Laurynas Birutis had an excellent night for Zalgiris Kaunas against Fenerbahçe Beko in Round 22, having also experienced joy against the Turkish team during the last EuroLeague season.

Laurynas Birutis came up big against Fenerbahce… again

Laurynas Birutis enjoyed a magic night at Zalgirio Arena on Friday night, as he and his Zalgiris Kaunas teammates enjoyed [a blowout 98-75 victory against the visiting Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-zalgiris-kaunas-vs-fenerbahce-beko/). Zalgiris was impressive all game long, starting with a strong 10-0 run in less than 3 minutes that set the foundations for a convincing home victory after three straight games on the road.

In particular, Fenerbahce had no answer for Birutis, who finished with a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds in 22 minutes on the floor. Once his night was done, he had accrued a PIR of 28, which was his career-best mark. The 26-year-old was one of the main contributors for a team that enjoyed a double-digit lead for almost the entire game and never allowed its opponent to get closer than 6 points.

Laurynas Birutis had a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double as Zalgiris Kaunas beat Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul 98-75 win against Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul in Round 22 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

Birutis's highlights vs. Fenerbahce

“We came out with the right mentality,” Birutis revealed after the game. “We were physical, moving the ball well. Of course, we got some up and downs. We let \[Scottie\] Wilbekin play an amazing game, but overall, we did a pretty good job on defense.”

### Birutis likes playing Fenerbahce

What was rather curious was the fact that Birutis’s previous career high came against the same team at the same venue just one season ago, when Zalgiris also blew out Fenerbahce 86-66 on June 23, 2023. On that occasion, the Lithuanian center went for 15 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals, good for a PIR of 27.

Asked about his good displays against the Turkish powerhouse, Birutis answered: “I don’t know. I just try to always do my best, it doesn’t matter who I’m playing against.”

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Laurynas + Keenan = 54 EFF 🤯 <a href="https://t.co/9a5GsPFmhv">pic.twitter.com/9a5GsPFmhv</a></p>&mdash; BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) <a href="https://twitter.com/bczalgiris/status/1748447433502179654?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### An interesting comparison

Andrea Trinchieri, who only took over Zalgiris four games ago, has already identified Birutis as one of his main weapons on the court and had a funny comparison dedicated to him.

“He is a very smart player. It’s a joy to coach him,” he recognized. “He has a great touch. He has the hands of a piano player. I never saw a 2.15-meter piano player, so we have a 2.15 piano player.

“I just have to convince him that he is good. I’m asking him a little more things; to also be a facilitator. He has this floater that is his signature shot and we are trying to use him as much as we can.”

No doubt once the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague calendar is announced, Birutis will be looking for Zalgiris’s home clash with Fenerbahce. After all, it’s a fixture he has really stood out in over the last two seasons.

More Zalgiris News

Laurynas Birutis shoots a shot for Zalgiris Kaunas against Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul in Round 22 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

The Lithuanian center has averaged a 27.5 PIR when facing the Turkish club at home in the last two seasons.

Zalgiris Kaunas v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2024-01-19T18:00:00.000Z)

Valencia Basket went to another level in the second half to beat Olimpia Milano 84-72 in Round 22 of the 2023-24 EuroLeague season.

Valencia Basket subdues Olimpia Milano, 84-72

<incrowd-live-blog id="65a920bf8927b942d11b324c" client-id="EUROLEAGUE" server="standard"></incrowd-live-blog><script src="https://live-blog.incrowdsports.com/index.js"></script>

Chris Jones of Valencia Basket is defended by Devon Hall of EA7 Emporio Armani Milan in Round 22 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

In the final minutes of the game, Alex Mumbru's side took control of the contest.

Valencia subdues Milan, 84-72, after strong second half

Valencia Basket v EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (2024-01-19T19:30:00.000Z)

Panathinaikos B.C. leaned on a strong fourth quarter to beat KK Partizan 84-71 at OAKA in Round 22 of the 2023-24 EuroLeague season.

Panathinaikos B.C. goes up a gear late to beat KK Partizan, 84-71

<incrowd-live-blog id="65a920868927b942d11b3248" client-id="EUROLEAGUE" server="standard"></incrowd-live-blog><script src="https://live-blog.incrowdsports.com/index.js"></script>

Kostas Sloukas of Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens looks to get away from Jaleen Smith of Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade in Round 22 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

An impressive fourth quarter saw the Greens come out with the victory.

Panathinaikos goes up a gear late to beat Partizan, 84-71

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens v Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (2024-01-19T19:15:00.000Z)

AS Monaco Basket blew out Real Madrid Baloncesto 98-74 in Round 22 of the 2023-24 EuroLeague season.

Monaco Basket claims statement win against Real Madrid Baloncesto, 98-74

<incrowd-live-blog id="65a9204337eb235b6923db5b" client-id="EUROLEAGUE" server="standard"></incrowd-live-blog><script src="https://live-blog.incrowdsports.com/index.js"></script>

Alpha Diallo of AS Monaco is defended by Real Madrid's Dzanan Musa in Round 22 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

It was a very impressive performance, with Mike James notching a double-double in the victory.

Monaco claims statement win against Real Madrid, 98-74

AS Monaco v Real Madrid (2024-01-19T19:00:00.000Z)

Zalgiris Kaunas led from start to finish en route to a 98-75 win against Fenerbahçe Beko in Round 22 of the 2023-24 EuroLeague Regular Season.

Zalgiris Kaunas dominates Fenerbahçe Beko, 98-75

<incrowd-live-blog id="65a9200d8927b942d11b3244" client-id="EUROLEAGUE" server="standard"></incrowd-live-blog><script src="https://live-blog.incrowdsports.com/index.js"></script>

Edgaras Ulanovas of Zalgiris Kaunas looks to get past Tyler Dorsey of Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul in Round 22 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

The Lithuanian side led from start to finish in this Round 22 contest.

Zalgiris dominates Fenerbahce, 98-75

Round 22 of the 2023-24 EuroLeague season is here, so sit back and enjoy more action from the most competition league in the world.

EuroLeague Game Center: Round 22

### Friday, January 19

[Zalgiris Kaunas 98-75 Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-zalgiris-kaunas-vs-fenerbahce-beko/)

Zalgiris celebrated its return to Zalgirio Arena after three straight games on the road by grabbing a convincing 98-75 win over the visiting Fenerbahce on Friday night. Andrea Trinchieri's Zalgiris improved to an 8-14 record, with Fenerbahce having slipped to a 13-9 mark. Keenan Evans led Zalgiris in scoring with 21 points, while he also had 7 assists en route to a PIR of 26. Laurynas Birutis followed with a double-double of 16 points and 10 boards in just 22 minutes, as he registered a career-high 28 PIR. Brady Manek scored 14 points and Rolands Smits chipped in 12 for Zalgiris. Wilbekin set the tone for Fenerbahce with 22 points on 6-of-11 from behind the arc and Johnathan Motley poured in 15 points in a losing effort.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Faith! Fight! Support! Victory! ✅ <a href="https://t.co/SzjHQ8Xixm">pic.twitter.com/SzjHQ8Xixm</a></p>&mdash; BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) <a href="https://twitter.com/bczalgiris/status/1748434113705431214?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[AS Monaco 98-74 Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-as-monaco-basket-vs-real-madrid-baloncesto/)

Monaco showed why it came into the season as a title contender after blowing out league leader Real Madrid 98-74 at home. Monaco picked up an important victory in its fight for the playoffs, improving to a 12-10 record and 7-3 mark at home after having lost three of its last four games. Jordan Loyd paced four Monaco players in double figures with 19 points while Mike James collected 15 points, 6 rebounds, 12 assists and 5 steals. Alpha Diallo had 14 points and Donatas Motiejunas chipped in 13 points. Real saw its three-game winning streak come to an end in abrupt fashion as it fell to 19-3, including a 9-3 record on its travels. Dzanan Musa led Real with 12 points, Rudy Fernandez had 11 points and Fabien Causeur netted 10.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">🤩 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐋 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇 ‼️<br><br>❤️‍🔥 Dans une salle Gaston-Médecin bouillante, la <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RocaTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RocaTeam</a> signe un festival face au Real Madrid, leader de l&#39;<a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a> ! ⏫️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RocaTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RocaTeam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EveryGameMatters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EveryGameMatters</a> <a href="https://t.co/i3CMbsuU4H">pic.twitter.com/i3CMbsuU4H</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket/status/1748453295666950439?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens 84-71 Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-panathinaikos-bc-vs-kk-partizan/)

Panathinaikos grabbed a huge win in the race for playoffs qualification with an 84-71 triumph over Partizan, effectively taking a four-game lead over the Serbian team with head-to-head advantage secured. Consistent scoring from Kendrick Nunn powered Panathinaikos, ending as top scorer with 21 points. Dinos Mitoglou scored 16 points, and Mathias Lessort paired 14 points with 9 rebounds. Partizan was led throughout the game by a remarkable effort from PJ Dozier, who finished with 16 points, 8 assists, 7 rebounds and 6 steals. James Nunnally added 13 points and Alen Smailagic 11 in a losing cause.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Final Score ☘️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/paobcaktor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#paobcaktor</a> - <a href="https://twitter.com/PartizanBC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PartizanBC</a> 84-71 <a href="https://t.co/isigkjXMVl">pic.twitter.com/isigkjXMVl</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/paobcgr/status/1748456663214907465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Valencia Basket 84-72 EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-valencia-basket-vs-olimpia-milano/)

Valencia snapped its three-game losing streak after a superb second-half performance gave the Spanish side an 84-72 home win over Milan. The hosts improved to an 11-11 record, while the Italian side dropped to 9-13. Former Milan center Brandon Davies and Chris Jones paced Valencia with 15 points apiece, while Semi Ojeleye added 14 for the home side. Jared Harper netted 11 points and Kassius Robertson added 10 to underline a smooth team effort by Valencia, which turned the game on its head in the second half. At the other end, Shabazz Napier led Milan with a game-high 20 points and Devon Hall chipped in with 17, but the support cast was well below par as Milan's offense came to a screeching halt after the interval.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">𝙑𝘼𝙈𝙊𝙎𝙎𝙎𝙎<br><br>Remontada en la segunda parte y... ¡¡Volvemos a ganar en la <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a>!! 🧡<br><br>¡¡QUEREMOS<br>SEGUIR <br>LUCHANDO!! 🔥<br><br>🏆 J22 <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a><a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@valenciabasket</a> 84<br>🆚 <a href="https://twitter.com/OlimpiaMI1936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OlimpiaMI1936</a> 72<br>🤝 <a href="https://twitter.com/Luanvi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Luanvi</a> <br><br>Esta es para ti, Dejan 🧡 <a href="https://t.co/OBqFkPPb9i">pic.twitter.com/OBqFkPPb9i</a></p>&mdash; Valencia Basket Club (@valenciabasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket/status/1748457828803580213?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Thursday, January 18

[Anadolu Efes Istanbul 98-74 FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-anadolu-efes-sk-vs-barca-basket/)

Efes has beaten two of the top three teams in the EuroLeague standings in back-to-back rounds after first defeating Virtus 99-75 and now downing Barcelona 98-74. This win improved Efes to a 9-13 mark, while Barca dropped to 15-7. Rodrigue Beaubois led all scorers by netting a joint season-high 21 points for Efes. Tibor Pleiss also added 17 for the victor, which had Dan Oturu chip in with 16 and Shane Larkin contribute 15. Larkin had a game-high 8 assists, too. Barca center Willy Hernangomez paced the visitors with 18 points, while Rokas Jokubaitis and Nikola Kalinic had 14 apiece.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">“That&#39;s how winning is done!” 👊<br>Anadolu Efes 98 - 74 FC Barcelona | Maç Sonucu<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Together?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Together</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BenimYerimBuras%C4%B1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BenimYerimBurası</a> <a href="https://t.co/1JjvIaZxri">pic.twitter.com/1JjvIaZxri</a></p>&mdash; Anadolu Efes SK (@AnadoluEfesSK) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnadoluEfesSK/status/1748061203195109485?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade 90-91 Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-kk-crvena-zvezda-vs-saski-baskonia/)

Baskonia improved to 12-10 and boosted its hopes of reaching the playoffs after a vintage performance from Markus Howard propelled the Spanish team to a rip-roaring 90-91 victory at Crvena Zvezda (9-13) on Thursday. Howard scored 26 of his game-high 32 points in the second half, including 17 in the third quarter, as the visitors wiped out Zvezda's 52-43 halftime lead and turned on the heat after the long break. Chima Moneke added 13 points and 12 boards for Baskonia, including a crucial offesive rebound on Baskonia's last possession. Vanja Marinkovic chipped in with 18 points and Matt Costello netted 10 for the visitors. At the other end, Yago dos Santos paced Zvezda with 26 points and 5 assists, but a shorthanded home roster provided preciously little support to the Braziliian. Rokas Giedraitis scored 13 points for Zvezda, new signing Javonte Smart amassed 11 and Adam Hanga added 10 for the home side.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">👏👏 ¡SEGUIMOS SUMANDO EN <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a>! 👏👏<br><br>2⃣/2⃣✅ frente a <a href="https://twitter.com/kkcrvenazvezda?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kkcrvenazvezda</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoazenBaskonia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoazenBaskonia</a> <a href="https://t.co/4ZTFgIF2ao">pic.twitter.com/4ZTFgIF2ao</a></p>&mdash; Baskonia (@Baskonia) <a href="https://twitter.com/Baskonia/status/1748071333261459835?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[ALBA Berlin 65-82 FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-alba-berlin-vs-fc-bayern-basketball/)

Bayern picked up its first victory of the new year by winning comfortably at ALBA 65-82 to snap a four-game losing streak. Bayern finished the third quarter on a 2-12 run to improve to a 9-13 record, including a 3-10 mark on the road. Danko Brankovic set a career high of 14 points to go with 8 rebounds while Sylvain Francisco also had 14 points and Carsen Edwards scored 13 points in the win. ALBA missed a chance to book back-to-back wins for the first time this season in falling to 4-18. Matteo Spagnolo scored 15 points in the loss and Yanni Wetzell added 13 points.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">FINAL | 65-82 | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BERBAY?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BERBAY</a><br><br>This W tastes extra sweet! 🤌<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCBB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCBB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BERBAY?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BERBAY</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroLeague</a> (c) Stickel <a href="https://t.co/yRLJWAYFc0">pic.twitter.com/yRLJWAYFc0</a></p>&mdash; FC Bayern Basketball (@FCBBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBBasketball/status/1748084955970724296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Olympiacos Piraeus 89-72 Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-olympiacos-bc-vs-maccabi-tel-aviv-bc/)

Olympiacos Piraeus cruised past Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv with an 89-72 victory in Round 22. Nikola Milutinov pulled off a sublime outing with 20 points and a career-high 20 rebounds as Olympiacos improved to 12-10. Maccabi also has the same record, but the Greek side has swept its opponent with two wins in their two games this season. Isaiah Canaan also scored 20 points for the Reds. Wade Baldwin led Maccabi with 18 points in defeat. 

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The game stats | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OLYMTA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OLYMTA</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OlympiacosBC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OlympiacosBC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreOlympiacos?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreOlympiacos</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TogetherWeFight?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TogetherWeFight</a> <a href="https://t.co/dnhNP541Mk">pic.twitter.com/dnhNP541Mk</a></p>&mdash; OLYMPIACOS BC (@Olympiacos_BC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympiacos_BC/status/1748090672152731674?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Virtus Segafredo Bologna 73-63 LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-virtus-bologna-vs-ldlc-asvel/)

Virtus Segafredo Bologna overturned a double-digit deficit to record a key victory, 73-63, after winning the last quarter 28-9 against LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne. The French team appeared to have control until a 14-0 charge by Virtus totally changed the game, with Daniel Hackett’s 19 points – 10 of which came in the final quarter – helping prove decisive to snap a two-game losing streak. ASVEL was paced by a double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds from Youssoupha Fall.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fi" dir="ltr">WIN WIN WIN ⚪️⚫️<br>La Virtus non molla mai ‼️<br><br>🔢 Hackett 19, Belinelli 18, Cordinier 12, Mickey 9, Lundberg 6, Dunston 4, Pajola 3, Polonara 2<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmarsiAncora?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmarsiAncora</a> <a href="https://t.co/X4PRUTgWGn">pic.twitter.com/X4PRUTgWGn</a></p>&mdash; Virtus Segafredo Bologna (@VirtusSegafredo) <a href="https://twitter.com/VirtusSegafredo/status/1748091671118553152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

EuroLeague Game Center: Round 22, 2023-24.

Prepare to enjoy more thrilling basketball from the most competitive league in the world.

Game Center: Blowout victories for Zalgiris, Monaco; PAO, Valencia both won late 

Virtus Segafredo Bologna v LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (2024-01-18T19:30:00.000Z)

Olympiacos Piraeus v Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (2024-01-18T19:15:00.000Z)

ALBA Berlin v FC Bayern Munich (2024-01-18T19:00:00.000Z)

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade v Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (2024-01-18T18:00:00.000Z)

Anadolu Efes Istanbul v FC Barcelona (2024-01-18T17:30:00.000Z)

The Players' View is back this week on EuroLeague TV with a special guest on Friday night with another unique look at the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. This time, the perspectives will be from a player and a coach! Regular co-host Michael Roll will be joined by Dimitris Itoudis.

Coach Dimitris Itoudis debuts on The Player's View on Friday!

The Players' View is back this week on [EuroLeague TV](https://tv.euroleague.net/) with a special guest on Friday night with another unique look at the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. This time, the perspectives will be from a player and a coach! Regular co-host Michael Roll will be joined by Dimitris Itoudis, who is a two-time EuroLeague champion head coach and a five-time winner as an assistant. Roll and Itoudis will commentate on the game between Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens and Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade. Itoudis is situated perfectly to bring insight to this game as he spent 13 seasons as an assistant with the Greens under his close friend and current Partizan boss, Zeljko Obradovic.

As always, there's no better way to get the low down on what's happening on the court than to listen to the insights of those who know the game best. The Players' View is available exclusively to [EuroLeague TV](https://tv.euroleague.net/) subscribers. [Get your pass now](https://tv.euroleague.net/) to make sure you don't miss any of the action.

Coach Dimitris Itoudis debuts on The Players' View on Friday!

In a game full of storylines, the headline is the return of Coach Zeljko Obradovic to Athens where he led the Greens to 5 EuroLeague crowns. 

Obradovic leads Partizan to visit his old stomping grounds

Every game in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague is filled with storylines. Some games jump out at you more than others. And then [there is Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens hosting Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/panathinaikos-aktor-athens-partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/E2023/196/), which means Zeljko Obradovic returning to the Greek capital, where he made history.

### The King is Back

There is no other way to put it. No other coach in European basketball history has had a bigger impact on a team than Obradovic had in Panathinaikos. In 13 seasons with the club, Obradovic led Panathinaikos to five of its six EuroLeague championships (2000, 2002, 2007, 2009 and 2011) plus 11 Greek League and seven Greek Cup crowns for a total of 23 major trophies. What happened after Obradovic left adds to his legacy: Panathinaikos has not even returned to the Final Four since he parted ways with the Greens in 2012. Panathinaikos is determined to change that this season with two-time EuroLeague winner Ergin Ataman as head coach.

As Panathinakos visits Partizan, Zeljko Obradovic remembers

Obradovic is the only coach to win the EuroLeague with Panathinaikos and Partizan. Only one player can claim to have done the same: Zeljko Rebraca. Obradovic also made it to the 1988 Final Four as a Partizan player. Fun fact: only four players have made it to the Final Four with both teams: Rebraca, Dejan Tomasevic, Dusan Kecman and Aleks Maric. 

Panathinaikos and Partizan have faced each other 15 teams since the competition started in 2000. The Greens have an 8-7 record against Partizan, which won the last three games between them. Earlier this season, [Partizan edged Panathinaikos 92-87](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade-panathinaikos-aktor-athens/E2023/95/) in the Serbian capital behind 23 points from [Zach LeDay](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/zach-leday/008987/).

### Frontcourt: Lessort is the key

One of the biggest keys to this game for Partizan will be stopping Panathinaikos center - and former Partizan star - [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/), who has been sensational lately. Lessort claimed Round 21 MVP honors with a strong all-around performance in which he set a career-high with 5 assists and matched his personal best in scoring with 23 by making 9 of 10 two-pointers. He also collected 9 rebounds, 3 steals and 7 drawn fouls en route to a career-high PIR of 42. Lessort played for Coach Obradovic's team in each of the last two seasons and earned 2022-23 All-EuroLeague First Team honors. In Round 11, Lessort had 16 points, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks and a PIR of 17 in a losing effort against Partizan.

Mathias Lessort had 16 points, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks and a PIR of 17 in a losing effort against Partizan, his former team.

Lessort had solid game against Partizan

Of course, the battle in the paint is not only restricted to stopping Lessort, who is battling a back issue. Panathinaikos, which is expected to be without [Olek Balcerowski](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/aleksander-balcerowski/007553/) and possibly [Kostas Antetokounmpo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kostas-antetokounmpo/011221/), will need 40 minutes of muscle inside against the likes of [Bruno Caboclo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/bruno-caboclo/012096/), [Frank Kaminsky](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/frank-kaminsky/012743/) and [Alen Smailagic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/alen-smailagic/011051/), the last of whom knows Lessort better than most after two seasons practicing against him. Former Partizan forward Ioannis Papapetrou is back for the first time since Round 2 to help Panathinaikos alongside [Juancho Hernangomez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/juancho-hernangomez/012712/) and [Dinos Mitoglou](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/konstantinos-mitoglou/007866/). For them, stopping LeDay is the top defensive priority.

### Backcourt: a new Partizan lineup

Partizan is facing severe injury problems, as leading scorer [Kevin Punter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kevin-punter/009862/) and combo guard [Aleksa Avramovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/aleksa-avramovic/003983/) are unavailable. It is the second time that Partizan is without these two players this season. In Round 10, [P.J. Dozier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/perry-dozier-jr/012742/) and [Mateusz Ponitka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mateusz-ponitka/004172/) were Partizan's starting backcourt, with [Ognjen Jaramaz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/ognjen-jaramaz/004058/) playing 18 minutes off the bench. Dozier had a strong all-around game with 21 points, 5 assists, 3 steals and a PIR of 19. Without Punter, [James Nunnally](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/james-nunnally/007400/) and the recently-signed [Jaleen Smith](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jaleen-smith/011192/) should see extended responsibilities on offense.

P.J. Dozier is in his first Turkish Ailrines EuroLeague season with Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade.

2023-24 EuroLeague highlights: P.J. Dozier, Partizan

Dozier and Ponitka face an intriguing matchup against experienced playmaker [Kostas Sloukas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kostas-sloukas/001926/), Panathinaikos's prime generator. Coach Obradovic knows Sloukas well, as they worked together for five seasons, reaching four Final Fours, three EuroLeague Championship Games and winning a EuroLeague championship together. Nunnally was part of the puzzle for three of those seasons and also lifted the trophy with them in 2017. Even without the injured [Luca Vildoza](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/luca-vildoza/007947/), Coach Ataman has plenty of backcourt resources with explosive scorer [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/), three-point threat [Marius Grigonis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/marius-grigonis/002328/) and combo guard [Jerian Grant](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jerian-grant/011204/), last season's BKT EuroCup MVP. How he uses this depth against a short-handed opponent should be critical in this game, too.

A wild atmosphere is guaranteed at OAKA Altion. It would be outstanding in any case, but having Coach Obradovic back in the building is, and will always be, special. Don't forget to tune in a little bit earlier to see the pre-game presentations and the respect Panathinaikos fans have for a club's legend. The game is scheduled to tip at 20:15 CET.

In a season that has featured highs and lows, AS Monaco comes to a crossroads when it hosts the reigning champs.

AS Monaco seeks to flip the script against Real Madrid

Though AS Monaco can be rightly considered among the EuroLeague contenders this season, the club has floundered more than flourished in 2024. Coach Sasa Obradovic’s squad is 1-3 in January, though all of those losses have come on the road and to date, it has played three more games on the road than at home. However, a loss to Real Madrid would drop Monaco to .500 on the season (11-11) for the first time since Round 4. 

While a loss could put Monaco in a precarious position, a victory over Los Blancos could be a pivotal point and a springboard back up the table. And there might [not be a better time for Monaco to take on the champs than right now.](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/as-monaco-real-madrid/E2023/195/) 

The biggest reason for that – literally and figuratively – is the absence of Real’s star center and EuroLeague Best Defender [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/), who is sidelined by injury. When these teams last met, [back in Round 9 in November](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/real-madrid-as-monaco/E2023/76/), Tavares set the tone and his teammates followed as Real dominated the paint. 

Tavares produced 12 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 blocks for a performance index rating of 24. More impressive is that he did all of that in less than 16 minutes of playing time. Real outscored Monaco by 22 points in that time, which means that Monaco outscored Real by 4 points in the 24-plus minutes in which Tavares rested. 

Reigning-champ Real aim to prolong its blistering start against a Monaco team seeking to reboot after seeing a five-game winning streak snapped by Efes. A must-watch duel comes in the back between the league's top rated guards, Facundo Campazzo and Mike James.

Real Madrid-AS Monaco | Round 9 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Even when Tavares sat, Real had its way inside. As a team, it made 18 of 21 two-pointers (85.7%), outrebounded Monaco 39-33 and blocked 8 shots. Monaco was held to 19-of-49 two-point shooting (38.8%) and did not record a single block.

While [Vincent Poirier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/vincent-poirier/004887/), who is expected to receive the lion’s share of the minutes at center for Real, posted nice numbers in that game (12 points, 11 boards, 5 blocks), he had a +/- of +2 in 22 minutes. That is one reason the Monaco bigs – [Donatas Motiejunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/donatas-motiejunas/lcz/), [Donta Hall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/donta-hall/011196/) and [Mam Jaiteh](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mam-jaiteh/002581/) might feel optimistic for this Friday showdown.

Another key for Monaco, as it always is, is the play of star guard [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/). His numbers make James a bonafide MVP candidate; he leads the league in scoring (19.5 ppg.) and PIR (21.0) and is ninth in assists (5.2 apg.). Great numbers alone will not bring James the coveted award, but a big game against Real that helps Monaco climb back up to the top is something that voters will surely notice. 

James only had 13 points, 5 assists and a PIR of 9 when these teams last met. Last season, however, he averaged 25.5 points, 5.0 assists and a PIR of 25.5 in two games against Real. Similar numbers could make a world of difference in this game. 

Real has won its last three games and sits atop the standings with a four-victory margin over second place, which means Coach Chus Mateo’s men have little to worry about. However, they too understand how important it will be to show they are just as dominant with Tavares sidelined. This game will be their first chance to show if that is, in fact, the case. 

One way or another, we will learn something about both teams when the final buzzer sounds at Salle Gaston Medecin late Friday. Can Real thrive with its man in the middle out? Is Monaco poised to challenge for the crown in 2024? It will be easier to answer those questions in a few more hours.