In a thrilling night of European basketball, Panathinaikos BC made history once again by securing their spot in the EuroLeague Final Four after a nerve-wracking victory over Anadolu Efes. The high-stakes quarterfinal clash, filled with dramatic twists, fierce competitiveness, and emotional highs, ended with the Greek powerhouse emerging triumphant and reminding the continent of its enduring legacy.
With this win, Panathinaikos not only returns to the Final Four for the first time in over a decade but also reaffirms its reputation as one of the most storied basketball clubs in European history. The Greens displayed grit, heart, and tactical brilliance to overcome a resilient Efes side that pushed them to the edge.
The Game: A Battle of Wills
The matchup, held at the OAKA Olympic Indoor Hall in Athens, was the decisive fifth game of a series that had gone back and forth. The score remained tight throughout the contest, with both teams exchanging leads and momentum shifts. Ultimately, Panathinaikos edged past Anadolu Efes with a 82-78 victory, sending the home crowd into euphoria and setting up a long-awaited return to the elite stage of European basketball.
Led by a superb performance from their captain and star point guard Kostas Sloukas, the Greens navigated pressure with poise. Sloukas delivered a near-flawless game, contributing not just with his scoring but also as a floor general, making critical decisions in crunch time. He finished with 19 points, 7 assists, and a game-high +15 efficiency rating.
Efes, the back-to-back EuroLeague champions in 2021 and 2022, did not go down without a fight. Vasilije Micić and Shane Larkin combined for over 35 points, keeping their team in contention throughout the game. However, their efforts were not enough to hold back a determined Panathinaikos side backed by 18,000 roaring fans.
A Revival of Greatness
Panathinaikos’ return to the Final Four is symbolic. The club has been rebuilding over the past few years under the leadership of owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos and coach Ergin Ataman, who was notably coaching against his former team, Efes. This victory serves as both personal redemption for Ataman and strategic triumph for the management’s long-term vision.
After years of rebuilding and enduring underwhelming seasons, this campaign feels like the revival of a sleeping giant. The decision to bring in high-caliber players, invest in youth, and adopt a more dynamic playstyle has paid off handsomely.
Ataman, already a two-time EuroLeague winner with Efes, now becomes one of the few coaches to reach the Final Four with two different clubs. His tactical adjustments and psychological edge over his former team added layers of intrigue to an already gripping contest.
The Key Contributors
Beyond Sloukas, the game was a true team effort. Mathias Lessort was a dominant force in the paint, pulling down 11 rebounds and chipping in 14 points, while Jerian Grant added defensive stability and crucial baskets down the stretch. Panathinaikos also benefited from bench depth, with key minutes from players like Ioannis Papapetrou and Luka Vildoza.
Defensively, the Greens managed to contain Efes’ perimeter shooting in the final quarter, switching effectively and disrupting their offensive rhythm. The tactical discipline displayed by Panathinaikos was a marked evolution from previous years, reflecting Ataman’s influence on the squad’s maturity and cohesiveness.
Home Court Advantage
OAKA Arena, always a fortress for Panathinaikos, played a major role in the team’s victory. The electrifying atmosphere, with fans chanting, waving flags, and singing throughout, added an emotional edge that clearly affected both teams. The crowd’s energy lifted the players, especially during moments when Efes seemed to mount comebacks.
Greek basketball has long been known for its passionate fan base, and this night was no exception. The sold-out arena erupted with joy at the final buzzer, with thousands staying behind to celebrate a return to glory that has been a decade in the making.
A New Chapter Begins
The win places Panathinaikos in the Final Four alongside some of the toughest teams in Europe this season. The semifinal matchup will see them face either Real Madrid or AS Monaco—formidable opponents with their own ambitions. But for Panathinaikos, just reaching this stage is an achievement worthy of celebration and reflection.
The club, which last won the EuroLeague title in 2011, now finds itself two games away from continental supremacy once again. This campaign has rekindled memories of legends like Dimitris Diamantidis and Fragiskos Alvertis, bringing nostalgia and hope to a fanbase that never stopped believing.
Coach Ataman’s Poised Perspective
In the post-game press conference, Coach Ataman remained composed but clearly emotional. “It’s special. To beat my former team and bring Panathinaikos back to the Final Four—it means a lot,” he said. “But we are not finished. We’re proud, but we’re also focused. We want the trophy.”
His relationship with the players, especially veterans like Sloukas, has been key to building trust and turning the locker room into a unit capable of rising to challenges. Ataman’s winning DNA has rubbed off on this team, and they are peaking at the right moment.
Anadolu Efes: A Hard-Fought Exit
While Efes fell short, they leave the tournament with their heads held high. After an inconsistent regular season and injury concerns, they managed to push one of Europe’s most in-form teams to the brink. The era of their dominance may be concluding, but their resilience and star power remain undeniable.
The Turkish club will now enter a transition phase. With rumors of roster changes and possible coaching adjustments, their future in EuroLeague remains a point of interest. But their quarterfinal performance ensures they still command respect and remain a threat for future campaigns.
Looking Ahead
Panathinaikos’ victory is more than just a win—it is a statement. A statement that Greek basketball is alive and well, that tradition still matters in a modern game, and that legacy clubs can find new ways to thrive.
As they prepare for the Final Four, the challenge becomes even greater. Yet, with the right mix of experience, talent, coaching, and fan support, Panathinaikos BC might just be ready to add another glorious chapter to its rich EuroLeague history.
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