Panathinaikos defeated Maccabi Tel Aviv by 81:72 on home court in the Game 5 of the EuroLeague quarterfinals.
Despite being without Wade Baldwin, the guests made it clear from the start that they wouldn’t be an easy opponent, as perhaps expected after Ergin Ataman’s team’s “breakthrough” in Belgrade. They exploited all of Panathinaikos’ weaknesses and controlled the pace, taking a seven-point lead after Josh Nebo’s basket. The home team managed to reduce the deficit to a manageable two points before the continuation of the game, after making a mini-run.
Oded Kattash’s team didn’t deviate from their game plan in the second quarter. Nebo dominated on both ends of the floor and prevented the “Greens” from taking the lead. Maccabi Tel Aviv also used zone defense, their trademark zone press, and such maneuvers to try to slow down the host in this encounter. Kostas Sloukas was responsible for Panathinaikos tying the game, but Kendrick Nunn missed the opportunity to score from point-blank range and give his team the lead at halftime.
What happened here? 😂#paobc #EuroLeaguepic.twitter.com/BMqQawbq0W
— Basketball Sphere (@BSphere_) May 7, 2024
The second half also began in an evenly matched tone. Both teams on their home turf were seen giving their all in this decisive game. Strong defenses came to the forefront, with Panathinaikos shooting only 28.6% from the field in the third quarter, and Maccabi Tel Aviv slightly better at 33.3%. The final quarter started with uncertainty, but the hosts then went on a 10:2 run, which remained insurmountable until the end of the game.
Once again, Kendrick Nunn was fantastic with 10 points during this period. Panathinaikos emerged victorious by 99:00. With this defeat, an unreal statistic remains where the visitors in the fifth game of the EuroLeague playoffs have a 0-19 record.
In the winning team, Kendrick Nunn was the standout performer with 26 points, while Kostas Sloukas contributed 15. Maccabi Tel Aviv was led by Lorenzo Brown with 19 points and seven asissts, alongside Josh Nebo who scored 14 points along with seven rebounds.