Round 37 of the EuroLeague delivered one of the most anticipated matchups of the season as second-place Valencia Basket hosted Panathinaikos. With a slim two-game lead over the sixth-place Greens and the tiebreaker advantage (+10 in the OAKA) already in their pocket, the “Taronja” aimed to cement their status as title contenders.
First Quarter: 27-23
Valencia Basket entered the contest with Sergio de Larrea, Xabi López-Arostegui, and Yankuba Sima sidelined. Coach Pedro Martínez opted for a starting unit of Darius Thompson, Brancou Badio, Kam Taylor, Jaime Pradilla, and Neal Sako. Ergin Ataman countered with a star-studded lineup featuring Cedi Osman, Jerian Grant, Mathias Lessort, Kendrick Nunn, and Juancho Hernangómez.
The hosts found their range early, punishing the Greeks from the 6.75m line with triples from Thompson and Badio to jump out to an 8-4 lead. The Roig Arena was a cauldron of sound; the deafening roars of the traveling Greek supporters clashed with the rhythmic chants of the Valencian faithful.
After a massive block by Nate Reuvers on Lessort, the game hit a media timeout at 13-8. Panathinaikos clawed back through a bruising interior game, prompting Martínez to sub in former San Antonio Spur Matt Costello at center. While Costello provided an offensive mismatch against Kenneth Faried, it softened Valencia’s interior defense. Despite uncharacteristic shooting struggles from the hosts, Panathinaikos failed to capitalize due to stagnant playmaking. Late buckets from Badio and Costello’s precision at the charity stripe pushed the lead to seven, though a late surge by the Greens kept it tight at 27-23.
Second Quarter: 56-47
Valencia made a statement to open the second frame, fueled by the defensive intensity of G League alumnus Isaac Nogués. A 6-0 run was finally snapped by TJ Shorts, who quickly became a nightmare for the Taronja defense. The UC Davis graduate’s individual brilliance kept the Greeks afloat, but Valencia’s ball movement was sublime, consistently finding open looks to lead 40-32 midway through the period.
The local perimeter assault eventually broke the game open. At 48-34, Ataman called a desperate timeout to stop the bleeding, but the momentum remained firmly with the hosts. Valencia headed into the tunnel with a comfortable 56-47 lead. Ataman was seen visibly incensed with his squad’s effort as they left the floor, despite a minor late-quarter recovery.
Source: Miguel Ángel Polo
Third Quarter: 82-69
Panathinaikos emerged from the break with renewed vigor. Cedi Osman drilled a triple to cut the deficit to six, but Valencia responded with a clinical 8-3 run to restore their double-digit cushion. Tensions rose as the home crowd voiced their displeasure with the officiating, particularly after a controversial third foul was called on Moore.
The Greeks used the ensuing momentum to pull within nine (66-57). Osman continued his two-way masterclass, again bringing Athens’ finest within six points. The game devolved into a frantic, high-octane track meet, leading to a flurry of turnovers from both sides. Just as Panathinaikos threatened to turn the corner, Jean Montero took over. The Dominican guard ignited the arena with a spectacular “and-one” play to make it 79-68. By the end of the third, Valencia led 82-69, leaving the Greens needing a Herculean effort to survive.
Fourth Quarter: 102-84
The final assault began with Reuvers bringing the crowd to its feet, completely dismantling Lessort in the post. While Kendrick Nunn tried to keep the visitors alive with inspired shooting from deep, Valencia simply had too many weapons. With five minutes remaining, the score stood at 90-76.
A transition bucket by Braxton Key pushed the lead to 92-76, effectively slamming the door on any comeback hopes. The Roig Arena transformed into a street festival; the local brass band played traditional songs while the “Taronja” faithful celebrated. Once Valencia crossed the 100-point threshold, the pressure evaporated. A dejected Ataman watched from the sidelines as the fans chanted the iconic “Que bote La Fonteta,” celebrating a statement 102-84 victory that reaffirms Valencia Basket’s dominance in European play.