ATHENS, Greece – Nigel Hayes-Davis delivered a heart-stopping buzzer-beater to lift Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens to a 107-105 overtime victory over Valencia Basket on Tuesday, securing a 2-0 lead in their best-of-five EuroLeague Playoff series. The dramatic finish came after a back-and-forth contest filled with momentum swings and clutch performances from both sides.
The game, played in Athens, was a tense affair from the opening tip. Valencia, despite being the lower seed, proved a formidable opponent, pushing Panathinaikos to the limit. The contest ultimately hinged on Hayes-Davis’s final shot, a difficult jumper over a defender as time expired in overtime. He finished with a game-high 27 points, five rebounds, and three assists, cementing his status as the hero for the Greens.
This Panathinaikos victory builds on their Game 1 win and places them in a commanding position in the series. The team is now two wins away from advancing to the EuroLeague Championship semifinals. For Valencia, the loss represents a significant setback, forcing them to attempt a difficult comeback on the road.
Cedi Osman also contributed significantly for Panathinaikos, adding 16 points and eight rebounds. Kendrick Nunn chipped in with 19 points, while TJ Shorts provided valuable minutes off the bench with 10 points and six assists, filling in during the absence of the injured Kostas Sloukas.
Valencia was led by Jean Montero, who put up 21 points and six assists. Sergio De Larrea followed with 18 points, and Brancou Badio added 15 points, six assists, and five rebounds. Kameron Taylor also made an impact with 12 points and seven boards, while Braxton Key contributed 11 points.
The game saw several lead changes, particularly in the fourth quarter and overtime. Valencia appeared to be in control late in the third period, leading by as many as seven points (69-62). However, Panathinaikos responded with a strong push before the break, taking a 74-71 lead. Early in the fourth, a 18-2 run fueled by Osman’s shooting extended Panathinaikos’s advantage to 80-71. Valencia battled back, narrowing the gap and ultimately forcing the game into overtime.
In overtime, the teams traded baskets, with the score tied at 102-102 after a three-pointer by Reuvers. Montero briefly gave Valencia the lead with a free throw, making it 103-102. But Hayes-Davis answered immediately with a three-pointer of his own, putting Panathinaikos ahead 105-103 before ultimately hitting the game-winner.
Valencia struggled from the free-throw line, converting only 13 of 23 attempts (56.5%). Some observers noted potential issues with officiating decisions during critical moments, including apparent pressure from the Panathinaikos bench and even the team’s president during the game. However, these claims remain unconfirmed.
The series now shifts to Valencia for Games 3 and 4. Valencia will need to win both games on their home court to force a decisive Game 5 back in Athens. The next matchup is scheduled for May 6th.
This series is a testament to the competitive balance within the EuroLeague and highlights the intensity of the playoff format. Panathinaikos, with their home-court advantage and the heroics of Hayes-Davis, are now firmly in the driver’s seat, but Valencia has demonstrated the resilience to make this a challenging series for the Greek powerhouse.
What’s Next: Game 3 of the best-of-five series between Panathinaikos and Valencia is scheduled for May 6th in Valencia, Spain. Tip-off is at 20:30 local time (CET).
Archysport will continue to provide updates and analysis throughout the EuroLeague Playoffs.
