Published on December 16, 2025 at 07:45 PM by driblio.net
Date
2025-12-16
Venue
Round
Round 16
Attendance
12813
Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens produced a stunning fourth quarter performance to overcome Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul 81-77 in a Round 16 EuroLeague clash at the Ulker Sports Arena on December 16, 2025. In front of 12,813 passionate home fans, the Greek powerhouse erased a halftime deficit with a devastating 31-9 run in the final period, extending their winning streak to seven consecutive games.
The victory showcased Panathinaikos' championship mettle and ability to perform under pressure on hostile territory. After trailing 41-37 at halftime and managing just nine points in a disastrous third quarter, the visitors exploded when it mattered most, demonstrating the kind of resilience that defines elite European basketball teams. The fourth quarter dominance completely flipped the script on what appeared to be a comfortable Fenerbahce victory.
Coming off the bench, Kendrick Nunn delivered a game-high performance with 25 points, leading all scorers in a masterful display of offensive basketball. The American guard shot 8-of-17 from the field, including 2-of-6 from beyond the arc, and was perfect from the free-throw line, converting all seven attempts. Nunn's efficiency rating of 22 matched his point total impact, and he added four assists and four steals while playing over 27 minutes.
Nunn's ability to attack the basket and draw fouls proved crucial, especially in the decisive fourth quarter when Panathinaikos needed someone to break down Fenerbahce's defense. His six fouls received demonstrated his aggressiveness in penetrating the paint, while his defensive contributions with four steals showcased his two-way impact. Despite five turnovers, Nunn's positive plays far outweighed any mistakes as he helped guide his team to their seventh consecutive victory.
Cedi Osman provided valuable support off the bench with 11 points, shooting efficiently while drawing four fouls. The Turkish forward's presence against his home country's flagship team added extra motivation, and his plus-4 rating in nearly 25 minutes reflected his positive impact on both ends of the floor. Kostas Sloukas orchestrated the offense brilliantly with seven assists while adding seven points, demonstrating the veteran leadership that has made him invaluable to Panathinaikos' success this season.
Juancho Hernangomez made significant contributions in his 22 minutes off the bench, scoring nine points on an efficient 3-of-4 shooting while grabbing five rebounds, including four offensive boards. His plus-19 rating was the highest on the team, indicating his presence on the court coincided with Panathinaikos' most dominant stretches. Hernangomez's energy and rebounding were particularly important in the fourth quarter when every possession mattered.
Konstantinos Mitoglou provided solid interior presence in nearly 30 minutes of action, contributing seven points and six rebounds while going perfect from the free-throw line with three makes. The Greek forward's defensive rebounding helped limit Fenerbahce's second-chance opportunities, while his screen-setting and floor spacing opened up driving lanes for the team's guards.
Jerian Grant added six crucial points including two three-pointers, while TJ Shorts provided quality minutes with five points and two steals in limited action. The depth of the Panathinaikos roster proved decisive, as coach Ergin Ataman could rely on multiple contributors throughout the game to maintain pressure on the home team.
For Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, the devastating nine-point fourth quarter represented one of the worst offensive performances in recent EuroLeague history. After building momentum through three quarters and holding a 57-46 lead entering the final period, the Turkish champions completely lost their offensive rhythm when it mattered most. The inability to execute in crunch time raises serious questions about the team's composure in high-pressure situations.
Talen Horton Tucker led Fenerbahce with 22 points, displaying impressive efficiency with 7-of-9 shooting inside the arc and a perfect 8-of-8 from the free-throw line. Despite his offensive prowess and team-high five fouls received, Horton Tucker's minus-5 rating reflected the team's struggles during his 23 minutes on the court. His inability to impact the game in the fourth quarter, when Fenerbahce desperately needed scoring, proved costly.
Tarik Biberovic contributed 15 points including three three-pointers, but his minus-14 rating was concerning for a starting player who logged nearly 29 minutes. The Turkish youngster's two turnovers in critical moments and inability to provide defensive resistance during Panathinaikos' fourth quarter onslaught highlighted areas for improvement.
Wade Baldwin IV orchestrated the Fenerbahce offense with seven assists while adding 11 points and five rebounds in 27 minutes off the bench. However, his five turnovers proved problematic, especially during the fourth quarter collapse when ball security became paramount. Baldwin's efficiency rating of 14 was solid, but his minus-2 rating indicated he was on the court during critical stretches when Panathinaikos seized control.
Bonzie Colson provided a spark off the bench with 10 points on perfect shooting inside the arc and added three rebounds. His efficiency rating of 14 showed positive contributions, but like his teammates, he couldn't stem the tide during the disastrous final period. Nicolo Melli contributed six points, six rebounds, three steals and a block, showing his versatility, but even his plus-4 rating couldn't save Fenerbahce from the fourth quarter meltdown.
Devon Hall managed eight points with two steals in over 26 minutes as a starter, but his five fouls limited his effectiveness down the stretch. Khem Birch struggled with three turnovers against four rebounds in just under 10 minutes, exemplifying Fenerbahce's execution problems.
The first quarter saw a tightly contested battle with Panathinaikos holding a slim 17-16 advantage. Both teams traded baskets while feeling out defensive schemes, with neither able to establish clear dominance. The second quarter belonged to Panathinaikos as they outscored Fenerbahce 24-21 to take a 41-37 lead into halftime, suggesting the visitors had found their rhythm on the road.
However, the third quarter completely reversed momentum as Fenerbahce's defense locked down, holding Panathinaikos to just nine points while scoring 20 themselves. The 57-46 lead heading into the fourth quarter appeared insurmountable given Fenerbahce's home court advantage and the passionate crowd providing energy. What transpired in the final ten minutes shocked everyone in attendance.
Panathinaikos unleashed a stunning 31-point explosion in the fourth quarter while Fenerbahce managed only nine points, matching their opponent's third quarter total in a cruel twist of fate. The 31-9 run represented a complete reversal of fortune, with Panathinaikos' offensive execution reaching peak efficiency while Fenerbahce's attack broke down entirely. The Greeks' defensive intensity forced turnovers and contested every shot, while their offense found quality looks through ball movement and aggressive drives to the basket.
This victory extends Panathinaikos' impressive winning streak to seven games, demonstrating their credentials as genuine EuroLeague title contenders. The ability to win on the road in hostile environments like Istanbul's Ulker Sports Arena, particularly after trailing entering the fourth quarter, showcases championship character. Coach Ergin Ataman's squad has now won against quality opponents including Monaco, Virtus Bologna, and Partizan during this remarkable run.
For Fenerbahce, this devastating home loss raises concerns about their ability to close out games against elite competition. After impressive victories over teams like Real Madrid earlier in the season, the fourth quarter collapse represents a significant step backward. The Turkish side must quickly address their offensive execution in pressure situations if they hope to compete for EuroLeague honors.
The contrasting trajectories of these two European giants will be fascinating to monitor as the season progresses. Panathinaikos appears to be peaking at the right time, with contributions coming from throughout their deep roster and their defense proving capable of shutting down opponents when games are on the line. Fenerbahce possesses talent but must develop the mental fortitude to maintain composure when opponents make runs, particularly in their own arena where expectations are highest.
| Rank | Player | Team | PTS | REB | AST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | KENDRICK NUNN | PAO | 25 | 0 | 4 |
| 2 | TALEN HORTON TUCKER | FBB | 22 | 6 | 0 |
| 3 | TARIK BIBEROVIC | FBB | 15 | 2 | 0 |
| 4 | CEDI OSMAN | PAO | 11 | 2 | 0 |
| 5 | WADE BALDWIN IV | FBB | 11 | 5 | 7 |
Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade overcame a nine-point halftime deficit to defeat Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul 79-73, powered by a dominant 28-14 third quarter. Chima Moneke led all scorers with 21 points for Fenerbahce, but Ebuka Izundu's perfect shooting and Bonzie Colson's 15 points proved crucial for the hosts, ending Fenerbahce's seven-game winning streak.
Published on March 13, 2026 at 09:28 PM by driblio.net
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
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.
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