Real Madrid pushed Panathinaikos to the brink of an upset in a historic EuroLeague contest at the Movistar Arena, falling 112-115 in overtime after a dramatic final sequence. The Spanish team, depleted by key absences, fought back from an early double-digit deficit to force overtime before ultimately succumbing to the powerhouse Greek squad.
Madrid Forces Overtime in Epic Battle
The game delivered the high-stakes drama expected when the EuroLeague’s second-best offense faced its top defense. Madrid entered the match on an 11-game winning streak, aiming for a 12th straight victory against the regular-season leader. Madrid, despite missing guards Maledon and Campazzo and forward Jantunen, refused to fold and orchestrated a memorable comeback.
According to Sport, Madrid coach Pedro Martínez deployed an unconventional starting lineup out of necessity. The move left the team looking disjointed initially as Panathinaikos seized control. However, the Spanish side adjusted its defensive scheme, focusing on its post players to slow the tempo and create opportunities.
Early Greek Dominance and Madrid’s Response
Panathinaikos began the game with a fury, draining three consecutive three-pointers to jump ahead 13-4 and force an immediate timeout from Martínez. As Sport detailed, the Greek team’s early success was built on sharpshooting and a fast pace that flustered the makeshift Madrid lineup.
Panathinaikos, Real Madrid’i 115-112 mağlup etti. pic.twitter.com/TlVE8By3PM
Madrid’s fight back was sparked by an unlikely source. The team turned to the post, where it found success, and received a boost from guard Sergio Llull, who was making his first EuroLeague appearance of the season. Llull immediately connected with center Walter Tavares, helping to stabilize the offense. Despite the efforts, Panathinaikos maintained a six-point lead at the end of the first quarter, 18-24.
Madrid Chases the Game in Second Half
Trailing by as many as 15 points in the second quarter, Madrid began to chip away. Forward Max Shulga provided a spark with consecutive three-pointers, igniting a rally. The team’s strategy shifted to a more deliberate pace, allowing it to control possession and limit Panathinaikos’s transition opportunities.
As reported by Sport, forward Olivier Sarr and center Damien Jones became crucial for Madrid in the paint. Sarr contributed from the free-throw line, while Jones added seven points in the quarter. The team’s persistence paid off, and it went into halftime trailing by just three points, 48-51, following a driving layup by Alberto Abalde as the buzzer sounded.
Tied Game Sets Up Fervent Final Quarter
The second half was a back-and-forth affair. Madrid opened the third quarter with renewed energy, tying the game at 63-63 after consecutive baskets from Jones and Procida, as noted by Sport. The crowd erupted, prompting a timeout from Panathinaikos coach Zeljko Obradovic.
Real Madrid 112–115 Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens — the whole game in one frame. Every run and lead change, EuroLeague.#EuroLeague #basketball pic.twitter.com/s7FJzXYrhQ
The quarter ended in chaos. A three-pointer from Procida gave Madrid its first lead of the game, 66-65, but Panathinaikos quickly regained the upper hand. Madrid refused to yield, and Abalde hit a clutch three-pointer at the buzzer to cut the deficit to one point heading into the final frame, 73-74.
Nunn and Abalde Trade Blows in Final Minutes
The fourth quarter was a showcase for individual brilliance. Panathinaikos guard Kendrick Nunn exploded for 21 points in the period, nearly carrying his team to victory. However, Abalde matched him basket for basket, scoring 21 of his own to keep Madrid within striking distance.
Madrid briefly took the lead with just over two minutes remaining, 87-84, after Abalde’s offensive surge. Nunn answered with a three-pointer to put Panathinaikos back ahead, 90-95. A three-pointer from Jones made it a two-point game, 95-97, setting up a frantic final minute.
With 15 seconds left, Procida stole the ball and scored to tie the game at 99-99. Nunn was fouled and made both free throws with seven seconds remaining to give Panathinaikos a 99-101 lead. Madrid inbounded the ball and, in a chaotic final sequence, Feliz scored at the buzzer to send the game into overtime, 101-101.
Overtime Decided by Greek Efficiency
In the extra period, both teams continued to trade baskets. Nunn and Feliz traded the lead back and forth, but Panathinaikos proved to be more composed in the closing moments. The Greek team made crucial stops and, after the game went to overtime, fell to a 112-115 defeat.
Statistical Leaders and Key Takeaways
Abalde and Feliz each finished with 23 points to lead Madrid. Nunn scored 33 points, with 21 in the fourth quarter, which were critical for Panathinaikos. The game marked the end of Madrid’s 11-game winning streak and served as a testament to the team’s resilience despite significant roster challenges.
Madrid’s performance, though in a losing effort, demonstrated the team’s depth and fighting spirit. The players who stepped up in the absence of key contributors showed they can compete with Europe’s best.
What’s Next for Both Teams
Panathinaikos, meanwhile, solidifies its status as a championship favorite with the hard-fought road win.
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