Nun shines with 33 points and Panathinaikos wins in overtime

The Movistar Arena in Madrid was the setting for a dream game in the Euroleague, perhaps the best of the season so far. Panathinaikos took the victory in a thrilling overtime against a Real Madrid that, despite its limitations due to absences, fought heroically until the last second. The final score of 112-115 reflects the intensity of a match where both teams left everything on the court of the Madrid arena.

Kendrick Nunn was the undisputed star of the night. The Greek guard scored 33 points, a figure that is even more significant considering he had only added 8 points by the third quarter. His offensive explosion at critical moments was decisive for the Greeks to claim victory. Nunn was supported in scoring by Lessort, who contributed 20 points near the basket, and Francisco, who added 17 points with his individual talent.

The initial dominance of Panathinaikos

The Greeks began the game with an impressive offensive accuracy from the three-point line. With an initial run of 4-13, Panathinaikos controlled the pace of the contest in the first quarter, showing comfort on the court under Obradovic's orders. Real Madrid tried to react with their second unit, where Llull and Sarr led the attempts to revive the team, but Obradovic’s side dominated a controlled first period that ended 18-24.

In the second quarter, the presence of Bonga and Yabusele made the Greeks feel comfortable on the court. Real Madrid struggled to find clear shots, which particularly penalized their offensive options on a complicated night. Offensive rebounds favored Panathinaikos, who continued to extend their lead on the scoreboard to reach a 30-43 that seemed comfortable. However, Lessort did his work under the baskets, but Jones' defensive tenacity brought the whites closer by halftime, which ended at 48-51, keeping the game alive.

The spectacle of three-pointers and Madrid's comeback

The third quarter was an absolute offensive show. The pace was frenetic at the Movistar Arena, with three-pointers falling from all sides and 2+1 plays at both baskets. Francisco used individual talent to close the gap, while Tavares rose in the paint to ensure his team didn't throw in the towel. A three-pointer from Procida put Madrid ahead with a 66-65 that ignited the arena.

The exchange of blows continued relentlessly. Lessort lifted his team, but a real battle was underway in the final round. An incredible three-pointer from Abalde at the buzzer of the third quarter closed the period with a 73-74 that maintained the tension. Panathinaikos tried with Nunn leading, but this Real Madrid seemed to have a thousand lives. The Greek star showcased all his talent when the ball burned the most, but Abalde responded with several incredible three-pointers that brought the score to 87-84.

Abalde on his best night

The crowd at the Movistar Arena went wild as the whites neared a victory that didn't seem real. It was the time for the stars, and Nunn emerged again to propel his team with a 0-7 run that put the score at 87-91. Abalde continued with his personal show, likely the best game of his career, ensuring that the game didn't finish early. The score reached 90-91, maintaining suspense on every possession.

The exchange continued in the final moments with maximum intensity. Damian Jones made a three-pointer that gave hope with a minute to play, bringing the score to 95-97. Two free throws from Procida tied the game at 99-99 with 15 seconds left, with possession going to Panathinaikos. Nunn put his team up by 2 with two free throws with 7 seconds remaining, and it was the turn of Pedro Martínez's side. Feliz, who had been tireless throughout the match, sent the ball to overtime with the arena completely electrified (101-101).

Overtime and the outcome

In the extra time, Panathinaikos appeared more solid. Nunn was still on fire, and together with Lessort, they executed the offensive play with precision to set a worrying 105-109. Obradovic’s team closed the game without allowing Real Madrid to react, and with a good deal of suspense, established the final 112-115 that gave the Greeks the victory.

With this victory, Panathinaikos stopped Real Madrid's streak of 11 consecutive wins. The whites fell with dignity, showing admirable resilience considering the numerous absences they faced. The match at the Movistar Arena will remain in the memory of those who witnessed it as one of the great games of the season in the Euroleague, where Nunn etched his name in gold letters on a night of top-level basketball.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Nunn brilla con 33 puntos y Panathinaikos gana en prórroga