Published on October 31, 2025 at 08:00 PM by driblio.net
Date
2025-10-31
Venue
Round
Round 8
Attendance
5000
AS Monaco delivered an impressive display of offensive balance and defensive resilience to defeat Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens 92-84 in front of 5,000 fans at Salle Gaston Médecin. The victory marks Monaco's second consecutive win in EuroLeague play and improves their season record as they continue to establish themselves as a formidable home court presence.
The game showcased Monaco's depth and versatility, with seven players scoring between 6 and 15 points in a truly collective effort. This balanced attack proved too much for a Panathinaikos side that relied heavily on Kendrick Nunn's heroic 26-point performance but ultimately lacked sufficient support from their supporting cast.
Monaco seized control early, racing to a 27-20 advantage after the opening quarter behind aggressive offensive play and strong defensive pressure. Mike James orchestrated the offense brilliantly from the opening tip, while Jaron Blossomgame provided early scoring punch. The home side's energy was palpable as they attacked the basket relentlessly and converted opportunities in transition.
Panathinaikos struggled to find their rhythm offensively in the first period, with Kendrick Nunn being the primary bright spot for the Greek powerhouse. The visitors' offensive execution looked disjointed at times, and Monaco capitalized on every hesitation and mistake.
The second quarter saw Monaco maintain their intensity, adding another 23 points while holding Panathinaikos to just 21. Matthew Strazel provided quality minutes in the backcourt, showcasing his developing game with smart decisions and timely baskets. The young Frenchman's confidence was evident as he knocked down shots and facilitated ball movement.
By halftime, Monaco had established a 50-41 lead, putting themselves in an excellent position to secure the victory. The nine-point advantage reflected their superior ball movement and defensive commitment through the first twenty minutes of action.
The third quarter proved to be Monaco's least productive period, as they managed just 18 points while Panathinaikos countered with 17. The visitors tightened their defensive screws and began finding better offensive flow. Kostas Sloukas came off the bench and immediately made his presence felt with his trademark poise and three-point shooting, converting all three of his attempts from beyond the arc.
Kendrick Nunn continued his outstanding individual performance, attacking the basket with determination and getting to the free-throw line repeatedly. His 26 points on 10-of-16 shooting from the field demonstrated his scoring prowess, but he needed more help from his teammates to truly threaten Monaco's lead.
The fourth quarter developed into a tense affair as Panathinaikos mounted a serious challenge. The Greek side erupted for 26 points in the final period, their best quarter of the game, and made Monaco work for every possession. Juancho Hernangomez tried to provide secondary scoring, finishing with 13 points, while Cedi Osman contributed 9 points and 8 rebounds in a solid all-around effort.
While Panathinaikos relied heavily on their starting lineup, Monaco's bench proved to be a decisive factor in securing the victory. Elie Okobo was particularly impressive, scoring 15 points with an efficiency rating of 17. The French guard attacked the basket fearlessly, converting 5-of-8 two-point attempts and dishing out 5 assists while drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line.
Nemanja Nedovic provided instant offense off the bench with 11 points on efficient 4-of-6 shooting. The Serbian guard's scoring ability and plus-12 rating in just over 16 minutes of action demonstrated his impact whenever he stepped onto the floor. His energy and shot-making helped Monaco weather Panathinaikos's fourth-quarter surge.
Nikola Mirotic, the veteran forward, contributed 9 points and 5 rebounds while providing leadership and composure during crucial stretches. His experience proved invaluable in helping Monaco maintain their poise when Panathinaikos threatened to make it a one-possession game.
Kevarrius Hayes was a defensive force in his reserve role, recording 2 blocks and grabbing 5 rebounds while finishing a perfect 3-of-3 from the field. His plus-15 rating in just over 19 minutes highlighted his defensive impact and efficiency around the basket.
Mike James delivered another masterclass in floor generalship, finishing with 13 points and 8 assists while controlling the tempo throughout the contest. The American guard's ability to break down defenses and create for teammates was on full display, as he consistently found open shooters and cutters. His 5-of-6 shooting on two-point attempts showed his efficiency in picking his spots to attack.
James received excellent support from Alpha Diallo, who contributed 9 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals in an all-around performance that exemplified Monaco's team-first approach. Diallo's versatility allowed Monaco to switch defensively and created mismatches on the offensive end.
Jaron Blossomgame continued his solid play with 11 points and strong defensive contributions, including a blocked shot. His ability to space the floor while also attacking closeouts kept Panathinaikos's defense honest throughout the evening.
Despite the loss, Kendrick Nunn was magnificent for Panathinaikos, playing over 35 minutes and shouldering an enormous offensive burden. His 26 points came on just 16 field goal attempts, and he added 3 assists while drawing 7 fouls. However, his minus-8 rating illustrated the challenge of carrying a team single-handedly against a deep Monaco squad.
Kostas Sloukas provided a spark off the bench with 14 points on efficient 5-of-7 shooting, including a perfect 3-of-3 from three-point range. The Greek playmaker's veteran savvy and clutch shot-making kept Panathinaikos within striking distance, but it ultimately wasn't enough.
Konstantinos Mitoglou battled inside with 8 points and 5 rebounds off the bench, while Omer Yurtseven added 9 points and 2 rebounds in the starting lineup. However, Panathinaikos's starters outside of Nunn combined to shoot just 13-of-37 from the field, a statistic that ultimately doomed their chances.
The final statistics revealed several key factors in Monaco's victory. The home side's superior depth allowed them to maintain fresh legs throughout the contest, while their balanced scoring prevented Panathinaikos from keying on any single player. Monaco's ability to get to the free-throw line 21 times compared to Panathinaikos's 23 attempts showed both teams' aggression attacking the basket.
Monaco's starting lineup featured contributions from all five players, with no starter scoring more than 13 points but all making meaningful contributions. This balanced approach contrasted sharply with Panathinaikos's reliance on Nunn, who accounted for nearly one-third of his team's total points.
The rebounding battle was relatively even, but Monaco's ability to limit Panathinaikos to single offensive opportunities proved crucial. The home side's defensive rotations and communication prevented easy second-chance points that might have allowed Panathinaikos to mount a successful comeback.
This victory represents an important statement for AS Monaco as they continue building momentum in EuroLeague play. Their ability to defeat a quality opponent like Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens through collective effort rather than individual brilliance bodes well for the remainder of the season. The depth demonstrated throughout the roster gives coach plenty of options to deploy in different matchup scenarios.
For Panathinaikos, the loss highlights the need for more consistent contributions beyond Kendrick Nunn's heroics. While his performance was exceptional, championship-caliber teams require multiple players capable of creating offense and making plays in crucial moments. The Greek side will need to find better offensive balance as they continue their EuroLeague campaign.
Monaco's home court advantage continues to be a significant factor in their success, and this victory further establishes Salle Gaston Médecin as a difficult venue for visiting teams. The combination of enthusiastic fan support and Monaco's talented, deep roster makes them a dangerous opponent for any team in European basketball.
| Rank | Player | Team | PTS | REB | AST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | KENDRICK NUNN | PAO | 26 | 2 | 3 |
| 2 | ELIE OKOBO | ASM | 15 | 4 | 5 |
| 3 | KOSTAS SLOUKAS | PAO | 14 | 2 | 3 |
| 4 | JUANCHO HERNANGOMEZ | PAO | 13 | 4 | 0 |
| 5 | MIKE JAMES | ASM | 13 | 1 | 8 |
Panathinaikos defeated Zalgiris Kaunas 92-88 in Round 31 EuroLeague action. Cedi Osman led with 24 points on perfect 7-of-7 shooting, while Kendrick Nunn added 22 points. Sylvain Francisco scored 23 points for Zalgiris in defeat. The home team controlled key moments despite persistent pressure from the visitors.
Published on March 12, 2026 at 10:17 PM by driblio.net
AS Monaco defeated Olympiacos Piraeus 81-80 in a thrilling EuroLeague Round 31 clash at Salle Gaston Médecin. Matthew Strazel's two-pointer with four seconds remaining secured victory for Monaco after Olympiacos had erased an early deficit. Jaron Blossomgame shot perfectly (6-6) for Monaco while Nikola Milutinov recorded a double-double for the visitors.
Published on March 12, 2026 at 08:09 PM by driblio.net
Olympiacos Piraeus defeated Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens 86-80 in a thrilling EuroLeague Greek derby at Peace and Friendship Stadium. After building an early lead, Olympiacos withstood a third-quarter surge before dominating the final period 28-24. Nikola Milutinov and balanced scoring led the hosts, while Kendrick Nunn's 20 points couldn't prevent Panathinaikos' fourth loss in five games.
Published on March 6, 2026 at 09:32 PM by driblio.net
