Nunn decides in the last breath against Milan

The Panathinaikos went through tense moments at the OAKA against a Olimpia Milano that refused to give up despite their complicated situation. The Greeks expected to resolve the game without excessive difficulties against an Italian team arriving with a record of 1-6 and five consecutive losses, but the reality was very different. Milano competed until the last second and forced the Athenians to settle the game on the final possession, demonstrating that in the EuroLeague, any team can complicate matters when it sets its mind to it.

Milano surprises in the first half

The Italian team started with determination and managed to take the lead on the scoreboard thanks to their effectiveness in the paint. With leads of up to six points (2-8), Milano closed the first quarter ahead (18-19), which showed that the Greeks could not underestimate a weakened opponent. Panathinaikos reacted in the second period with a run of 18-6 where Kendrick Nunn and Juancho Hernangómez led the offensive response, allowing the Greeks to attain a twelve-point lead (39-27).

However, Milano did not crumble. A run of 1-10 before halftime, with Devon Hall hitting from three-point range, returned the game to uncertain territory (40-37). This exchange of blows made it clear that the EuroLeague punishes any relaxation, and Panathinaikos would have to maintain focus for the remaining thirty-two minutes.

Italian defense changes the course

After halftime, the Italians adjusted their defense and achieved immediate results. Lorenzo Bolmaro was instrumental in the Milanese comeback, allowing the Lombards to take the lead (42-46). Although Nunn temporarily regained the advantage for the Greeks, Milano led going into the final quarter (60-61), which seemed impossible just twenty-four minutes earlier.

The third period reflected the competitive equality that characterizes the highest European competition. Both teams demonstrated their offensive capabilities but also their defensive vulnerabilities. Panathinaikos could not afford to lose sight of opponents like Hall or Bolmaro, while Milano knew that any defensive oversight would be punished by the Greek experience.

Final quarter of maximum tension

The fourth period was a constant tug-of-war where neither team wanted to yield. Panathinaikos went up by four (68-64), but Milano immediately responded with a 0-5 run that tied the score three minutes from the end (71-71). With the game completely open and everything to decide, the Greeks regained control with 51 seconds remaining (75-74).

With tension at its peak and the game hanging in the balance, Kendrick Nunn was the one chosen to resolve it. The American point guard, who was playing only his second game of the season after overcoming knee issues, beat his defender and scored the layup that gave his team the definitive advantage with 6.7 seconds left (77-74). Milano had one last chance to force overtime, but Garrison Mathews' three-pointer missed the rim, sealing the Greek victory.

Nunn leads with authority

Nunn's performance was decisive not only for the final basket but also for his consistency throughout the forty minutes. The point guard finished the game with 20 points, 6 assists, and an impressive 9 of 11 from the free-throw line, demonstrating that his physical recovery is complete and that he can be a decisive factor in Panathinaikos' important commitments.

Mathias Lessort also played a significant role with a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds, controlling the paint at key moments. Juancho Hernangómez contributed 11 points in a solid performance that helped maintain Greek offensive competitiveness. For Milano, Devon Hall was the top scorer with 15 points, while Kostas Sloukas played his first minutes in the EuroLeague this season, unable to change the final outcome.

With this victory, Panathinaikos consolidates its excellent start to the season with a record of 7-1, remaining among the best teams in the competition. Milano, despite the loss, can draw positive conclusions from their competitive ability even in moments of accumulated difficulty. The EuroLeague continues to demonstrate that it is an unpredictable competition where the details and mindset make the difference between success and failure.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Nunn decide en el último aliento ante el Milan