Name: Dusko Ivanovic: 'Tonight, we had luck'
Channel: Euroleague Basketball

Check out what the coaches and players are saying ahead of Round 15 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

EuroLeague pregame quotes hub: Round 15

## Friday, December 13

### Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs. Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (18:30 CET)

**Tomislav Mijatovic, Anadolu Efes Istanbul head coach**

"We are getting ready to play against the current EuroLeague champion at our home court, a team that has one of the most successful EuroLeague coaches. As their culture has a great system, which presents not only a great challenge for us, but it presents a super motivation for us, for our team and for our fans to present ourselves in the best possible way. We want our fans to support us for 40 minutes and all together to do our absolute best to finish the game with a victory at home."

**Rolands Smits, Anadolu Efes Istanbul forward**

"Panathinaikos is a very physical and an experienced team. Last season’s EuroLeague champions... They are playing very good basketball with many talented players. So we need to be ready for the fight and I think we are ready, so we need to take care of all those players and I think everything will be good for us at the end of the game."

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

"We will play a very important game. Efes, on their home court, they play with a lot of confidence. We must play good on defense. They have very big offensive players on the perimeter."

**Panagiotis Kalaitzakis, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens guard**

"Undoubtedly, this will be a very difficult game. We all know that in our recent matches, we haven't achieved the results we wanted. However, we need to enter the court fully focused, with defense as our primary weapon. In our latest games, we've conceded 85 and 90 points, and our away record has been poor—not just in Europe but also in Greece. When playing away, we lack focus and end up fighting for the game in the final possessions. We need to bring energy, start the game well, and avoid falling behind. Focus, defense, and more defense!"

### FC Barcelona vs. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (20:30 CET)

**Joan Penarroya, FC Barcelona head coach**

"We know the kind of player Niko \[Nikola Mirotic\] is, who made important history in this club recently. We know he is one of the best players in the EuroLeague, but also know that if we only take care of Mirotic, we will have a big problem because Milan has a great roster. It is obvious that stat-wise, he is one of their important players, as always, in the upper part of all stats standings even when he is playing fewer minutes, and even in the '5' spot along with \[Zach\] LeDay. Milan has very important player in a good moment and even when they lose their last domestic game, they won six of its last seven EuroLeague games. They play really well on offense, with great three-point shooting percentage, which goes to the foul line a lot. Milan is a very dangerous opponent right now and I am sure it arrives in its best moment." 

**Juan Nunez, FC Barcelona guard**

"We had a negative streak and have started to win games. I think it is important to play together, to play well, as a team and keep building. We are still in December. All teams in Europe have ups and downs, with so many games in such few days. Therefore, it is important to build not just to win the game, but to improve day by day as a team, play as a team. This is what we focus on, and that should help keep winning games. The EuroLeague is a very demanding competition in which play a lot of games and cannot relax. I am sure that things will be different in February or March. We have to keep calm, keep playing as a team and win games. I am feeling more comfortable as time goes by. I think I can be the point guard of a team like Barca, which demands the responsibility to run the team when you are on the court. In general, I have to play at a EuroLeague level every day: it is an important challenge which I want to achieve."

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

"We are facing a very high level opponent, so it is obviously a very difficult game. For us, the defensive transition phase and controlling rebounds against their big men and physically imposing lineups, will be very important. Offensively, we need to have good ball circulation against a team that is used to generate steals and to use them to fuel their fast breaks. As always, we are happy to meet Kevin Punter, because he is a player of whom we have great memories and of whom we are very fond of."

**Nikola Mirotic, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan forward**

"For me personally, it will a special game and a special night. I'm coming back to a place I consider home for the first time after more than 500 days, so I anticipate a night full of emotions. At the same time, we have an important game and we'll try to win against an obviously great and very competitive team."

### Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade vs. Olympiacos Piraeus (20:30 CET)

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

"Olympiacos is built to go to the Final Four and win the EuroLeague. We know they have quality, but we want to fight for victory in front of our fans. We have a tough mission ahead of us, but I expect the players to fight for every ball."

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

"We are playing against one of the best teams in the EuroLeague right now, which has problems with injured players, but has a large enough roster to compensate for that. It will be a physically demanding game, they don't play so much in transition, but they are one of the best teams in terms of position. We need to stop a lot of players, it's not just \[Sasha\] Vezenkov. He is one of the best players in the league, but there are also \[Evan\] Fournier, \[Thomas\] Walkup, and \[Nikola\] Milutinov who will certainly have a big role."

**Georgios Bartzokas, Olympiacos Piraeus head coach**

"Some players must do things on the court that usually they don’t have to do. They must overcome themselves like they did at the end of the game against Paris. Of course, no team is able to play at that high tempo for 40 minutes. We have to find a way to fulfill the absences at the '5' position, with unusual fives on offense and defense. I am optimistic that we will play well. It is going to be a tough game, but we will fight hard for the win."

**Alec Peters, Olympiacos Piraeus forward**

"It is going to take special effort from everybody to get the win. Based on the circumstances in our team right now, it takes everybody stepping up. We have to find a way to start winning games on the road. Red Star is a good team, but the truth is that there are no bad teams in the EuroLeague. Everywhere we play is tough; the level is really high."

### LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne vs. Paris Basketball (21:00 CET)

\--

## Thursday, December 12

### Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul vs. AS Monaco (18:45 CET)

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

"We are facing one of the most talented teams in the EuroLeague. Obviously their guard play is great. We understand that we can not stop their guards, so we have to make it as difficult as possible for them. We need to make them work for everything, without forgetting the other players who also do a great job, especially in rebounding and giving them extra possessions."

**Nicolo Melli, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul forward**

"It is going to be a tough game. We are playing at home and we have to win at home. We have to bounce back after the last home game. Monaco is coming after a loss in their domestic league and they just changed their coach. So, they will be super-motivated. It is not going to be an easy game, they are very talented."

**Vassilis Spanoulis, AS Monaco head coach**

"We're playing against one of the best teams in the EuroLeague, coached by a very good coach, Saras, so we need to be focused and apply our style of play... We have to be prepared for a tough challenge. Our team plays very well together, we can't change everything in 10 days, it's impossible, but the guys are making incredible efforts. We'll proceed step by step, improving each time. Alpha Diallo? Yes, it's a big loss for us. Everyone knows Alpha's important role on both sides of the floor, we hope he'll be back as soon as possible, but during this period everyone has to do their utmost to compensate for his absence."

**Georgios Papagiannis, AS Monaco center**

"I'm delighted to be back in Istanbul against my old team. We're expecting a tough game. Fener run a lot and get the rebounds. We'll have to be very vigilant on our defensive rebounds in transition, because Fener moves fast. We're passing the ball better and better, which is very positive, now it's up to us to be stronger defensively and find easy baskets."

### ALBA Berlin vs. Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (19:00 CET)

**Israel Gonzalez, ALBA Berlin head coach** 

"Partizan is a dangerous opponent for us, and after problems in the beginning they're playing really well at the moment. Four EuroLeague wins in a row after six defeats in a row shows Partizan's strength. But it also shows us that a good streak can follow a difficult phase. But after all the injuries, we have to build up our rhythm step by step."

**Matteo Spagnolo, ALBA Berlin guard**

"We're expecting an intense and high-energy game on Thursday. We know that Partizan is a very good team that plays hard and always brings a lot of fans with it on the road. It will be very important for us to match the energy, control Partizan in offense and focus on our game."

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

"ALBA is a team that plays a very specific style of basketball, consistently, under the same coach – everything about their game is clear. What’s particularly important is that they are adaptable and capable of playing both zone and combination defenses. Regarding their offense, it’s clear they have a lot of movement, and they are most dangerous on backdoor cuts, where they score a lot of easy points. Additionally, they rely on three-point shooting, and after each shot, they aggressively go for offensive rebounds. We have experience playing against them before, and we’ve talked to our players about it. We've prepared for this game thoroughly and will approach it with the utmost seriousness because this match is, of course, extremely important to us."

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

"I believe we are in a very good rhythm in the EuroLeague, and the game against Alba comes at the right time. A challenging game awaits us against a team that has been playing the same way for many years, and we will try to prepare in the best possible way."

### Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. Virtus Segafredo Bologna (20:30 CET)

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

"I am very happy to be in Bologna, it is a great team with great players. I believe in this team and I believe in these players, I think they have the right character and we are ready to fight. With Baskonia it will be a very special game, but we are professionals and we will go there to fight, we will not be conditioned by different situations."

**Ante Zizic, Virtus Segafredo Bologna center**

"Like every EuroLeague game, especially on the road, it will be tough and difficult. Baskonia is a good team but we want to give continuity to the game in Milan, playing 100 percent with energy and patience."

### Real Madrid vs. Zalgiris Kaunas (20:45 CET)

**Chus Mateo, Real Madrid head coach**

"We have to win at home. We have to try not to let any more games slip away from us at home, try to keep on winning and be prepared to be in a position to be among the best when that moment comes, but it is clear that we have to win. Tomorrow we play a game against a rival that is above us and I think we have a good opportunity to take a step forward and move up in the standings. Hopefully we can be serious for 40 minutes and we can beat a team like Zalgiris that is very strong in Europe and is playing very well."

**Andres Feliz, Real Madrid guard**

"Tomorrow we play a very important game because we want to continue to get into a rhythm and move up. It will be a tough game because Zalgiris is doing very well this year and is a very physical team. Our goal is to be good both on defense and offense, share the ball and play fast as we know how to do. We have to be tough from the start and set a very high physical level because that is what Zalgiris is going to demand from us. We are growing in defense and that is where we must be stronger because behind is where we win games. The level of the competition is very high, every game is very important and it would be very important for us to get back to winning ways at home in front of our fans."

**Andrea Trinchieri, Zalgiris Kaunas head coach**

"The schedule has no mercy. In one week, playing Partizan, Efes, Rytas and Real Madrid, it's a high mountain to climb. It's a great challenge and we want to embrace the challenge. Our goal is to compete and go to Madrid to show to ourselves that we belong and that we want to put together the best possible game. Dovydas \[Giedraitis\] will not play. We need to shuffle the roles in the team a little bit, but I expect my team to play with personality because when you play Real, you always play against the best players in Europe. You need to know how good they are, but you need to have personality to play against them."

(Dealing with the loss of Giedraitis): "Of course, we are going to miss him. The work that a team has to put in place in order to play is like a cake, and everybody has a slice of the cake. So, now we are missing a slice. We won't put someone else to fill this slice, so everybody should bring something to fill the gap."

(In response to a question about Facundo Campazzo): "Madrid is his house. He feels at home there, he takes the team on his shoulders, and he is playing with great creativity. He can do everything. He is a true point guard who can make passes... he has a passing ability that is unmatched. He can also score, and he is also very good at scoring clutch shots. One of the top three point guards in Europe."

### FC Bayern Munich vs. Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (20:45 CET)

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

"We need to stay on the defensive path we’ve been on since the second half against Baskonia. Maccabi has a lot of talent, but we want to control the game through our tempo again. I hope our amazing fans will once again act as a sixth man behind us and give us the energy we need."

**Devin Booker, FC Bayern Munich center**

"Maccabi presents some challenges for us, both inside and outside the paint. They are certainly better than their current position in the standings suggests. However, if we focus well on our game and defense again, things can go our way once more, and that's our goal."

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

"Bayern is very impressive from the beginning of the season. They are a top offensive EuroLeague team. They play in a high-tempo game. They have bigs that can step outside and shot the ball well. It is one of the toughest games to handle if we are looking at the shape of the teams are in right now in the EuroLeague. We'll need to slow them down, be aggressive and control the boards."

**Marial Shayok, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv guard**

"I think it's a great opportunity for us to come in and see if we can get a great road win against a great team at home. We're looking forward to it, having come off two wins in a row. We're excited that things are coming together, and we'll see what we can do. We've got to continue to just grow, continue to build chemistry with one another. It feels good coming off two wins, so just using that momentum going into the next game. Being a part of this team and this group of guys, win or lose, we've done a good job of staying together no matter what the environment is. I'm just looking forward to continuing to grow as a player and as a team as we continue this season."

Pregame quotes hub: 'I'm coming back to a place I consider home'

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne v Paris Basketball (2024-12-13T20:00:00.000Z)

FC Barcelona v EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (2024-12-13T19:30:00.000Z)

Anadolu Efes Istanbul v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2024-12-13T17:30:00.000Z)

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade v Olympiacos Piraeus (2024-12-13T19:30:00.000Z)

Real Madrid v Zalgiris Kaunas (2024-12-12T19:45:00.000Z)

FC Bayern Munich v Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (2024-12-12T19:45:00.000Z)

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz v Virtus Segafredo Bologna (2024-12-12T19:30:00.000Z)

ALBA Berlin v Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (2024-12-12T18:00:00.000Z)

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v AS Monaco (2024-12-12T17:45:00.000Z)

Dusko Ivanovic guided Virtus Bologna to a victory in his first EuroLeague game with the team - and he was happy with how the team believed 

Ivanovic got a bit lucky in Virtus debut, but team believed and fought

[Virtus Segafredo Bologna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/virtus-segafredo-bologna/vir/) is not expecting magic to happen right out of the gate with [Dusko Ivanovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/virtus-segafredo-bologna/vir/ivanovic-dusko/) taking over as head coach. But the Italian team provided some wizardry of its own in giving the new play-caller his first victory – thanks to a great mind frame.

Virtus needed a shocking [four-point play](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/videos/mm-bas-vir-tae2425-rs15/?feedId=62bac866d7681e7971f128d7&title=MOTOROLA%20MAGIC%20MOMENTS) by [Will Clyburn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/will-clyburn/004888/) with 1.9 seconds to play to knock off [Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz 81-82](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/clyburn-saves-virtus-81-82-at-baskonia-to-give-ivanovic-victory-in-debut/) to snap its six-game losing streak. Ivanovic was very happy about how his team stayed in the game.

"I am happy, but we have players. Tonight we were very lucky to win the game. But one thing that I think is really important for this team now is to believe and fight, believe and fight until the end," said the 67-year-old Ivanovic, who took over at the helm at Virtus after Luca Banchi stepped down.

"We have faith, character and patience - to play with a little more patience and have a clear situation, especially when the game is being decided."

Virtus Segafredo Bologna head coach Dusko Ivanovic spoke to EuroLeague TV after his team beat Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz in Round 15 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Dusko Ivanovic: 'Tonight, we had luck'

Ivanovic made two changes to Virtus’s starting lineup from the [Round 14 loss at home against Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/crvena-zvezda-downs-virtus-on-the-road-87-94/), which was coached by interim head coach Nenad Jakovljevic – starting [Alessandro Pajola](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/alessandro-pajola/006739/) and [Rayjon Tucker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/rayjon-tucker/012591/) alongside Clyburn, [Toko Shengelia](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/) and [Ante Zizic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/ante-zizic/004554/).

The game was a special one for Ivanovic, who coached at Baskonia over four stints and patrolled the sidelines of the club for 273 EuroLeague games. In fact, this was the first time he faced Baskonia at Buesa Arena.

But Ivanovic was not thinking about sentimentality in the Round 15 encounter. He wants to take big steps in changing the mentality of the team as quickly as possible to still have a chance to fight for the playoffs when it’s all said and done.

The Montenegrin coach’s message has been received by the team – especially by the top players.

"Everybody knows our struggles this year. A win like this means everything," said Clyburn, who finished with 23 points. "We just kept playing - play by play. You can’t look at the scoreboard and think: oh, 5 or 6 points. It’s just play by play."

And Shengelia, who served as Baskonia captain for six seasons from 2014 to 2020, did not shy away from giving praise where it was due.

"All the credit goes to the coaches, too, in preparing the game in such a good way," the power forward said. "This win is very important, especially to get it on the road. It counts a lot. Getting a win in such an environment means we have something to build on now. I hope that we keep rolling."

The monkey is already off Ivanovic’s back as new coach, and Virtus already has a thrilling, momentum-building win. Now if it can just believe and fight for each game.

Game News

The Montenegrin tactician guided Virtus to a victory in his first game –  and he was happy with how the team believed 

Look back at all the action in Round 11 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season by checking out the best photos of the week! 

Top 10 photos from Round 11

Look back at all the action from Round 11 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season by checking out the best photos of the week! 

Virtus Bologna head coach Dusko Ivanovic spoke to EuroLeague TV after his team beat Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz in Round 15 of the 2024-25 EuroLeague season.

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz-Virtus Segafredo Bologna | RS Round 15 Highlights | 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Game-winner latest example of Clyburn turning the corner 

Everyone knows about [Will Clyburn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/will-clyburn/004888/)’s championship pedigree. But the 34-year-old has struggled to deliver victories in his first season at [Virtus Segafredo Bologna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/virtus-segafredo-bologna/roster/vir/?season=2024-25). The American seems to have turned the corner though of late with his game-winning four-point play at [Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/roster/bas/?season=2024-25) the latest example. 

Clyburn [drained a three-pointer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/videos/mm-bas-vir-tae2425-rs15/?feedId=62bac866d7681e7971f128d7&title=MOTOROLA%20MAGIC%20MOMENTS) originally thought to be at the buzzer to tie the game at Baskonia. He was fouled by [Chima Moneke](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/chima-moneke/012201/) from behind and then converted the bonus free throw with 1.9 seconds left to secure [an 81-82 road win](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/clyburn-saves-virtus-81-82-at-baskonia-to-give-ivanovic-victory-in-debut/) to snap a six-game losing streak. 

“I knew we needed a three. [Toko \[Shengelia\]](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/) made a great pass back to me and he trusted me to make that shot,” said Clyburn, who finished the game with 23 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists for an index rating of 25. 

Game Videos

“Will had that amazing shot. And not only the shot, you have to make the free throw after that. There was a clutch free throw as well,” said Shengelia, who chipped in 16 points and 10 rebounds. 

Clyburn arrived at Virtus after two seasons at [Anadolu Efes Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/anadolu-efes-istanbul/ist/?season=2024-25), where he had hoped to continue Efes’s winning ways following back-to-back crowns. But he was never able to hoist the EuroLeague crown with the Turkish club. 

The Detroit native desperately wanted that feeling again after [winning the EuroLeague in 2019](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/eb-final-four-2019/) with CSKA Moscow while also taking home the EuroLeague Final Four MVP trophy that year and being named to the All-EuroLeague First Team. 

Virtus was hoping to get a EuroLeague champion and leader in Clyburn when it signed him this off-season. Clyburn however has needed some time to get going. Sure, he scored 27 points as Virtus picked up its first win of the season in Round 5 against Partizan, but Clyburn averaged 10.9 points in the first 11 games of the season. 

Things started looking up for Clyburn individually in the Round 12 loss against Paris Basketball as he scored 25 points and followed that with 23 points against ALBA Berlin. And in Round 14, Clyburn scored 19 points to go with 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 1 block for a PIR of 38. 

The fourth quarter against Baskonia looked like vintage Will Clyburn as he tallied 12 of his 23 points in the final 10 minutes. All told, he has averaged 22.5 points in the last four games and an average index rating of 26.5.

Virtus is not yet out of the woods yet. But having Clyburn in EuroLeague champion form will definitely help the cause. 

Will Clyburn has played at a EuroLeague championship level in Virtus’s last four games 

The right players, the right coach, and a bright future. Monaco’s win on Thursday at Fenerbahce sent a clear message: Watch out, because this team is for real.

Monaco made a statement with huge win at Fenerbahce

Winning by 30 points on the road is always a statement-making victory in the ultra-competitive environment of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. When that success comes against the team placed second in the league, it’s even more impressive. And when the thrashing is achieved in only the new coach’s fourth game in charge, it’s time to really sit up and take notice.

That’s exactly the scenario that [AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/roster/mco/?season=2024-25) enjoyed on Thursday night, cruising past [Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/roster/ulk/?season=2024-25) with [a stunning 69-99 outcome](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/monaco-cruises-past-fenerbahce-69-99/) following an extremely solid performance which saw [Vassilis Spanoulis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/mco/spanoulis-vassilis/?season=E2024)’s team win the second half 31-56.

Across the board, Monaco excelled. Paced by 5 helpers apiece from [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) and [Elie Okobo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/elie-okobo/011212/), the Roca Team dished 20 assists while committing only 7 turnovers. Led by 11 rebounds from [Donatas Motiejunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/donatas-motiejunas/lcz/), Monaco edged the battle of the boards. Shooting stats were strong in all departments: 27-of-43 from two-point range (62.8%), 8-of-17 from deep (47.1%), and 21-of-24 from the foul line (87.5%). An outstanding perimeter defense held Fenerbahce to just 4 three-point conversions on 21 attempts, with the usually deadly accurate [Nigel Hayes-Davis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nigel-hayes-davis/008962/) making only 1-of-9.

So yes, this was an all-around excellent performance, which inflicted Fenerbahce’s fourth-highest home losing margin in EuroLeague history and fourth-highest points tally allowed.

Motiejunas, who missed a double-double by 1 point after netting 9 to go with his 11 rebounds, believes it should serve as a blueprint for his team’s progress throughout the season.

“We showed very good team basketball,” said the veteran Lithuanian big man. “The physicality was there, we didn’t stop playing together until the end. We shared the ball, everyone got involved and fought like hell. I’m extremely happy, and this win should really show us how we should be playing all the time, and what kind of team we can be when we share the ball and play together.”

AS Monaco guard Mike James spoke to EuroLeague TV after his team beat Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul in Round 15 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Mike James: 'Just happy to get a win'

James led the offense with the best scoring performance of Spanoulis’s short tenure, netting 21 points including 3 triples on 6 attempts, and he added some detail of exactly how Monaco is starting to click under its new boss.

“We wanted to play with pace and move the ball,” he explained. “They like to key in on me and Elie a lot, try to trap us and stronghold us, so we tried to move the ball and get it out of our hands faster so they had to react. \[In our\] last system we had a lot of late shot clocks, so you had to live with whatever you got. I think I get the ball earlier now, I get an opportunity to move the ball and more seconds on the back end of the play.”

Spanoulis himself was also encouraged by what he saw, especially praising his player’s efforts at the other end of the floor as he said: “We changed our defense and our mindset, we were focused for 40 minutes and we won the game against a really good team and really good coach.”

Of course, scoring 99 points on the road suggests the offense was also working pretty well, and Spanoulis acknowledged: “We wanted to pass the ball, share the ball, play together, and we had patience. We tried always to find the best solution. We are not in a hurry, and when we have patience we’re a really good team in offense because we have the right players.”

The right players, the right coach, and a bright future. Monaco’s win on Thursday sent a clear message: Watch out, because this team is for real.

Everything is taking shape for the Roca Team under new coach Vassilis Spanoulis

Edwards took over from game-changer Napier for Bayern’s eighth home win

When [Tamir Blatt](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tamir-blatt/011193/) nailed his fourth triple of the night with 5:35 remaining in the third quarter, [FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-bayern-munich/roster/mun/?season=2024-25) was down by 50-65 and nothing seemed to be working on either end of the court. The hosts were trailing for most of the game against [Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/roster/tel/?season=2024-25), who threatened to end Bayern’s seven-game winning streak at the new SAP Garden.

However, [Shabazz Napier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shabazz-napier/011224/) had yet to say his piece. [Andreas Obst](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/andreas-obst/004508/) netted a couple of threes to keep Bayern in the game before the experienced guard got the crowd involved. Napier delivered on defense - where Bayern struggled the most for 25 minutes - getting a steal on one end before finishing on the other to trim the deficit to 64-70 with just over 2 minutes left in the third.

Obst netted his sixth triple of the night to bring Maccabi within 67-72 heading into the closing quarter, when Napier inspired the final comeback. The 33-year-old guard opened the fourth with a three-pointer before dishing out a pass for a powerful [Devin Booker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/devin-booker/007056/) slam to tie it at 72-72.

A confident Napier then picked up a defensive rebound before pulling up for a triple to get the fans off their seats by putting Bayern in front for the first time since very early in the first quarter.

“When Shabazz came in and made a couple of defensive plays, the fans got behind us,” head coach [Gordon Herbert](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-bayern-munich/mun/herbert-gordon/?season=E2024) said in the post-game press conference. “Andy Obst made a couple of shots, the defense got excited and we started playing with some emotion, enthusiasm, some energy. We were active.”

Then it was time for the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague’s top scorer to take over. [Carsen Edwards](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/carsen-edwards/011987/) ended the first half with a game-high 13 points but hadn’t scored a single one in the third quarter. Yet, he proved again why he is considered one of the most clutch players in the league, as he netted 12 of his team’s 20 points in the last 6 minutes to seal a 98-93 victory - his team's eighth in eight home games.

Napier produced a complete performance, finishing the game with 13 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal and two drawn fouls. As for Edwards, he netted 25, meaning that he’s now recorded over 20 points in 10 EuroLeague games this term.

Having improved its record to 10-5, Bayern will now be called to replicate its home form on the road with tough clashes at AS Monaco and EA7 Emporio Armani Milan coming up next week. Boasting the finest scorer in the competition in Edwards and an experienced game-changer in Napier, Herbert’s side has nothing to fear and it’s proving it week in, week out.

Napier brought the energy that allowed Bayern to protect its perfect home record

Zalgiris Kaunas guard Lonnie Walker spoke to EuroLeague TV after his team beat Real Madrid in Round 15 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.  

Lonnie Walker: 'It was a collective win'

Real Madrid-Zalgiris Kaunas | RS Round 15 Highlights | 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Several players stepped up during the game to round a near-perfect performance


Zalgiris's depth powered road win in Madrid 

[Zalgiris Kaunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/zalgiris-kaunas/roster/zal/?season=2024-25) recorded its ninth win in the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season by [downing Real Madrid 83-92](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/zalgiris-overpowers-real-in-madrid-83-92/) at WiZink Center. Finding different go-to guys at different times did the trick for Coach Andrea Trinchieri and his team.

All eyes were set on [Lonnie Walker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/lonnie-walker-iv/013403/) at the start of the game and he didn't disappoint, scoring 10 points in the opening 8 minutes to lead his team to a 15-16 edge. [Brady Manek](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/brady-manek/012715/) and [Matt Mitchell](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/matthew-mitchell/012622/) provided the fireworks from downtown to give Zalgiris a 19-24 lead after 10 minutes. Far from being done, Walker kept scoring, reaching 21 points in the 18th minute. Once Walker cooled off, [Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sylvain-francisco/007975/) and [Deividas Sirvydis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/deividas-sirvydis/007029/) stepped up to boost the visitors' margin to 38-54 at halftime.

Zalgiris tied a club record with 10 three-pointers in the first half. It had hit 10 three-pointers in a first half once before, in a 96-91 road loss against Anadolu Efes Istanbul in the 2019-20 season. Mitchell had made just 2 of 24 three-pointers before this game and buried his only attempt from beyond the arc on this night.

Zalgiris Kaunas playmaker Lonnie Walker had all of his 21 points in the first half of a 83-92 road victory over Real Madrid in Round 15 of the 204-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Lonnie Walker's outstanding first half

"We started off great in the first half. I came out hot playing my game and in the second half it was a collective win. Obviously they were going to be more aggressive, being more physical on me," Walker said after the game. "And my teammates kind of picked me up. Alen \[Smailagic\], Iggy \[Ignas Brazdeikis\], even Brady \[Manek\] were shooting the ball really, really well today. So it was a collective team win. We didn't waver."

Real returned to the floor with one goal in mind: stopping Walker. It worked, as he was scoreless the rest of the way. That's when Zalgiris found other resources in offense to keep a safe lead all the way until the final buzzer. After not scoring in the first half, [Ignas Brazdeikis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/ignas-brazdeikis/011983/) had 10 points after the break. [Alen Smailagic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/alen-smailagic/011051/) had 8 of his 13 points in the second half. With a balanced offense, Zalgiris did not find much trouble to control the game the rest of the way.

Zalgiris Kaunas guard Lonnie Walker spoke to EuroLeague TV after his team beat Real Madrid in Round 15 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

"I'm exhausted right now because in the second half, they were really going on us," Francisco said after the game. "It's just amazing. I'm really happy for the guys because everybody really stepped up and executed pretty well."

Three-pointers ended up making the difference in the game. Zalgiris buried 15 of 29 attempts from downtown (51.7% 3FG) and Real made just 8 of 26 three-pointers (30.8%). Real had more rebounds, assists and almost matched Zalgiris's team PIR, 88-89, but Zalgiris's outstanding depth made the difference on the court.

"We work well during the few practices we have and this is a very good win for us. Coming here and playing like this the whole game, and I would say controlling the game emotionally, playing with the three-point shot because of course it's difficult for us to go in the paint," head coach Andrea Trinchieri said after the game. "We played a great game. I'm very happy for my players."

Several players stepped up during the game to round out a near-perfect performance


FC Bayern Munich guard Andreas Obst spoke to EuroLeague TV after his team beat Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv in Round 15 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.  

Andreas Obst: 'It was definitely a dogfight' 

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade very nearly made a mess of its outing at ALBA Berlin but the Serbian team was able to make it five wins in a row, 90-91, as its playmaker Carlik Jones came to the rescue with a late mid-range jumper in a frantic finale. 

Carlik Jones and traveling support got Partizan out of jail in Berlin

[Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/partizan-nis-belgrade/roster/par/?season=2024-25) very nearly made a mess of its outing at [ALBA Berlin ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/alba-berlin/roster/ber/?season=2024-25)but the Serbian team was able to make it five wins in a row, [90-91](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/partizan-edges-alba-90-91-in-dramatic-finish/), as its playmaker [Carlik Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/carlik-jones/013369/) came to the rescue with a late mid-range jumper in a frantic finale.

One would have been forgiven for thinking that Partizan was the home team as its fans, comprising expats from Germany as well as supporters who made the trip from Belgrade, forged a fervent atmosphere that made the home players feel like they were in uncharted territory.

“Congratulations to my players and thanks to these people who came here to support us. It’s incredible what they keep doing for us,” Partizan head coach [Zeljko Obradovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/par/obradovic-zeljko/?season=E2024) said in his post-game comments after seeing his team bounce back from adversity.

“Luck was on our side, to be honest. I believe we dominated the game but we had some bad minutes in the fourth quarter and let them back into it,” added Obradovic. “Credit to ALBA, they never gave up after trailing by 11 and we reacted well after they led by 4. It was a tight game and we were fortunate to come out on top.”

Having shined in the previous round’s [emphatic 91-73 home win](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/partizan-overwhelms-panathinaikos-91-73-to-make-it-four-in-a-row/) over reigning champion Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, Partizan’s biggest of the season in Europe’s premier club competition, Carlik Jones served up yet another majestic display in the Uber Arena.

The playmaker pulled the strings on offense from start to finish to rack up a game-high 24 points to go with 6 assists, 5 boards and 2 steals. Having singled out team captain [Vanja Marinkovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/vanja-marinkovic/004761/) for sinking a clutch three-pointer which kept Partizan alive when ALBA was 88-84 up, Jones also heaped praise on the fans for roaring on the Serbian outfit.

“We love you guys,” Jones said when asked if he had a message for Partizan’s faithful. “You’re always there to support us, at home and on the road, you never disappoint us and it always feels like a home game. We love and appreciate you guys.” 

Carlik Jones: 'It always feels like a home game'

Carlik Jones It always feels like a home game _26365197.mp4

He added: “We kept fighting. We led pretty much the whole game, they made a run but we handled it well. A big shout out to Vanja, it was a big shot to keep us in the game and we were able to pull the win out.”

Big man [Tyrique Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tyrique-jones/011981/), who made a massive contribution with 20 points and 7 boards, acknowledged that he and Carlik constituted a dynamic duo at the heart of Partizan’s recent run which rekindled the team’s hopes of reaching the postseason.

“It took all of us out there, the full 40 minutes,” he said. “It’s always great playing with a point guard like Carlik, he is going to lead us and I am going to follow up. I am going to be the energy leader and he is going to be the leader handling the ball,” said Partizan’s center.

In Round 16, Partizan hosts LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne while ALBA is at home to Zalgiris Kaunas as the Regular Season of Europe’s premier club competition nears the halfway mark. 

The visitors were on the verge of spilling the game before their die-hard fans and an inspired point guard bailed them out 

Carlik Jones nail the pull-up jumper to win the game with 1.7 secs to go!

Carlik Jones winning shot! Motorola Magic Moment of the Night

 Carlik Jones nail the pull-up jumper to win the game with 1.7 secs to go!

FC Bayern Munich-Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv | RS Round 15 Highlights | 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

FC Bayern Munich extended its home winning streak at the brand-new SAP Garden to eight games by grabbing a 98-93 comeback victory over Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv 

Bayern rallies to outlast Maccabi, 98-93

FC Bayern Munich extended its home winning streak at the brand-new SAP Garden to eight games by grabbing a 98-93 comeback victory over Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv on Thursday night. The visitors started strong and led for the first three quarters, but Bayern bounced back in the fourth, outscored Maccabi 31-21 and clinched a hard-fought victory. The German champs improved to 10-5 for a share of second place in the standings, with Maccabi dropping to 4-11.

Carsen Edwards paced Bayern with 25 points, Andreas Obst netted 23, Devin Booker had 14 and Shabazz Napier added 13. For Maccabi, Jaylen Hoard recorded a team-high 25 points, Levi Randolph chipped in with 20, Wenyen Gabriel scored a season-high 16 points and Tamir Blatt registered a double-double of 13 points and 10 assists.

Obst opened the scoring with a corner triple, but a bucket inside from Gabriel and a Rokas Jokubaitis layup in transition put Maccabi ahead, 3-5. Baskets from Booker and Edwards sandwiched a triple by Blatt, but Hoard netted back-to-back buckets for a 7-14 lead. Obst drilled a second triple before 5 points from Edwards brought Bayern within 15-16. After Jake Cohen netted an open basket from inside, 4 points from Randolph and a Marial Shayok layup on the break opened a 15-25 lead. Five points from Napier ended Maccabi’s 0-9 run. Then, John DiBartolomeo nailed a three and Shayok scored again in transition, but Danko Brankovic netted inside to trim the deficit to 22-30 after 10 minutes.

A hard-fought bucket from Randolph was followed by baskets from Edwards and Brankovic, who took his tally to 6 quick points, cutting the gap to 28-32. Gabriel and Edwards traded baskets before Will Rayman gave Maccabi a 30-37 advantage. Booker scored inside, but Blatt connected twice with Hoard, who extended the margin to 33-41. After Blatt sank back-to-back threes, Booker responded with a three-point play that reduced the gap to 38-48. A triple from Nick Weiler-Babb was followed by an inside score from Edwards, who took his tally to 13 first-half points and brought Bayern within 43-50 at the break.

Maccabi started strong in the third quarter, with Gabriel scoring a couple of baskets and Randolph hitting a triple for a 45-57 cushion. Obst and Randolph exchanged threes before Johannes Voigtmann cut the difference to 50-60. Hoard scored inside and Blatt nailed one from long distance to extend Bayern’s lead to 50-65. But Obst sank another one before buckets from Booker and Voigtmann cut the deficit to 57-67. After Randolph and Obst traded triples, Napier reduced the gap to 64-70 with a layup in transition. Then, Hoard replied with one of his own on the break, but Obst’s sixth triple of the night cut it to 67-72 heading into the closing quarter.

Napier opened the fourth with a triple before a monster slam from Booker and another three from the former put Bayern in front, 75-72. Randolph and Niels Giffey traded three-pointers. Gabriel cut the difference to 78-77. After Edwards scored back-to-back layups, Voigtmann nailed a triple that extended Bayern’s lead to 85-80. Two straight dunks from Hoard tied it, but Obst nailed yet another triple and 4 points from Edwards put Bayern back in front, 92-87, with 01:18 to go. Then, the game turned into a free-throw contest, with Edwards making 4 of 4 from the line to seal it.

The German champs improved to a league-best 8-0 at home 

Lonnie Walker and Sylvain Francisco led Zalgiris to a prestigious road victory


Zalgiris outpowers Real in Madrid, 83-92! 

Zalgiris Kaunas snapped a three-game road winning streak by topping Real Madrid 83-92 in the Spanish capital in Round 15 on Thursday. Zalgiris improved to 8-6 in the standings while Real dropped to 6-9 and is now one a three-game losing streak. 

Lonnie Walker led the winners with 21 points, all of them in the first half. Sylvain Francisco added 17, Brady Manek and Alen Smailagic each had 13, Deividas Sirvydis got 11 while Ignas Brazdeikis contributed 10 for Zalgiris. Dzanan Musa paced Real with 15 points. Mario Hezonja added 14, Sergio Llull 12 and Gabriel Deck 10 for *Los Blancos*.

Walker got Zalgiris going with a three-pointer. Tavares answered with a put-back dunk, igniting a 7-0 run that Alberto Abalde capped with a bomb from downtown. Walker stepped up for the visitors with a driving layup. After Manek and Deck traded triples, Tavares's jump hook gave Real a 12-8 lead. Walker and Manek each struck from beyond the arc to put Zalgiris back ahead, 13-14. Facu Campazzo took over with a driving layup, which Walker matched with a five-meter jumper. Hezonja provided another lead change, 18-16. Mike Mitchell and Sirvydis each joined the three-point shootout to give the visitors a 19-24 lead after 10 minutes.

Hezonja buried a turnaround shot early in the second quarter and Serge Ibaka matched Walker's jumper with a power layup to make it 23-26. Smailagic silenced the crowd with a put-back slam. Llull answered from downtown before Walker scored again. The Zalgiirs guard followed a dunk with a triple that caused Real to stop the game at 26-35. Francisco struck from beyond the arc and followed Smailagic's triple with a driving layup that capped a 0-15 Zalgiris run and gave the visitors a 26-43 lead. Eli Ndiaye and Llull stepped up for Los Blancos and then it was Zalgiris that called a timeout at 34-45. Sirvydis nailed a catch-and-shoot three-pointer, joining forces with Francisco to boost the lead to 38-54 at halftime.

Deck tried to ignite Real's comeback with a backdoor layup right after the break. Hezonja made free throws and Tavares's jump hook soon brought Los Blancos within 44-54. Hezonja scored off a midcourt steal to make it a single-digit game. Francisco and Abalde each struck from beyond the arc. After Brazdeikis buried a step-back jumper, Edgaras Ulanovas gave Zalgiris fresh air at 49-61. Manek sank his third triple, but Musa singlehandedly gave Real plenty of hope at 55-64. Manek downed a jumper, Brazdeikis erased Campazzo's layup-plus-foul with a triple and Francisco kept Zalgiris way ahead, 58-72. Musa got Real a bit closer, 60-72, after 30 minutes.

Smailagic took over with a power layup early in the fourth quarter and Brazdeikis banked in a close shot that made it 60-76. Brazdeikis beat the shot clock with a highly-contested jumper. Deck improved on that with a three-point play and Tavares's layup forced Zalgiris to call timeout at 65-78. Smailagic made free throws, Deck scored again and Campazzo's follow-up layup got *Los Blancos* within 69-80 with 6 minutes left. Sirvydis and Francisco each buried a three-pointer to break the game open, 69-86. Real kept fighting in the final 4 minutes but only rallied once the outcome was clear.

Zalgiris overpowers Real in Madrid, 83-92

Will Clyburn converted a four-point play with 1.9 seconds left to give Dusko Ivanovic a triumphant debut as Virtus Segafredo Bologna head coach in an 81-82 road victory over his former club Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz. 

Clyburn saves Virtus, 81-82 at Baskonia, to give Ivanovic victory in debut 

Will Clyburn converted a four-point play with 1.9 seconds left to give Dusko Ivanovic a triumphant debut as Virtus Segafredo Bologna head coach in an 81-82 road victory over his former club Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz. The game was tight throughout and Virtus never gave up, coming up with the improbable finish in Ivanovic’s first game back at Buesa Arena.

Clyburn’s heroics snapped Virtus’ six-game losing streak for a 3-12 record, including 2-5 on the road. Clyburn scored 23 points, Toko Shengelia had 16 points and 10 rebounds and Isaia Cordinier chipped in 11 points. Baskonia, which was coached by Ivanovic on four separate occasions for a total of 273 EuroLeague games, has dropped two straight games for a 6-9 record. Nikos Rogkavopoulos was Baskonia’s top scorer with 19 points while Markus Howard struggled from outside but picked up 13 points. 

Alessandro Pajola opened the scoring from deep for the visitors and a Chima Moneke triple gave Baskonia its first lead 7-5. Shengelia had a strong start with 7 straight points as Virtus went on a 2-9 run to pull ahead 9-14. Triples from Trent Forrest and Howard knotted the game 17-17. And a long ball from Rogkavopoulos evened the game 21-21 after 10 minutes. 

Baskonia reclaimed the lead 26-24 early in the second quarter only to see Virtus put together a 3-9 spurt for a 29-33 advantage. Virtus could not get enough multiple consecutive scores to pull away and Baskonia tied it at 36-36 and 38-38, which was the halftime score.

The game remained tight and Baskonia took its biggest lead of the game at 45-41. Virtus held the hosts scoreless for more than 2 minutes and Shengelia scored 5 points to help the Italian side lead 45-48. The lead switched hands five times and Baskonia was up 55-52. The hosts were up 57-56 after three quarters.

Howard’s second triple made it 64-59 but Clyburn answered right back with a three-pointer before Rogkavopoulos’s third three-pointer gave Baskonia the biggest lead of the game, 70-64, with 5 minutes to play. Isaia Cordinier tallied two scores and Virtus tied the contest at 70-70. Rogkavopoulos stepped up for the home side with a three-pointer and tip-in for a 75-72 cushion with 87 seconds to play. Donta Hall added an alley-oop dunk to make it 77-72 but Clyburn cut the deficit to 78-76 with 13 seconds to play. Kamar Baldwin converted two free throws with 12 seconds left but Rogkavopoulos split two with 4.5 seconds remaining for a 79-76 score. Clyburn raced up the court and banked in the shot at the buzzer and was fouled by Moneke, converting the game-winning free throw with 1.9 seconds to play after the referees reviewed the game clock. 

Will Clyburn provided the heroics as Virtus picked up a victory in Dusko Ivanovic’s debut as coach 