailagic was one of the unsung heroes for Zalgiris, as he was faultless from the floor in pouring 15 points and made it no secret that being a former player of Zvezda’s bitter archrival Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade brought the best in him.

“The name Red Star was my motivation tonight,” he said. “We did everything that needed to be done to win. We’ve had ups and downs this season just like we’ve had them in tonight’s game. We are still in with a chance \[to reach the postseason\] so we’re going to keep on fighting relentlessly.”  

The guard delivered one hammer blow after another with a series of clutch shots against Crvena Zvezda 

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv big man Roman Sorkin spoke to EuroLeague TV after his team beat Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul in Round 27 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.  

Roman Sorkin: 'A lot of guys stepped up'

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv came out of the national team break with a strong performance in surprising second-placed Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul 94-76

Short-handed Maccabi surprises Fenerbahce, 94-76

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv came out of the national team break with a strong performance in surprising second-placed Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul 94-76. Maccabi overcame the absences of Tamir Blatt, Rokas Jokubaitis, Jaylen Hoard and Rafi Menco to snap a three-game losing streak and improve to 7-20. Maccabi, which had lost seven of the last eight games, did what it couldn’t do in Round 6 when it lost 84-82 at Fenerbahce.

Roman Sorkin led the winners with 21 points, Jasiel Rivero scored 18 points, Levi Randolph had 16 and Jimmy Clark collected 7 points, 6 rebounds and 10 assists in his first game with Maccabi.

Fenerbahce converted just 12 of 45 three-pointers (26.7%) in falling to 17-9 after having won seven of its last eight games.  Nigel Hayes-Davis scored 12 points but made just 3 of 18 shots and Wade Baldwin also scored 12 points against his former team in his first game since Round 16.

Maccabi’s first 5 points of the game were matched by 5 from Fenerbahce before the host’s Jimmy Clark hit a triple for his first points with his new team. Maccabi has struggled this season defensively but went on an 8-3 run over nearly 4 minutes to lead 16-11. Former Maccabi star Baldwin converted a three-point play and triple to get the visitors within 18-17. But it was Maccabi that was ahead after 10 minutes 25-21.

Fenerbahce’s Tarik Biberovic opened the second quarter with a four-point play to even the game and Nicolo Melli’s triple gave Fenerbahce its first lead 28-30. Maccabi punched back with the next 9 points - 6 by Rivero - over more than 4 minutes to pull ahead 37-30. Fenerbahce answered with 2 three-pointers and then scored the final 10 points of the first half to go into the break ahead 41-46.

Maccabi came out of the locker room with more good intensity and Rivero and Clark both had 4 points in a 10-3 start to reclaim the lead, 51-49. Fenerbahce temporarily moved back in front only to see Sorkin convert back-to-back three-point plays and Maccabi was up 57-52. After Fenerbahce trimmed the deficit to 61-60, Maccabi’s 18-year-old Omer Mayer sank 4 free throws and a triple as the hosts went up 69-60. It was 72-63 after three quarters.

A John DiBartolomeo triple to start the fourth quarter increased the advantage to 75-63. Arturs Zagars hit a long ball for the visitors, but Randolph drained a triple at the other end and the cushion was 81-67. Fenerbahce had one push left with Devon Hall scoring 5 points to close within 81-74 with 5 minutes to go. Randolph drained another three-pointer to stop the run and Fenerbahce did not get closer than 9 points the rest of the way.

Maccabi had lost seven of eight games but got the job done defensively 

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv-Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul | RS Round 27 Highlights | 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Real Madrid forward Alberto Abalde spoke to EuroLeague TV after his team beat FC Barcelona in Round 27 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.  

Alberto Abalde: 'We needed this win'

Real Madrid outlasted FC Barcelona in a tense Clasico battle on Thursday night, forcing its way to a 96-91 victory to end a three-game losing streak

Real Madrid battles past Barcelona for key Clasico win, 96-91

Real Madrid outlasted FC Barcelona in a tense Clasico battle on Thursday night, forcing its way to a 96-91 victory to end a three-game losing streak. The Spanish rivals are now tied at 14-13 on the fringes of the playoff zone.

A closely contested first half saw Barca lead most of the way, going into the interval 40-43 ahead. But Real was better after the break, and finished strong to seize the win. 

Mario Hezonja led the way with 19 points and 8 rebounds, while Facu Campazzo (18), Dzanan Musa (16) and Alberto Abalde (16) also contributed well for Los Blancos. A career-night from Joel Parra paced Barca with 20 points, while Jabari Parker scored 18, Chimizie Metu added 17 and Justin Anderson netted 15.

Tomas Satoransky and Campazzo both struck from deep as the early scoring was evenly traded. Satoransky was also on target from midrange for a 6-9 lead midway through the first, and Dario Brizuela scored twice to keep his team ahead. Parker netted three quick scores to make it 14-21, but Hezonja’s deep strike sparked a 7-0 run to pull Real closer. Willy Hernangomez and Parra kept Barca ahead at the end of the first, 23-25.

Parra scored a strong layup in an otherwise slow start to the second quarter, but 4 points from Hezonja sent Real ahead, 28-27. Metu’s three forced another lead change, before Anderson and Parker kept the visitors ahead, 30-34. Serge Ibaka scored twice to tie it up, but Satoransky and Parra were on target for another Barca lead. Campazzo’s steal and score was followed by Musa’s triple for another tie, but Anderson’s buzzer-beating three made it 40-43 at the interval.

Walter Tavares opened the second half scoring before Alex Abrines and Usman Garuba threw down big slams. Abalde’s four-point play sent Real ahead, but Parker’s skillful three tied it up, 48-48. The scoring was evenly shared before Musa’s floater, Tavares’s dunk and Abalde’s three-pointer gave Real breathing room at 61-54. Musa and Hezonja were also on target from long-range, but 7 fast points from Metu kept Barca in contention, 70-67, at the end of the third.

Abalde’s fastbreak finish and Bruno Fernando’s power layup were answered by Metu’s triple and Brizuela’s slam, but Hezonja hit another triple to make it 80-72. Metu stayed hot with a mid-range strike as Barca kept fighting, before the scoring dried up as crunch time approached. Parra’s three-pointer helped make it 82-81, before Parker’s triple tied it, 86-86, inside the last 2 minutes. Campazzo’s layup and Abalde’s free throws pushed Real back ahead, and that was enough.

'Los Blancos' returned to winning ways by downing archrival

Real Madrid-FC Barcelona | RS Round 27 Highlights | 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Lucic dunks in traffic! Motorola Magic Moment of the Night

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan guard Shavon Shields spoke to EuroLeague TV after his team beat AS Monaco in Round 27 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.  

Shavon Shields: 'Hopefully we can build off this'

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan returned from the break with a hard-fought 86-80 win over AS Monaco at Unipol Forum on Thursday night

Mirotic, Shields lift Milan over Monaco, 86-80

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan returned from the break with a hard-fought 86-80 win over AS Monaco at Unipol Forum on Thursday night. The visitors took an 18-19 lead into the second quarter, when Milan bounced back and outscored Monaco 31-23. Vassilis Spanoulis’s side grabbed a 77-78 edge with 1:51 remaining, but Milan remained calm from the line to clinch the win. Ettore Messina’s team improved to 15-12, while Monaco maintained the head-to-head tiebreak advantage but dropped to 16-11.

Nikola Mirotic led all scorers with 22 points, Shavon Shields recorded 19 and Zach LeDay added 10. Elie Okobo paced Monaco with 16 points, 14 of which were scored in the last quarter, with Mike James netting 15.

A red-hot Jordan Loyd nailed 3 triples, with James and Jaron Blossomgame opening their accounts too for a 4-13 lead. But Milan tied things up, as Shields and Mirotic replied with a three each, with Nico Mannion and Fabien Causeur netting a layup apiece to make it 14-14. But Matthew Strazel scored 5 straight points off the bench for an 18-19 edge after 10 minutes.

Causeur and Georgios Papagiannis traded triples to open the second quarter before Armoni Brooks drilled one of his own for a 24-22 lead. Petr Cornelie responded with 5 straight points including a one-handed slam to posterize Freddie Gillespie, 26-29. A trade of blows followed, with Papagiannis taking his tally to 5 points as the visitors maintained a 33-34 lead. Daniel Theis opened his Monaco account with a slam, but Mirotic, Shields and Stefano Tonut drained a triple each to put Milan ahead, 44-38. James ended Milan’s 9-0 run with a midrange jumper, but Shields nailed one from deep and Mirotic scored inside for a 49-42 cushion at halftime.

Mannion added 5 points to his tally for Milan’s first double-digit lead of the night, 54-44. Shields netted three buckets in a row for a 62-52 cushion. Back-to-back baskets from Gillespie were followed by inside scores from Papagiannis and Okobo, who trimmed the deficit to 68-61 heading into the closing quarter.

The visitors started strong in the fourth, as Okobo bagged 5 consecutive points before a three by Strazel and another 5 points from the former tied it at 74-74. Mirotic answered with one from downtown, but Okobo made 2 of 2 from the line and Alpha Diallo scored inside to put Monaco in front, 77-78. Mirotic completed a three-point play on the other end, but Okobo responded from the charity stripe, 80-80. Shields, LeDay and Mirotic stayed ice-cold from the line to seal the outcome.

The hosts remained calm from the line to clinch it in the closing stages

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan-AS Monaco | RS Round 27 Highlights | 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Paris Basketball guard Maodo Lo spoke to EuroLeague TV after his team beat FC Bayern Munich in Round 27 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.  