The Players' View returns to EuroLeague TV on Friday with former player Michael Roll and Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv big man Jake Cohen giving fans their expert take on playoffs Game 4 between Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul and AS Monaco. Michael and Jake will be joined by special guest Jonas Maciulis throughout the second quarter.

 Jonas Maciulis joins The Players' View for Fenerbahce-Monaco on Friday! 

The Players' View returns to EuroLeague TV on Friday with our two regular hosts, former player Michael Roll and Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv big man Jake Cohen, giving fans their expert take on [Game 4 of the playoff series between Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul and AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul-as-monaco/E2023/324/). 

The Players' View is available exclusively to EuroLeague TV subscribers. Get your pass now to make sure you don't miss any of the action.

Michael and Jake will be joined by special guest Jonas Maciulis. The former EuroLeague champion with Real Madrid in 2015 will add his own analysis as a former EuroLeague star during the second quarter of the broadcast. 

Tipoff time between Fenerbahce and Monaco is 19:45 CET, but 15 minutes beforehand, [Michael and Jake will be live on YouTube to set the stage with a pre-game discussion](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZH9N9cdmSM8). Fenerbahce leads the series 2-1 and can qualify for the Final Four with a home victory on Friday.

As always, there's no better way to get the low-down on what's happening on the court than to listen to the live insights of these current and former pros

[Get your EuroLeague TV pass now](https://tv.euroleague.net/) to make sure you don't miss any of the action!

Enjoy triple-team coverage by the players who know the game best when Fenerbahce hosts Monaco in Game 4 of the playoffs.

Jonas Maciulis joins The Players' View for Fenerbahce-Monaco on Friday!

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v AS Monaco (2024-05-03T17:45:00.000Z)

Kostas Sloukas finished with 20 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 1 steal as Panathinaikos BC beat Maccabi Tel Aviv BC in Game 4 of the 2023-24 EuroLeague Playoffs.

Kostas Sloukas masterminded Panathinaikos’s Game 4 win at Maccabi

Last summer, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens shocked the European basketball community by prying [Kostas Sloukas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kostas-sloukas/001926/) away from archrival Olympiacos Piraeus. The Greens had last made the playoffs in 2019, but the arrival of Ergin Ataman signaled a change at OAKA – and he wanted Sloukas to be the motor that drives his team back to the promised land.

Sloukas certainly had some good moments during the regular season, but it is in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs where he is really earning his corn. The 34-year-old had a near-perfect performance for almost all of Game 1 against Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, pairing 12 points with 13 assists, but a late turnover – his first of the game – ended Panathinaikos’s hopes of securing an opening victory. Most players would have let that mistake eat away at them, but not Sloukas.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">You… And You… And all of you! 💚<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/gAYOc6Cn2l">pic.twitter.com/gAYOc6Cn2l</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/paobcgr/status/1786155156297429278?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A couple of days later, the veteran guard set a new Panathinaikos club playoff record by scoring 29 points as the Greens beat Maccabi 95-79 in Game 2 to even up the series. Then, a surprising performance came in Game 3 as Sloukas laid a goose egg, finishing with 0 points. However, just as he did in Game 2, he dusted himself down and stepped up once more, this time [guiding Panathinaikos to an 88-95 win in Game 4](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/panathinaikos-downs-maccabi-88-95-to-set-up-game-5/) to force a Game 5 back at OAKA next week.

“We have pressure, I have pressure,” Sloukas told EuroLeague TV. “I was nervous before the game, but I was sure about the team, our team. We knew that we would put our bodies \[on the line\], that we would fight. We have to stay humble. We need one more victory.”

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens guard Kostas Sloukas spoke to EuroLeague TV after his team's Game 4 win at Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv in the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs.

Kostas Sloukas, Panathinaikos: 'The job isn't finished'

Aware that his team needed him, Sloukas scored Panathinaikos’s first 5 points of the game to get the ball rolling and give his side an early 2-5 lead. By the time three quarters had been played, the two-time EuroLeague champion was sat on 16 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Yet, it was in the game’s final minutes where he really did his damage.

### Sloukas's late-game heroics

With 2:08 remaining and Panathinaikos trailing 88-87, Sloukas got a defensive rebound off a [Jasiel Rivero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jasiel-rivero/011214/) miss to become the joint leading rebounder in the game. As he came down with the ball, [Antonius Cleveland](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/antonius-cleveland/012744/) fouled Sloukas, sending the veteran to the line. The pressure was well and truly on, yet Sloukas did what a player with his stature is supposed to: knock down both free throws and, with it, put the Greens up 88-89.

Down the other end of the floor, Rivero looked to corral an offensive rebound off a [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/lorenzo-brown/009622/) missed three-pointer, but who was there to steal the ball away? The one and only Mr. Sloukas. He then brought the ball up the floor and used his speed to reposition himself on the left side of the floor before finding [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/), who was fouled. The French center has been unreliable from the line in this series, but he went 2 for 2 to give Panathinaikos a three-point advantage, 88-91.

Maccabi looked to hit back once more, but [Josh Nebo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/josh-nebo/011199/)’s runner was off the mark and Sloukas was in the perfect place to grab the defensive rebound. Using all of his experience, he slowed things down and waltzed up the floor. After sizing up [Tamir Blatt](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tamir-blatt/011193/), he switched on to Nebo and hit the dagger mid-range jumper over the Maccabi big man to make it an 88-93 ballgame with 1:01 left.

Kostas Sloukas had 20 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 1 steal as Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens beat Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv in Game 4 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs.

Sloukas' Game 4 highlights vs. Maccabi

Sloukas came out of the game as Coach Ataman put in more defensive-minded personnel, and they managed to get the win over the line, even putting the cherry on top of the cake with a Lessort alley-oop dunk off a pass from [Dinos Mitoglou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/konstantinos-mitoglou/007866/). At the final buzzer, Sloukas erupted with emotion and embraced his teammates, understanding that the Greens need just one more win to make it back to the Final Four for the first time since 2012. However, he stressed afterward that the Panathinaikos squad need to remain locked in ahead of Game 5 at OAKA.

“The job isn’t finished,” Sloukas stated. “We must stay humble because they also deserve to be in this position at 2-2. We played all season for this game right now and we have to be ready in front of our fans.”

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">One more epic milestone for our Captain! 👏🏻💚<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/L5ELXMIDcH">pic.twitter.com/L5ELXMIDcH</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/paobcgr/status/1786384515507663246?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Two-time champion Coach Ataman was quick to praise his guard in his post-game comments: “The difference between the game that we lost \[Game 3\] and tonight is Sloukas. Sloukas again put character, he scored, he created, and he was very important for us.”

Ataman and Sloukas both know what it takes to go all the way to EuroLeague glory, and they will be well aware that history is on their side in Game 5. To date, no road team has ever won in a Game 5. The Sloukas-led Greens will be hoping that run continues when Panathinaikos and Maccabi reconvene in Athens next week.

Game News

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens's Kostas Sloukas celebrates after his team's Game 4 win at Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv in the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs.

The Greek guard was decisive down the stretch to ensure the Greens forced a Game 5

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2024-05-02T18:45:00.000Z)

Don’t miss your chance to see the brightest prospects in European basketball when the Euroleague Basketball Adidas Next Generation Tournament Finals land in Berlin, Germany. Between May 23 and 26, the 21st edition of the ANGT Finals will take place as eight teams come together with one goal in mind: becoming the champion.

Tickets for 2024 ANGT Finals now on sale

#### • The event will take place in Berlin between May 23 and 26

#### • Eight teams will battle for the title

Don’t miss your chance to see the brightest prospects in European basketball when the Euroleague Basketball Adidas Next Generation Tournament Finals land in Berlin, Germany. Between May 23 and 26, the 21st edition of the ANGT Finals will take place as eight teams come together with one goal in mind: becoming the champion.

Tickets can be purchased from May 3 until May 26 [here](https://www.ticket-onlineshop.com/ols/f4tickets/en/angt/channel/shop/index) or at [www.f4tickets.com](http://www.f4tickets.com). Day tickets are available from 13 euros, while you can get a four-day pass for the entire tournament for 30 euros. Scout packages are also on offer, which includes a series of benefits for international scouts.

Four of the teams at the ANGT Finals, the world's premier club-based junior basketball event, earned their spots through the qualifiers: U18 Real Madrid ([ANGT Podgorica](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rCQrqIASUo)), FC Barcelona ([ANGT Belgrade](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukD5D2F8rPM)) and U18 ratiopharm Ulm ([ANGT Dubai](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAgC_4ifMvM)), U18 PFBB INSEP Paris ([ANGT Paris](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1uCtkO1eDw)). The other four teams in the finals field for Berlin are wild card recipients: U18 Mega MIS Belgrade, U18 ALBA Berlin, U18 EA7 Emporia Armani Milan and first-time entrant U18 Overtime Elite, which will have a team made up of a selection of U18 players from around the league.

The eight teams competing have won a combined eight U18 continental trophies. Real Madrid is the reigning champion and also claimed the title in 2015, 2019 and 2021. PFBB lifted the trophy in 2010 and 2017. Barcelona was the champion of Europe in 2016. And Mega won its sole championship in 2022.

There will be 12 group-stage games that take place over the first three days – from Thursday, May 23, to Saturday, May 25 – will be played at the Uber Eats Music Hall, where Sunday’s championship game between the two group winners will also be held.

Efes made sure their team leader stays that way long-term.

Efes, Larkin together for four more seasons

Anadolu Efes Istanbul made a huge statement for the future on Friday morning by announcing four-year a contract renewal with superstar point guard [Shane Larkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shane-larkin/007200/), a leader on Efes's back-to-back Turkish Airlines EuroLeague deal teams early this decade. The contract keeps Larkin as Efes's team leader through the end of the 2027-28 season, when he will be 35 years old.

Larkin made his EuroLeague debut with Baskonia in 2016-17 and two seasons later joined an Efes team on the cusp of greatness. He is now in his sixth season with the Turkish club, highlighted by those back-to-back titles in 2020-21 and 2021-22. Larkin has also collected many personal accolades, including an All-EuroLeague First Team selection in 2021-22, an All-EuroLeague Second Team nod in 2020-21, three monthly MVP honors and a competition-record 17 weekly MVP honors.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/8mR6Zn5IZw">pic.twitter.com/8mR6Zn5IZw</a></p>&mdash; Shane Larkin (@shanelarkin) <a href="https://twitter.com/shanelarkin/status/1786309512170750395?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In his 219 total games to date in the EuroLeague, Larkin has scored 3,315 points (15.1 ppg.), pulled 582 rebounds and dished 1,008 assists (4.6 apg.). He is currently standing at 13th place overall in the all-time rankings for total points. Larkin also set a new single-game scoring record with his 49 points against Bayern on November of 2019, a record that has recently been surpassed by Nigel Hayes-Davis of Fenerbahce with 50 points.

After the end of this new deal, Larkin will have spent 10 consecutive seasons at Anadolu Efes and will have effectively become one of the most iconic - if not the most - players to ever dress in the team's jersey.

The top plays of Anadolu Efes Istanbul guard Shane Larkin in the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

Shane Larkin's 2023-24 season highlights

Kostas Papanikolaou and Nikola Milutinov were two main additions to Olympiacos BC's roster in Game 4 as the Greek side beat Barça Basket to force a Game 5 in the 2023-24 EuroLeague Playoffs.

Papanikolaou, Milutinov showed what a complete Olympiacos can do in Game 5

Neither [Kostas Papanikolaou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kostas-papanikolaou/001255/) nor [Nikola Milutinov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-milutinov/003941/) may have finished with a double-digit number of points in Game 4 against FC Barcelona, but the two experienced players contributed the most to [Olympiacos Piraeus’s 92-58 victory in Game 4](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/tae2324-euroleague-playoffs-olympiacos-reds-blow-out-barca-92-58-in-game-4/) at Peace and Friendship Stadium on Thursday.

Ahead of the clash, the Greek side reported no absentees for the first time in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs. Papanikolaou, who missed the first three games due to illness, made his return to action, thus enjoying a record 307th EuroLeague career start.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The mind behind <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympiacos_BC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Olympiacos_BC</a> success: Coach Georgios Bartzokas celebrates tonight&#39;s victory 👏 <a href="https://t.co/m4azIAuKBt">pic.twitter.com/m4azIAuKBt</a></p>&mdash; Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1786110176463851648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Olympiacos captain had a slow start to the game as he worked his way back into game sharpness, going 0 for 3 from the field in his first 6:34 minutes on the floor before the break. 

However, Papanikolaou started strong in the second half, making a steal that was followed by 3 defensive rebounds before ending the third quarter in style. Olympiacos was leading 63-45 with 1:36 left on the clock when Papanikolaou came to the fore and practically put the game to bed with 3 consecutive triples, with the Reds taking a 72-47 lead into the final quarter.

### Papanikolaou refused to sit out of Game 4

In the post-game press conference, head coach Georgios Bartzokas revealed that illness should have sidelined his player for Game 4, too. “A special mention to Kostas Papanikolaou,” Bartzokas noted. “The blood tests he made were bad because of the virus; he should have stayed out of this game. Somehow, he sacrificed his health as he wasn’t in a condition to play this kind of game with that energy, that hustle and that physicality. But everybody saw how much he helped us.”

In a game that he was supposed to miss out on, Papanikolaou featured for 19:25 minutes and produced a complete performance, recording 9 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal. “It’s a combination of me wanting to give everything and the fans driving me with their applause, singing my name,” Papanikolaou commented. “That gives me the willingness to want to give back something. I’m really glad that I put in a little bit of something today to help us win.”

Kostas Papanikolaou and Nikola Milutinov impressed as Olympiacos Piraeus beat FC Barcelona in Game 4 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs.

Papanikolaou, Milutinov Game 4 highlights vs. Barcelona

Most importantly, Papanikolaou injected some much-needed energy into the team along with Milutinov, who pulled off his best outing in months. An ankle injury forced Milutinov to remain sidelined for almost three months. He returned to action for Olympiacos’s last game of the regular season, playing for just 4:27 minutes in an 84-81 overtime win over Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul at Peace and Friendship Stadium. Coach Bartzokas had decided to ease Milutinov’s return to the floor, taking into account how demanding the series against Barcelona was expected to be.

### Milutinov made a positive impact

In fact, Milutinov featured for 5:06 and 7:50 minutes in Games 1 and 2, respectively, and didn’t step onto the floor at all in Game 3. Yet, in Game 4, with everything at stake, he stepped up and helped his team react after the Reds’ home loss on Tuesday night. Milutinov paired his 8 points with 11 rebounds for a PIR of 18 in 21:47 minutes to help Olympiacos dominate the paint in a game that saw it outrebound Barcelona 47-31.

“I want to congratulate the whole team for the passion and the willingness not to let this game slip today,” Papanikolaou added. “Also, the effort that everybody puts on the court and the fans with their support drive us the whole season. Everybody puts a little stone to succeed in a do-or-die game. It’s not about me, it’s about the team and that’s the most important thing.”

Olympiacos Piraeus captain Kostas Papanikolaou spoke to EuroLeague TV after his team's Game 4 win against FC Barcelona in the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs.

Kostas Papanikolaou, Olympiacos: 'We've given ourselves another chance'

Having tied the series at 2-2, Olympiacos will travel to Spain next week as it takes on Barcelona in a crucial Game 5. “We’ve given ourselves a chance to play a final game to get to the Final Four,” Papanikolaou continued. “We play away \[from home\] and Barcelona will have the burden on their shoulders now. We’ve just got to go there, play our type of game, play our style of basketball and see what the result will bring to us.”

As Papanikolaou and Milutinov proved on Thursday, having a complete roster for a second game in a row could be decisive in Game 5 for an Olympiacos team that has suffered from numerous injuries this season. The head-to-head record between the two teams is 4-2 in the *Blaugrana*’s favor this season and it remains to be seen which of the two sides will manage to clinch a spot for the Final Four.

Olympiacos Piraeus's Kostas Papanikolaou celebrates during his team's Game 4 win against FC Barcelona in the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs.

The captain returned from an illness, while the center played in Game 4 after sitting in Game 3

Olympiacos Piraeus v FC Barcelona (2024-05-02T16:45:00.000Z)

Maccabi Tel Aviv BC lost in Game 4 to Panathinaikos BC, but it will head to OAKA for Game 5 next week with its head held high.

Maccabi will go into Game 5 test knowing it has ‘one more chance’

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv has been dealing with one obstacle after the next all season long. With a Game 5 at Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens on the horizon, following a back-and-forth battle in Game 4 on Thursday night, head coach Oded Kattash asked his players to keep their heads up.

Maccabi has essentially played the entire season on the road but 1,000 fans were allowed to attend Game 4 at Aleksandar Nikolic Hall, just like they were in Game 3. Those boisterous supporters could not carry the Israeli over the line this time, though, [losing 88-95](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/panathinaikos-downs-maccabi-88-95-to-set-up-game-5/) and missing out on a chance to close out its first trip to the Final Four since winning the crown in 2014.

“It’s a tough feeling. We were there. We were up seven with 7 minutes left. We had our run,” lamented Coach Kattash, whose team was up 82-75 with under 7 minutes to play before Panathinaikos grabbed the win.

Maccabi find themselves on the brink of reaching the Final Four for the first time since 2014 following a narrow triumph in the third showdown. In their way way are a Greens outfit needing a big response from veteran leader Kostas Sloukas after he was held scoreless, yet armed with Kendrick Nunn in explosive form.

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv- Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens | Playoffs Game 4 | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

### Wade Baldwin’s sour luck

The Maccabi team had good news before the game as [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/wade-baldwin-iv/009863/) returned to the starting lineup, playing for the first time since a hamstring injury kept him out of Games 2 and 3. But the team’s leading scorer could only play 7:25 minutes and Baldwin was visually frustrated when he had to limp off the court midway through the second quarter.

Four Maccabi players ended up playing more than 26 minutes and that shortened bench hurt Maccabi in the end.

“Some players were really tired as we were missing Wade. To play at that intensity in basically a double rounder in playoff games is not easy. We put in a lot of effort,” Kattash stated.

“I think overall like the first three games, I am really proud of the players. We came with the right attitude. We were there. It’s not an easy game to play. We have to be proud of ourselves.”

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We still control our fate 👊🏻 <a href="https://t.co/Npo53uP4sV">pic.twitter.com/Npo53uP4sV</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC 🇮🇱​ (@MaccabiTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC/status/1786141991459291405?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Baldwin must still be evaluated if he can play in Game 5 at the OAKA in Athens. But even if the star guard could play at full strength, the task would not be an easy one given the expected crowd at the hallowed venue.

Kattash had a disappointed tone in his voice after the Game 4 loss, but he finished with a positive message.

“We need to keep our heads up. We have one more chance next week.”

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv's Jasiel Rivero has possession against Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens in Game 4 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs.

After losing in Game 4, the Israeli side must return to OAKA for Game 5 next week

Kendrick Nunn scored 27 points as Panathinaikos BC beat Maccabi Tel Aviv BC in Game 4 of the 2023-24 EuroLeague Playoffs, just a couple of days after netting 25.

Kendrick Nunn showed why he's the 'best scorer in the EuroLeague' in Game 4

Big-time players rise to the challenge in big-time games, and [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/) showed once again that he is a big-time player with a massive performance to keep Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens alive in the hunt to make the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four.

With the team’s back against the wall facing a road elimination game, Nunn produced one of his best performances of the season to [help Panathinaikos defeat Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv 88-95](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/panathinaikos-downs-maccabi-88-95-to-set-up-game-5/) on the road in Game 4 to set up a decisive Game 5 at OAKA next week.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/nunnbetter_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nunnbetter_</a> 💚<a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MaccabiTLVBC</a> - <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/paobcaktor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#paobcaktor</a> <a href="https://t.co/wbXghxunme">pic.twitter.com/wbXghxunme</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/paobcgr/status/1786150579552526391?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The 28-year-old fought through foul trouble and scored 27 points to go along with 3 rebounds and 4 assists in nearly 33 minutes on the floor.

“We threw a blow, they threw a blow. And that is how the game went all night,” Nunn, who was one point off his career high of 28 points, said to EuroLeague TV. “It was a tough match, but we came out victorious. We had some big stops late in the game that got us the victory.”

### 'The best scorer in the EuroLeague'

Nunn’s performance came after he poured in 25 points with 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals in Panathinaikos’s 85-83 road loss in Game 3.

And the American guard also impressed his backcourt mate Kostas Sloukas.

“Kendrick scored some incredibly difficult shots. He is the best scorer right now in the EuroLeague, and he showed that tonight,” said Sloukas, who added 20 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists in the victory.

Kendrick Nunn netted 27 points as Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens beat Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv in Game 4 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs.

Nunn's Game 4 highlights vs. Maccabi

Nunn, who played 212 NBA games over three seasons, has emerged into a dynamic threat on offense. And he is one of the biggest reasons Panathinaikos fans are dreaming of going back to the Final Four for the first time since 2012.

But it was only the fight of a unified team that kept Panathinaikos alive.

“It was a hell of an effort from our team, fighting like that with our backs against the wall. We have one more game, Game 5 back in OAKA,” Nunn added. “It’s not going to be easy. Maccabi is a hell of a team. They play well together, and we have to play together as well. One more game to go to the Final Four. We just have to stay together.”

That togetherness will be key in Game 5, but the Greens will certainly be turning to Nunn once again. After all, he’s a big-time player who is ready for the big games.

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens's Kendrick Nunn looks to get away from Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv duo Bonzie Colson and Tamir Blatt in Game 4 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs.

The Panathinaikos guard netted 27 points in a Game 4 win at Maccabi

Kendrick Nunn is the 'best scorer in the EuroLeague' for a reason

Olympiacos went on a 17-0 run and outscored Barça Basket 32-14 in the second quarter to take control in Game 4 of the 2023-24 EuroLeague Playoffs.

Offensive explosion in second quarter was key to Olympiacos winning Game 4

Having drawn energy from its 80-82 overtime victory over Olympiacos Piraeus on Tuesday night, FC Barcelona started strong at Peace and Friendship Stadium on Thursday. The visitors took a 19-23 lead with a few seconds left on the clock in the first quarter, but Olympiacos responded with a 17-0 run that saw it take control [en route to a dominant 92-58 victory](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/tae2324-euroleague-playoffs-olympiacos-reds-blow-out-barca-92-58-in-game-4/).

[Shaquielle McKissic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shaquielle-mckissic/007853/) ended the first 10 minutes with a layup and what followed in the second quarter was an offensive explosion by the Greek side. [Filip Petrusev](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/filip-petrusev/011194/) hit 2 free throws and McKissic scored another layup soon after. Then, [Giannoulis Larentzakis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/giannoulis-larentzakis/010392/) netted a triple and drew an unsportsmanlike foul before converting from the charity stripe. [Nikola Milutinov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-milutinov/003941/) slammed home a dunk and [Nigel Williams-Goss](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nigel-williams-goss/007982/) nailed a triple to make it 36-23 to the hosts.

In fact, Barcelona went scoreless for four and a half minutes in the second quarter, with [Jabari Parker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jabari-parker/012745/) ending the visitors’ drought from beyond the arc. Olympiacos outscored Barcelona 32-14 in the second quarter, with the Reds taking a 53-37 cushion into the second half. Those 53 points the hosts netted is a club record in the first half of a Turkish Airlines EuroLeague playoff game.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Olympiacos’s 34-point win is the club’s second-best playoff win of all time 😳 <br><br>The Reds will head to Barcelona next week for a do-or-die Game 5… 👀 <a href="https://t.co/sqUmSFtout">pic.twitter.com/sqUmSFtout</a></p>&mdash; Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1786105771777819099?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Speed of Olympiacos's play was key

Olympiacos may have produced a strong offensive display before the break, but head coach Georgios Bartzokas stressed afterward that it was the team’s defense that provided the offense with this boost in pace.

“We were decisive from the first possession defensively and offensively,” Bartzokas told EuroLeague TV. “We were really good on both ends, but our defense gave us a lot of pace, energy and confidence to shoot the ball well. Everybody contributed to this win, so having taken this huge difference means a lot to us.”

After his team evened up its series 2-2 with FC Barcelona, head coach Georgios Bartzokas of Olympiacos Piraeus was appreciative of the effort across board  that forced Game 5.

Georgios Bartzokas, Olympiacos: 'Everybody contributed'

Having scored 77, 77 and 71 points after 40 minutes in the first three playoff games, Olympiacos struggled to find its range from deep. In fact, the Reds went 29.4% (5 for 17), 29.6% (8 for 27) and 26.9% (7 for 26) from deep, respectively, in the aforementioned duels. Yet, Olympiacos managed to improve its scoring efficiency from beyond the arc, having gone 12 for 24 (50.0%) on Thursday evening in Piraeus.

Should the Greek side record a similar percentage from downtown and maintain this pace on offense in Game 5, Olympiacos could become the first-ever team to win a Game 5 on the road and thus secure its third consecutive Final Four participation.

Olympiacos Piraeus's Shaquielle McKissic dunks against FC Barcelona in Game 4 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs.

The Reds took a commanding lead and never looked back

Panathinaikos BC beat Maccabi Tel Aviv BC 88-95 in Game 4 of the 2023-24 EuroLeague Playoffs to force a Game 5 at OAKA next week.

Panathinaikos downs Maccabi 88-95 to set up Game 5

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens lives to fight another day as the Greek side defeated Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv 88-95 in Game 4 on the road, therefore setting up a Game 5 back at OAKA next week.

The battle of six-time EuroLeague champs was decided by Kendrick Nunn scoring 27 points and Kostas Sloukas recording up 20 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists for the Greens. Lorenzo Brown tallied 17 points to lead Maccabi.

Game Videos

The game tipped off with Wade Baldwin back in the Maccabi starting lineup after coming back from a hamstring injury, while Ioannis Papapetrou was a starter for the Greens for the first time this season. Sloukas started the game with a layup to give him more points than he had in Game 3, when he was scoreless for the first time since Round 21 of the 2017-18 season. He scored the guests' first five points. The score was deadlocked 10-10 when Panathinaikos went on a 2-10 surge to pull ahead 12-20. Maccabi fought back thanks to the long ball with four three-pointers – two from John DiBartolomeo – and the home side led 29-26 after 10 minutes.

Maccabi twice pushed the advantage to five points, including 34-29, only to see the Greens go ahead 35-36. There was bad news for Maccabi, though, as Baldwin was forced to leave the game midway through the second quarter and did not return. Maccabi answered with the next five points but the rest of the second quarter was tight and Maccabi went into the break 50-49 ahead.

Papapetrou and Sloukas opened the second half with triples but Panathinaikos could not pull away, with Bonzie Colson hitting twice from deep to make it 63-63. Tamir Blatt’s second triple of the quarter put Maccabi back up 66-65. Panathinaikos answered with two three-pointers and a Sloukas three-point play had the guests ahead 68-74. And the score was 69-74 after 30 minutes.

Maccabi opened the fourth quarter with a 13-1 run for an 82-75 cushion. Panathinaikos was not done yet with two triples and closed to within 86-85 and two free throws by Sloukas and Mathias Lessort put the Greens back up 88-91 with under 2 minutes to play. Sloukas followed with a big jumper and Panathinaikos was up five points with 61 seconds remaining. 

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens's Mathias Lessort has possession against Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv in Game 4 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs.

The Greens leveled the series with an impressive end to the contest