The second EuroLeague evening on matchday 3, with five games and many strong performances, is now history: Panathinaikos celebrates its first victory in Vitoria since 2017 thanks to Kendrick Nunn’s buzzer beater, while Daniel Theis led Monaco to victory in Milan with a double-double. Partizan, Real Madrid, and Paris also consolidated their positions in the upper half of the table.
Nunn scores the winner: Panathinaikos wins thriller
Panathinaikos Athens celebrated a return to winning ways after two consecutive defeats, winning in Vitoria for the first time since 2017. Kendrick Nunn was the match winner in the 86-84 victory over Baskonia: the star guard scored 30 points and hit the decisive shot shortly before the final buzzer. Baskonia had taken the lead for the first time with a 7-0 run in the third quarter, before Nunn responded with nine points in a row to put Athens ahead 71-56. With four seconds left, Baskonia tied the game at 84-84, but Nunn coolly decided the game with a buzzer beater.
In addition to Nunn, Cedi Osman (20 points) and Juancho Hernangomez, who recorded a double-double (15 points, 10 rebounds), also impressed. Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (16) and Hamidou Diallo (15) were the top scorers for Baskonia.
Monaco wins narrowly – Theis shines with double-double
AS Monaco has secured its second EuroLeague win of the season. In their 82-79 victory in Milan, the Monegasques led for long stretches but had to hold their nerve until the final stages. Milan only had two brief leads in the second quarter, but fought back to within two points (77-79) thanks to an 8-0 run by Marko Guduric. Returning players Nikola Mirotic and Matthew Strazel finally sealed the deal at the free throw line, before Alpha Diallo secured the victory with a block.
Daniel Theis impressed for Monaco with a strong double-double (17 points, 10 rebounds) and was named player of the game. Mike James scored 18 points, while Elie Okobo and Diallo contributed 13 points each. Former Munich player Devin Booker (15), Shavon Shields (13), and Lorenzo Brown (12) were the top scorers for the hosts.
Partizan remains undefeated at home
Partizan Belgrade has also won its second home game of the EuroLeague season. In their 93-87 win over Anadolu Efes, the Serbs put in a strong performance, especially in the first half, and led by twelve points at one stage. Efes came back in the final quarter thanks to Isaiah Cordinier and Ercan Osmani (24 and 21 points respectively) and briefly took the lead (75-76), but Partizan found their rhythm again at the right moment.
Sterling Brown was the match winner with 24 points, Tyrique Jones impressed with 16 points and 8 rebounds, while Isaac Bonga contributed 18 points and Dylan Osetkowski 10 points. Nick Weiler-Babb scored 9 points (6 rebounds, 5 assists) for Efes. After narrowly beating Milan last week, Partizan celebrated its second win in a row and now has a 2-1 record.
Perfect home opener: Paris dominates Bologna
Paris Basketball celebrated its first EuroLeague home win of the season. In a 90-79 victory over Virtus Bologna, the French champions pulled away after a strong second quarter and did not let the Italians get back into the game. An 11-0 run at the start of the quarter sealed the deal, after which Paris controlled the game and kept Virtus at bay.
The more intense defense and rebounding were decisive: Paris forced 26 turnovers and collected 20 offensive rebounds. Nadir Hifi led his team with 20 points and 6 assists, while Amath M’Baye contributed 12 points. Matthew Morgan was the top scorer for the visitors from Bologna with 21 points, but the defeat saw Virtus slip to a 1-2 record.
Real cruises to victory against ASVEL
Real Madrid celebrated an easy home win on the third EuroLeague matchday. In their 85-72 win over ASVEL Villeurbanne, the Royals controlled the game from the start and improved their record to 2-1. Chuma Okeke was particularly impressive, scoring 17 points, grabbing 5 rebounds and posting an efficiency rating of 25 in just 18 minutes of playing time. The new signing was the most prominent player on the court.
Okeke was supported by Trey Lyles (12 points) and Mario Hezonja (11). Edwin Jackson was the top scorer for the visitors from France with 16 points, while Mehdy Ngouama (12) and Bodian Massa (11) also scored in double figures.
