Cedi Osman, facing Jean Montero
PETE ANDREOU / EPA / Profimedia
After falling behind 0-2 in the series, Valencia Basket traveled to Athens aiming to achieve the seemingly impossible, as only Real Madrid against Partizan in 2023 has managed to overturn a playoff deficit of this nature. So far, they have succeeded in bringing the series back to the Roig Arena, where the decisive fifth game will take place on Wednesday. Jean Montero delivered a monstrous performance: 29 points and an incredible 45 efficiency rating.
Valencia Basket returned to the OAKA, the site of the Final Four, two days after securing a crucial victory that kept their playoff hopes alive.
The atmosphere in Athens was deafening, as usual, and Panathinaikos aimed to seal their place in a decisive weekend where they hope to reclaim the title they won two seasons ago.
Pedro Martínez’s team came out highly focused and took an early 2-8 lead.
Then, two three-pointers from Jean Montero, along with accurate shooting from Braxton Key and Kam Taylor, extended the lead to 10-20. Despite TJ Shorts keeping PAO in the game, Pradilla scored on a fast break to cap off a strong first quarter, with Montero contributing 10 points (15-26).
In the second quarter, Pradilla hit a three-pointer to stretch the lead to 14. However, Vassilis Toliopoulos responded with five quick points to cut the run. But Valencia remained hot, and a three by Reuvers pushed the lead to 15 (24-39).
Nevertheless, a basket from Juancho Hernangómez and a 2+1 play by Cedi Osman energized Panathinaikos, who had the relentless support of their fans throughout the 40 minutes.
Osman carried the team on his back, scoring the last 11 points for his side to bring the score to 37-44 at halftime, while Jean Montero was extraordinary, heading into the break with a 24 efficiency rating.
**Panathinaikos Goes on a 25-9 Run**
The Greeks started the third quarter at full throttle.
Osman continued his hot streak with four more points and a steal, though Hayes-Davis couldn’t convert. Kendrick Nunn hit a three-pointer to turn the game around. 49-48, after a 25-9 run and 17 points from the Turkish forward.
But Valencia Basket responded with a 0-5 run, featuring a basket from the exceptional Montero and a three-pointer by Darius Thompson. Before the end of the quarter, Nunn brought PAO closer with a three, but Badio made it 56-60.
The final quarter began with traded blows and continued with two impressive three-pointers. One from Juancho and another from Pradilla were good news for the Spanish national team. A 6-0 run from the Greeks tied the game thanks to Nunn and Lessort (65-65).
**Valencia Holds Under Pressure**
Valencia Basket pulled ahead again with a three from Thompson and a basket from Taylor, maintaining a lead of around five points until the visitors extended it further with Montero at the helm. 69-78.
But Nunn and Grant reduced the gap back to five. Reuvers finished a team play to make it 73-80 with 2:20 remaining.
Osman brought the Greeks closer, but Braxton Key kept the lead at seven. The same players maintained the distance, and strong defense from Valencia, along with a Montero basket, sealed the game.
The Greeks, through Hayes-Davis, fought back and closed to within three. Jean Montero pushed the lead back to five, but a three from Osman made it 86-88 with seven seconds left. Costello made one of two free throws, and Hayes-Davis missed a contested three-pointer.
Top performers for Panathinaikos included Cedi Osman with 26 points, Kendrick Nunn with 19, and Nigel Hayes-Davis with 12. For Valencia Basket, Jean Montero had 29 points (4 of 6 from three), seven rebounds, seven assists, and a 45 efficiency rating; Braxton Key added 12 points, Kam Taylor 11, and Jaime Pradilla 10.
Full details and statistics of Panathinaikos vs. Valencia Basket are available.