Name: Kostas Sloukas: 'We wrote history today'
Channel: Euroleague Basketball

The biggest roster move of last summer, Kostas Sloukas of Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, was able to bask in a new Final Four qualification after a Game 5 win over Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv.

Kostas Sloukas: 'We wrote history today'

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens v Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (2024-05-07T18:15:00.000Z)

After scoring 14 of his game-high 26 points in the final quarter to send Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens back to the Final Four, Kendrick Nunn said that he and his teammates just let their game speak.

Kendrick Nunn: 'We did it together'

The love affair between Kendrick Nunn and Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens grew on Tuesday night when the first-year guard poured in 13 fourth-quarter points to lead the Greens to a Game 5 victory over Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv and thus into the Final Four.

Kendrick Nunn’s scoring explosion sealed the outcome in Game 5

The love affair between Kendrick Nunn and Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens grew on Tuesday night when the first-year guard poured in 13 fourth-quarter points to lead the Greens to a Game 5 victory over Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv and thus into the Final Four.

A sold-out OAKA Altion was on edge through the first three quarters, which featured 13 lead changes and ended with Panathinaikos up 58-56. With an injury keeping Kostas Sloukas sidelined for all but 19 seconds in the fourth quarter,  the Greens needed someone to carry them home. And Nunn was up to the task.

He made a technical free throw and a three-pointer in a 6-0 run to open the quarter that gave Panathinaikos its biggest lead to that point. And every time Maccabi tried to answer, it ran into Nunn.

Kendrick Nunn's big Game 5

When the final buzzer sounded and the celebrations began, Nunn had 26 points on 6-of-10 three-point shooting, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal and 1 block for a PIR of 27. It was his third straight game with at least 25 points.

“I feel great. It was a big win for us, huge win. Credit to all the guys in the locker room, stepped up big. We got guys playing through injuries, things like that. It took the entire team,” said Nunn after the game.

“Maccabi’s not easy to beat. They gave us a hard series, but we came out victorious. It’s been crazy. It’s my third playoff run, and I'm just growing as a player, learning. I'm embracing everything. My teammates have been great, allowing me to do what I do. We did it together tonight, we did it defensively and we’ve got two more.”

When asked to comment about claims that the Panathinaikos backcourt of Sloukas and Nunn is the best in the league, Nunn replied: “I don’t have to say much, we just have to let our game speak.”

Their game spoke loud and clear in this series. Nunn, who is playing his first season in the EuroLeague after three seasons in the NBA, averaged 19.2 points on 51.6% three-point shooting in the series.

And next Nunn will put his game on display at the Final Four in Berlin.

Game News

The Panathinaikos guard finished with a game-high 26 points

Kendrick Nunn’s scoring explosion sealed the outcome in Game 5 

Having led his new team to the Final Four for the first time since 2012, head coach Ergin Ataman was already looking ahead, fists shaking, at the chance to lift his third EuroLeague trophy in four years.

Ergin Ataman, Panathinaikos: 'We never lost our confidence'

Panathinaikos BC is the second team to make it to the 2024 EuroLeague Final Four, joining Real Madrid Baloncesto.

 Panathinaikos returns to the Final Four after 12 years 

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens is officially back on the path to its former glories. After more than a decade-long wait, the six-time Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champions have returned to the Final Four for the first time since 2012 after ousting Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv in a dramatic best-of-five playoff series. Head coach Ergin Ataman's squad finished the job on Tuesday night with an 81-72 win in Game 5, prompting big celebrations in the Greek capital.

A thrilling and high-scoring series is to come to an end. The Greens' backcourt duo of Kostas Sloukas and Kendrick Nunn look to maintain the form that saw them combine 47 points and 10 assists in Game 4, while Maccabi should feel confident inside the paint after Dinos Mitoglou and Mathias Lessort shared 30 points and 11 rebounds.

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens-Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv | Playoffs Game 5 | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

By qualifying for the Final Four, Panathinaikos has successfully completed a major turnaround, which seems to be Coach Ataman's specialty. A club that had not seen playoff basketball since 2019, and which had won a total of just 20 games over the previous two campaigns, put together a brand-new team that jelled in time to win 17 of its last 21 regular-season games. Panathinaikos followed that up by battling to register three playoff wins, thus earning the right to compete for glory in Berlin, Germany, later this month. The Greens will face the winner of AS Monaco and Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul’s Game 5 clash, which takes place on Wednesday night.

### Journey to the 2024 Final Four

Even though the season did not start as everyone in Athens had hoped, it did not take too long for Coach Ataman to steady the ship. Panathinaikos lost four of its first six games and had a 6-7 record in early December, only for the team to win eight of its next nine games. That winning run saw Panathinaikos shoot up the standings, and the Greek giant never ranked lower than fourth place after Round 18.

Panathinaikos did need a strong regular-season finish to clinch home-court advantage in the playoff – and the team delivered, winning its last five games. It required each one of those, including a dramatic 79-81 win in Bologna on [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/)'s buzzer-beating game-winner.

Following a progressive campaign thus far, Virtus find themselves in free-fall succumbing to four successive defeats. They hope that the experienced Toko Shengelia can contain the marauding presence of Mathias Lessort and Dinos Mitoglou as the Greens clamour to cement their position in the top-four.

Virtus-Panathinaikos | Round 32 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

The ups and downs did not stop with the end of the regular season, however, as Panathinaikos lost that hard-earned home-court advantage with an 87-91 loss in Game 1 of its series against Maccabi. Led by [Kostas Sloukas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kostas-sloukas/001926/) and [Ioannis Papapetrou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/ioannis-papapetrou/005161/), the Greens bounced back with a 95-79 win in Game 2, but when the series moved to Belgrade, it was Maccabi that went back in front with a dramatic 85-83 win. Finding itself down 1-2 in the series, and with its backs against the wall, Panathinaikos leaned again on Sloukas, Nunn and [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/) in Game 4, pulling out an 88-95 victory to force a Game 5.

With a do-or-die game in front of their passionate fans, the Greens were not going to let the opportunity slip away. In Game 5, Panathinaikos defeated Maccabi 81-72 after strong showings by Kendrick Nunn, with 26 points, and Kostas Sloukas , with 15.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Panathinaikos with a huge victory in GAME 5<a href="https://twitter.com/paobcgr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@paobcgr</a> wins the series 3-2! <br><br>Now time for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F4GLORY?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F4GLORY</a> <a href="https://t.co/qs66fqwAqd">pic.twitter.com/qs66fqwAqd</a></p>&mdash; Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1787942740782731662?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

### Final Four experience

Even though the club has not been at the Final Four since 2012, a trio of Panathinaikos leaders have plenty of Final Four experience. None more so than three-time EuroLeague champion Kostas Sloukas, who will be competing in his 10th Final Four, after reaching five with Olympiacos Piraeus and four with Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul. Sloukas has played in all but two Final Fours since 2012 and has appeared in seven championship games in that time.

Another Panathinaikos player who knows the feeling of competing at the Final Four is Ioannis Papapetrou, who went twice with Olympiacos – but not since 2017 – and lost in the championship game on both occasions.

Last but certainly not least, Coach Ataman is a two-time champion with Anadolu Efes Istanbul. Ataman first took Efes to the Final Four in 2000 and did the same with Montepaschi Siena in 2003 before three more trips with Efes between 2019 and 2022. In 2021 and 2022, the Turkish tactician guided the club to their first-ever EuroLeague titles.

It all comes down to this. Real Madrid, as the most-crowned team in EuroLeague history, take on reigning-champs Efes, who fight for the first back-to-back titles in almost a decade, but who will snatch the glory?

Real Madrid v Anadolu Efes Istanbul - Championship Game - Highlights

### Final Four history

The Greens might have been missing from Final Four action over the past 12 years, but the Final Four was synonymous with Panathinaikos in the decade before its last appearance. The Greek giants went to six Final Fours between 2002 and 2012, winning on four occasions – in 2002, 2007, 2009 and 2011 – and also getting there in 2005 and 2012, when it lost in the semifinals.

Also, Panathinaikos won EuroLeague titles in 1996 and 2000, with two more appearances in 1994 and 1995. Panathinaikos also reached the SuproLeague Final Four in 2001, which also happens to be the only title game it lost.

The return to European basketball’s showpiece event marks a very familiar feeling to the army of Panathinaikos fans, albeit one they needed a lengthy wait to feel once again.

The Greens are looking to become champions for the first time since 2011

Panathinaikos returns to the Final Four after 12 years

Antonius Cleveland misses a huge dunk but it somehow drops in!

 Cleveland’s incredible fluke! Motorola Magic Moment of the Night 

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens ended its 12-year wait to return to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four by overcoming Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, 81-72, in a very intensely contested Game 5 decider on Tuesday. 

Maccabi had the better of the opening exchanges, but Panathinaikos was spurred on by an electric atmosphere to gradually pull back and it was tied, 41-41, at halftime. The third quarter saw plenty of lead changes, ending with the hosts up 58-56 before the Greens scored the first 6 points of the fourth quarter to take control for good. 

Kendrick Nunn again led Panathinaikos with 26 points on 6-of-9 three-point shooting, while Kostas Sloukas, who ended the game injured, scored 15. Mathias Lessort netted 9 points despite missing 11 free throws and added 11 rebounds, while Juancho Hernangomez scored 11 and Ioannis Papapetrou contributed 10. 

Lorenzo Brown led Maccabi from the backcourt with 19 points and 7 assists, and Josh Nebo provided power in the paint with 14 points and 7 rebounds. 

Game Videos

The opening baskets came inside through Lessort and Jake Cohen, before John DiBartolomeo’s three gave Maccabi its first lead. Nebo and Brown stretched the edge to 4-9, but Papapetrou pulled Panathinaikos closer from deep. Cohen and Nebo were again on target to make it 8-15 with a 0-6 run, but triples from Nunn and Jerian Grant answered for the Greens. Hernangomez’s alley-oop layup and Sloukas’s transition bucket made it 19-21 after 10 minutes. 

Nunn and Tamir Blatt traded triples to start the second stanza before Nebo and Jasiel Rivero netted inside to keep Maccabi ahead. Nunn’s jumper capped a 5-0 run for a 29-28 lead, and Sloukas added a three. Nebo’s putback and Antonius Cleveland’s lucky missed dunk which dropped in forced another lead change, and James Webb III’s triple made it 34-37. Sloukas scored inside and Papapetrou netted from deep, but Rivero was strong at the rim to make it 41-41 at the interval. 

Brown’s jumper opened the second half scoring, but Papapetrou responded immediately. Bonzie Colson and Nunn traded three-point strikes before Sloukas and DiBartolomeo did the same for a 49-49 tie midway through the third. Nebo scored 4 points straight, but Hernangomez hit from long-range and Nunn scored twice from the line, 54-53. Blatt’s triple forced another lead change, but the Greens saw another swing as Hernangomez and Kostas Antetokounmpo scored from the line for a 58-56 lead after three quarters. 

Panagiotis Kalaitzakis lifted the Greens with a steal and slam to start the final period, and Nunn’s three-pointer completed a 10-0 run for a 64-56 lead. Brown’s jumper ended Maccabi’s spell of more than 6 minutes without scoring, but Nunn and Dinos Mitoglou scored from the line for a 68-58 lead. Blatt and Brown triples gave Maccabi hope, but Nunn responded with his own three-pointer and inside score. Brown hit again to make it 73-67, but Lessort’s consecutive putback and layup kept the Greens comfortable, and Nunn’s stepback three sealed the deal to spark huge celebrations. 

The Greens scored the first 6 points of the fourth quarter to pull away and never looked back

Panathinaikos celebrates after 81-72 Game 5 victory over Maccabi 

Panagiotis Kalaitzakis starts the fourth quarter with a steal and a slam to ignite the fans!

Kalaitzakis lights up Athens! Motorola Magic Moment

 Panagiotis Kalaitzakis starts the fourth quarter with a steal and a slam to ignite the fans!

Sharp shooter Kendrick Nunn shows he can do it at the other end with a big block!

Nunn says no! Motorola Magic Moment 

Cleveland’s incredible fluke! Motorola Magic Moment 

Josh Nebo finishes with a huge two-handed slam!

 Nebo rocks the rim! Motorola Magic Moment 

 Josh Nebo finishes with a huge two-handed slam!

That 92-58 Olympiacos victory saw a sparkling performance from [Shaquielle McKissic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shaquielle-mckissic/007853/) with 21 points on 8-for-11 field goal shooting, while [Nikola Milutinov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikola-milutinov/003941/) dominated the paint to the tune of 11 rebounds in his first full performance since returning from injury.

Two more Olympiacos big men, [Moustapha Fall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/moustapha-fall/008811/) and [Filip Petrusev](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/filip-petrusev/011194/), also had a strong influence on Game 4, combining for 22 points and 10 boards. Barca will look for its own centers, [Jan Vesely](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jan-vesely/000925/) and [Willy Hernangomez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/willy-hernangomez/003196/), to bounce back after the Spanish team was outrebounded 47-31 on Thursday.

Barca's only double-digit scorer last time out was [Jabari Parker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jabari-parker/012745/) (10), and he has been in great form throughout the series with an average of 15.0 points on 62.5% three-point shooting. For Olympiacos, a big boost has been the return of veteran leader [Kostas Papanikolaou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kostas-papanikolaou/001255/), who made 3 of his 6 attempts from long-range in his comeback appearance in Game 4 as well as offering the positive energy that will be very much needed at Palau Blaugrana on Wednesday.

### Roger Grimau, Barcelona head coach

"Playing at home gives you a little bit extra, but it does not guarantee anything. We will have to do many things well, as we did in three of the previous four games in this series. On defense, especially, we will have to show that bit of intensity and that we know what to do at any given moment. We must be loyal to our style. It's hard to run against Olympiacos because they like to collapse the paint, but we must stay with the Barca philosophy. We must take advantage that the Palau will give us, but we also have to be aware of the style of our opponent, a team that punishes your every mistake. It will be an emotional game, but players are used to this kind of situation."

### Georgios Bartzokas, Olympiacos head coach

"The previous game was decided by a huge difference, but you never know how this is going to work in view of the next game. It often motivates the opponent who feels hurt. On the other hand, we saw that should we follow a specific plan and play a good game, our ceiling is a high one and we can compete against anyone. We want to get the ticket to Berlin very much. We have the same hunger and motivation we had in the first season we advanced to the Final Four two years ago. We want it a lot and we believe it's going to be the culmination of a huge effort made this season, in regard to the many setbacks and injuries we went through. If we manage to do it, we are once again going to be a tough opponent for any other team."

### Tomas Satoransky, Barcelona player

"Not many things can surprise either team anymore. The games were won by the most aggressive and physical team. In Game 3 we did fine, and for this Game 5 I expect a lot of defense. It is what tends to happen in this kind of games, which are decided by the small details. We must be solid durinng the 40 minutes, again, something that we did in Game 3."

### Kostas Papanikolaou, Olympiacos player

"There's no other thought in our minds. We are ready to compete to win. Of course, Barcelona has the advantage of playing at home and they are going to have their fans by their side. But, just like I said following the previous game in the series, if you are mentally ready and powerful enough just like we were in the previous game or like have done in many road games during the second round of the competition, we have good chances at winning. It's clearly not going to be a game like the previous ones. Both teams are going to fight hard. It's going to be a close game and the details will decide who wins."

The final ticket for the Final Four will be taken as Barcelona and Olympiacos go head to head to conclude a series which had been very tightly contested until Game 4, when the Reds handed out Barca's heaviest-ever road defeat to tie the series and seize the momentum.

Roger Grimau, Barcelona: 'It will be an emotional game'

FC Barcelona v Olympiacos Piraeus (2024-05-08T19:00:00.000Z)

Check out the bold predictions from EuroLeague.net staff members for Game 5 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs between FC Barcelona and Olympiacos Piraeus.

Bold predictions: Barcelona vs. Olympiacos

[Predictions: AS Monaco vs. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/bold-predictions-monaco-vs-fenerbahce/)

[Predictions: Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens vs. Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/bold-predictions-panathinaikos-vs-maccabi/)

### The Reds will make EuroLeague history

#### *by Igor Petrinovic*

As of this writing, no road team has ever won a Game 5 in the EuroLeague Playoffs. I say that will remain true as this game tips off, because I predicted Panathinaikos and Monaco will hold court at home and make the Final Four. But I say Olympiacos makes history on Wednesday night, beats Barcelona at Palau Blaugrana, and becomes the first team to win a deciding game in a best-of-five series away from home. I think the Reds have all the tools to get it done. The majority of this Olympiacos roster has gone through some major Final Four heartbreaks in the past two season, but now this group gets its own break. And I do not think momentum from Game 4 has anything to do with it. This is a do-or-die affair, a story of its own. I think the game will look a lot like Game 1, where Olympiacos takes control with its defense and eventually finds a way to close it out. My pick: Olympiacos.

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transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C6q1qVnNA6O/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Olympiacos B.C. 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### Barcelona takes care of business

#### *by Frankie Sachs*

I understand that Olympiacos is the trendy upset pick here. In my eyes, Barcelona is the more talented team. And after the butt-kicking it received at Peace and Friendship Stadium last Thursday, head coach Roger Grimau's men will be as determined as ever. I expect Jabari Parker and Jan Vesely to shine and Nikola Kalinic and Nicolas Laprovittola to get the job done. The Reds are a formidable foe, but sadly for them, their season ends at the final hurdle before the Final Four. At least they can take solace in being the last team eliminated from the playoffs? Final Five? My pick: Barcelona.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">Sessió prèvia al 5è partit ✅<br><br>ESTEM A PUNT! 💪 <a href="https://t.co/4YNzQlwujs">pic.twitter.com/4YNzQlwujs</a></p>&mdash; Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket/status/1787834634601984024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Olympiacos to win third straight Game 5

#### *by Geoff Gillingham*

Olympiacos Piraeus fans can look forward to a third straight appearance at the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four – and all have come in a Game 5. Okay, the third of those is yet to be finalized, but I think the Reds will follow Fenerbahce in winning on the road in Game 5 to eliminate Barcelona and reach the Final Four. History made twice in just a matter of hours on Wednesday night. Olympiacos showed what it can do by mauling Barcelona in Game 4, and the return to action of Kostas Papanikolaou and Nikola Milutinov only strengthens the options of head coach Georgios Bartzokas. Speaking of whom, Coach Bartzokas knows what it takes to win these games and I believe he'll have his men roaring to go come tipoff. My pick: Olympiacos.

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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C6eiEK-NKt4/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C6eiEK-NKt4/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; 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### Barca books its ticket to Berlin

#### *by Javier Gancedo*

Every playoff game is different and Barca should not think about its last game at Piraeus, not even for one second. Olympiacos's physicality was overwhelming, and head coach Georgios Bartzokas found the way to hurt Barca with Shaquielle McKissic, Kostas Papanikolaou and Nikola Milutinov playing stellar roles. Barca needs to match the Reds' physicality but has the right players to do so: Tomas Satoransky, Nikola Kalinic, Jan Vesely and Jabari Parker – all very experienced. Barca is 16-2 at Palau Blaugrana this season and I expect a very different game in which sharpshooters Nico Laprovittola and Alex Abrines should have something to say. The stage is set for Ricky Rubio to make the difference in a do-or-die game. I expect Barca to make the most out of the home-court advantage and reach a fourth consecutive Final Four for the first time in club history. My pick: Barca.

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border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; 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transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C6esHoVIUOB/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Barça Basket (@fcbbasket)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

### Reds will roll on to Berlin

#### *by Frank Lawlor*

I am going to double down on a history-making Wednesday. I not only think that Olympiacos has already been better in this series, but the re-emergence of both Nikola Milutinov and Kostas Papanikolaou in Game 4 makes the Reds a complete team, for the first time in recent memory, as they approach this do-or-die finale. Olympiacos has won two Game 5s in a row decisively with many of the same players. They will not be intimidated by playing on the road for this one. This team was one shot made or missed from last season's title, lost an MVP over the summer, and reeled themselves back to this moment despite no home-court advantage. Olympiacos has unfinished business at the Final Four and I think they will be motivated enough by that to steal Game 5 on the road. My pick: Olympiacos.

Check out the bold predictions from EuroLeague.net staff members for Game 5 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs between AS Monaco and Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul.

Bold predictions: Monaco vs. Fenerbahce

[Predictions: FC Barcelona vs . Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/bold-predictions-barcelona-vs-olympiacos/)

[Predictions: Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens vs. Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/bold-predictions-panathinaikos-vs-maccabi/)

### Fenerbahce steals the show

#### *by Javier Gancedo*

Both teams have won at home and on the road, so this is one hard showdown to predict. Fenerbahce has managed to force Mike James to shoot the ball poorly (32.1% 2FG, 23.8% 3FG) until now, mainly due to Nick Calathes's outstanding defense. Fenerbahce found balance on offense with Georgios Papagiannis helping on the boards, and has a good number of pure shooters ready to bounce back from that painful home loss in Game 5. Whether it's Scottie Wilbekin, Tyler Dorsey, Tarik Biberovic or Marko Guduric, Fenerbahce can find answers from beyond the arc. Monaco had six players averaging over 25 minutes per game in this series, which makes the team a bit predictable at this point. Only Nigel Hayes-Davis and Calathes play over 25 minutes on average for Fenerbahce. The visitors should be fresh and ready to look for advantages everywhere. My pick: Fenerbahce.

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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C6hTjuGC5t6/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C6hTjuGC5t6/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; 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transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C6hTjuGC5t6/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Fenerbahçe Beko (@fbbasketbol)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

### Monaco toughs it out, reaches Berlin

#### *by Igor Petrinovic*

The closest and the most physical series will come down to that, physicality. The first three games might have been high scoring affairs, but the Game 4 was just what I expect this Game 5 to be; a physical, defensive-minded, low-scoring game. That is a type of game Monaco will want, and I think that's the game that Monaco will win. Jordan Loyd and Elie Okobo have been huge for Monaco, and I believe Mike James will join them in this decider. Fenerbahce did steal the series opener in the principality, but I don't see Nate Sestina getting hot as he did that night. Also, when Fenerbahce won Game 3, Tyler Dorsey and Scottie Wilbekin each hit 6 triples, and I don't see that happening again. Besides, my prediction for the entire series said it will go to five games, with teams splitting wins in Monaco and in Istanbul. So, I am sticking to it. It's going to be a battle, but I go with the home team. My pick: Monaco.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">📢 𝑻𝑶𝑼𝑺 𝑨̀ 𝑮𝑨𝑺𝑻𝑶𝑵-𝑴𝑬́𝑫𝑬𝑪𝑰𝑵 ‼️❤️‍🔥<br><br>🚀 𝐶&#39;𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑙&#39;ℎ𝑒𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑑𝑢 𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑐ℎ 𝑙𝑒 𝑝𝑙𝑢𝑠 𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑑𝑒 𝑙&#39;𝑎𝑛𝑛𝑒́𝑒 𝑎̀ 𝑑𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑙𝑒 !🏠🇲🇨<br><br>🙌 La <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RocaTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RocaTeam</a> a besoin de votre soutien dans ce game 5️⃣ 🆚️ <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FBBasketbol</a> ♨️<br><br>🎟 𝑂𝑢𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒… <a href="https://t.co/dumS64qg3b">pic.twitter.com/dumS64qg3b</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket/status/1786525302803361986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Fenerbahce to make history in Monaco

#### *by Geoff Gillingham*

For the first time in the EuroLeague Playoffs history, we will see a road winner in a Game 5. Fenerbahce has what it takes to go on the road and win at Monaco, having already done so in Game 1, and head coach Saras Jasikevicius is certainly capable of putting together a game plan to send his team to the Final Four. Coach Jasikevicius has become an expert in guiding teams to the Final Four, doing so in three straight seasons with FC Barcelona, and he has plenty of weapons at his disposal this time around. With Nick Calathes running the show and the likes of Scottie Wilbekin, Nigel Hayes-Davis and Marko Guduric all capable of stepping up scoring-wise, Fenerbahce has a great opportunity to stun Monaco in the principality. My pick: Fenerbahce.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">8 Mayıs Çarşamba günü AS Monaco ile karşılaşacağımız Play-off serisi beşinci maçı öncesi istatistik liderleri!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YellowLegacy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YellowLegacy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/NneU8Biqoa">pic.twitter.com/NneU8Biqoa</a></p>&mdash; Fenerbahçe Beko (@FBBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol/status/1787491861667467708?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Monaco makes the Final Four, again

#### *by Frankie Sachs*

The more I think about this series, the more confident I am in Monaco winning Game 5, just like it did last season against Maccabi. Mike James has been quiet for too long. Too many Monaco role players have been playing well. Fenerbahce had its chances and missed. It has not been great on the road this season, while Monaco has been superb at home. Monaco was built for this. Fenerbahce is a team that underwent no small amount of change during the season. It has overcome plenty and at times seemed destined to be in Berlin. But that was then. On Wednesday, Monaco will create its own destiny. My pick: Monaco.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🧗‍♂️ 𝑩𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒂𝒕𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒑𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑰𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒃𝒖𝒍, 𝑹𝒐𝒄𝒂 𝑻𝒆𝒂𝒎 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒅 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒑𝒊𝒄 𝒈𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝟒, 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒄𝒆 𝒂 𝒈𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝟓, 𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆 😤 𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆… <a href="https://t.co/e30UhDABsA">pic.twitter.com/e30UhDABsA</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket/status/1787405760650948764?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Fenerbahce breaks the curse

#### *by Frank Lawlor*

The EuroLeague is too exceptionally competitive to think that home-court advantage will always prevail. Monaco and Fenerbahce are very evenly matched, and have proven so by winning once on each other's floor already in this series. Monaco's guards get all the love, but I like the way their big men have come to play lately. If Fenerbahce doesn't have Johnathan Motley again and John Brown is available for Monaco – both are considered game-time decisions – I might waver more on this. But knowing what we know, I believe Fenerbahce has what it takes to pull off a historic first. Nigel-Hayes is rested and ready for a big game. Nick Calathes is not going to tremble at the pressure. Georgios Papagiannis adds a dimension this team didn't have when the series started. And one or two among Marko Guduric, Tyler Dorsey and Scottie Wilbekin are likely to heat up with Sarunas Jasikevicius calling the plays. It should be a great battle, but my hunch is that Fenerbahce will be going to Berlin. My pick: Fenerbahce.

AS Monaco v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2024-05-08T17:00:00.000Z)

Check out the bold predictions from EuroLeague.net staff members for Game 5 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs between Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens and Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv.

Bold predictions: Panathinaikos vs. Maccabi

[Predictions: AS Monaco vs. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/bold-predictions-monaco-vs-fenerbahce/)

[Predictions: FC Barcelona vs . Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/bold-predictions-barcelona-vs-olympiacos/)

### Panathinaikos prevails at home

#### *by Javier Gancedo*

Let's face it, none of the three home teams will have a bigger advantage than Panathinaikos. OAKA Altion is a bigger arena and the noise level should be absolutely epic. Kostas Sloukas has a reputation for surviving closeout games and he should lead the Greens back to the Final Four for the first time since 2012. Mathias Lessort has been unstoppable all series long, and Kendrick Nunn improved his numbers throughout the series. It all points to an unforgettable night at OAKA, and it will be, one way or another. I believe that Panathinaikos's bench depth and versatility at both forwards, added to Sloukas's experience and Lessort's form should be enough for the Greens to survive another do-or-die situation. **My pick: Panathinaikos**

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">☘ GAME DAY <br>🏀 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/paobcaktor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#paobcaktor</a> - <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MaccabiTLVBC</a> <br>🏆 <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a> | PlayOffs - G5<br>🕔 21:15 🇬🇷 <br>📍 OAKA<br>📺 Novasports Prime<br>❕SOLD OUT<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeTheGreens?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeTheGreens</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToBerlin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoadToBerlin</a> <a href="https://t.co/i3ua0SjkQq">pic.twitter.com/i3ua0SjkQq</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/paobcgr/status/1787739875464159526?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Maccabi will celebrate

#### *by Frankie Sachs*

It's easy to pick Panathinaikos here. The Greens are at home. They have the momentum after rallying to win Game 4. And the injury to Wade Baldwin means Maccabi is not even close to full strength. On the other hand… Maccabi has nothing to lose. If the visitors jump out to an early lead, the pressure on the hosts will start to mount quickly. What's more, Maccabi's players are better rested. Four Greens are among the top 10 in minutes played during the playoffs, with Mathias Lessort's 136 leading all players. The Maccabi frontline should be fresher. And finally, Maccabi – as a unit – has been here before. They lost Game 5 in Monaco last season. Panathinaikos is a unit that was put together this season. Add it all up and: **My pick: Maccabi.**

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The time is NOW! ⌛ <a href="https://t.co/araliCQrzO">pic.twitter.com/araliCQrzO</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC 🇮🇱​ (@MaccabiTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC/status/1787836696194601188?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Panathinaikos to overwhelm Maccabi, make Final Four

#### *by Geoff Gillingham*

In front of a packed-out OAKA, the Panathinaikos players are ready to put on a show. The Greens haven't reached the Final Four in 12 years, but the Ergin Ataman effect – and his habit of speaking things into reality – will see Panathinaikos rise to the occasion and defeat Maccabi on Tuesday. Kendrick Nunn scored 25 and 27 points in Games 3 and 4, respectively, and he'll be looking to keep up that rate of scoring in Game 5. Expect a big night from Kostas Sloukas, too, as he has a habit of getting his teams over the line in Game 5s. With Wade Baldwin out, I think Maccabi will struggle to match Panathinaikos and will lose in a Game 5 for the second year in a row. **My pick: Panathinaikos.**

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">SOLD OUT IN A FLASH! 💥<br><br>All tickets were gone in only 6 hours! <br><br>A roaring crowd awaits 😤☘️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAOFans?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAOFans</a>, you are amazing! Let’s break the sound records too 🔊<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeTheGreens?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeTheGreens</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/paobcaktor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#paobcaktor</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToBerlin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoadToBerlin</a> <a href="https://t.co/ckROAKu9bs">pic.twitter.com/ckROAKu9bs</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/paobcgr/status/1786417355800653994?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### The Greens complete a comeback

#### *by Igor Petrinovic*

While I understand Maccabi supporters might not agree, the fact that this super-fun series has reached a deciding Game 5 has thrilled the basketball fans all around. As we all know so well by now, no team has ever won a Game 5 on the road in the EuroLeague Playoffs, and in my eyes, Panathinaikos is a heavy favorite to add to the 18-0 streak for home teams. I expect Maccabi to show a lot of fight, but this is what the Greens have been playing for the entire season, a do-or-die game in front of their passionate fans. I think Mathias Lessort and Kostas Sloukas will provide for all the needed energy, and will play until their wheels come off if needed. Simply put, I don't think head coach Ergin Ataman and his troops will get the opportunity slip away. I believe it will be Panathinaikos who we will be watching at the Final Four. **My pick: Panathinaikos**

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">✊🏻💚<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeTheGreens?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeTheGreens</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/paobcaktor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#paobcaktor</a> <a href="https://t.co/J36rFt7r0Y">pic.twitter.com/J36rFt7r0Y</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/paobcgr/status/1787508773403099522?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Going with the Greens

### *by Frank Lawlor*

Hats off to Maccabi on a stellar season. But I might not pick any EuroLeague team to overcome Game 5 in the din of OAKA against a Panathinaikos team that believes in itself and has the hunger and talent to back it up – perhaps not even Real Madrid. The loss of Wade Baldwin has been admirably covered thus far by the rest of Maccabi's backcourt, and even if he miraculously appears on Tuesday, it would hard to expect his best. I don't think the visitors have enough defense to keep a lid on Kostas Sloukas, Kendrick Nunn and whoever else steps up for the Greens between a host of possibilities. And, of course, there's Mathias Lessort, who has been willing his team to this moment all season. I don't see him not showing up, which is about the best hope for Maccabi. **My pick: Panathinaikos.**

The 26-year-old was a prime example of Paris's consistency throughout the 2023-24 season

Tribute to the Champs: Tyson Ward

[Tyson Ward](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tyson-ward/012610/) was one of seven men who joined Paris Basketball from German side Telekom Baskets Bonn last summer, alongside head coach Tuomas Iisalo and five teammates, and he needed no time to start making an impact.

The BKT EuroCup rookie scored in double figures in five of the first seven rounds and went on to have a great regular season, averaging 12.0 points on 40.5% three-point shooting and 4.3 rebounds.

During the playoffs, despite had some struggles from long range, Ward continued to be a key cog in his team's success. He played 25:25 minutes per night during five playoff games, the second most on the team, and contributed averages of 7.4 points and 3.4 rebounds.

The Paris swingman delighted fans throughout the campaign with his rim-rocking dunks as he filled up the highlight reels. Ward also demonstrated his versatility, especially in big games against fellow contenders, like when he pulled down 9 rebounds in a road win over Joventut Badalona or dished 7 assists in a road triumph at Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv.

Tyson Ward finished the season as team's fourth-best scorer (11.0 ppg.), third-best rebounder (4.1 rpg.) and also third best in steals (1.2 spg.). All those facts speak volumes of how impactful Ward was for the success of Paris, from the season opener all the way to lifting the trophy at season's end.

Tribute to the champs: Tyson Ward

More than anything else, however, Ward was a prime example of Paris's consistency during the club’s trophy-winning campaign. The 26-year-old did not have one or two great games that boosted his stats. Rather, he scored in double figures in 14 of his 23 appearances, but never more than 20 points. He also had a double-digit PIR in 16 games, but his PIR was 20 or more just three times. Ward was one of three Paris players who started in all 23 games this season and he was second on the team in minutes played, only behind EuroCup MVP T.J. Shorts.

When all was said and done, Ward finished the year as his squad’s fourth-best scorer (11.0 ppg.), third-best rebounder (4.1 rpg.) and also third best in steals (1.2 spg.). All those facts speak volumes about how impactful Ward was for a successful Paris team – from the season opener all the way to lifting the trophy at the season's end.

The passer's vision and execution were both faster than the defense in select moments this season. Check out the April best assists!