Barcelona fought valiantly against EuroLeague leaders Olympiacos for the full forty minutes, but a last-second basket from Evan Fournier left them empty-handed at the Palau Blaugrana on February 7, 2025.
The match ended with Fournier executing a difficult layup off the glass, clinching the thrilling contest at 88-90. This marked the twelfth defeat for Barcelona in the EuroLeague, as they struggles with finishing tight matches this season, adding to their woes of inconsistency.
Coach Joan Peñarroya’s comments leading up to the game highlighted the competitive nature of this season, with Olympiacos standing out as the only team consistently topping the charts. Their roster, enhanced by the return of Sasha Vezenkov and the addition of Evan Fournier, has made Olympiacos nearly unbeatable this season.
Throughout the match, it was evident both teams came prepared; the first quarter opened with impressive shooting from both sides, as they exchanged points almost equally. Vezenkov, regarded as one of the league's top players, scored 24 points throughout the match, showcasing his relentless pursuit of success.
Despite Barcelona managing to take the lead at halftime 47-45, they struggled with maintaining their momentum. Chimezie Metu delivered commendable performances but faced tough competition from Olympiacos’ strong defensive setup.
Back-to-back three-pointers from Jabari Parker and Kevin Punter gave Barcelona its largest lead at 56-47 early in the second half. Yet, the resilience of Olympiacos shone through with both Vezenkov and Fournier responding quickly to regain the advantage.
Despite a spirited performance from Punter and Metu throughout the match, the play of Olympiacos proved decisive. The Greeks were quick to capitalize on Barcelona's errors, which snatched away the home team's chances time and again. With less than 20 seconds on the clock, Punter managed two free throws, leveling the score at 88-88, reigniting hope among the 7,140 spectators.
But with the clock winding down, Olympiacos retained possession. A series of patient passes led to Evan Fournier taking the final shot through tight defense. Against all odds, he managed to squeeze through, scoring decisively just as the buzzer rang, extinguishing Barcelona's hopes of victory.
Fournier, who not only scored the game-winner but also contributed significantly with 18 points, was hailed post-game as the hero of Olympiacos. His play epitomized the calmness and sharp decision-making skills needed under pressure, elements indicative of the high-stakes nature of EuroLeague basketball.
Barcelona's struggle to convert close matches has garnered attention this season, having lost six of eight close games. The lack of finishing touches has been particularly worrying for fans and analysts alike, raising questions about the team's cohesion and ability to perform under pressure.
Coach Peñarroya recognized the performance but lamented their failure to close out the game, as he reflected on missed opportunities and unforced errors throughout the contest. The team must find solutions quickly as the EuroLeague competition heats up, with the playoffs approaching.
The defeat leaves Barcelona caught up in the pursuit for playoff positioning among crowded rivals, now sitting on 14 victories. Conversely, Olympiacos confirmed their lead in the competition, relying on their experience and skill to dominate close encounters—a quality Barcelona desperately needs to master.
Looking forward, Peñarroya and his players will need to reassess strategies and focus on maintaining their competitive edge and consistency moving forward. For Olympiacos, the victory serves as validation of their standing as the team to beat this EuroLeague season, bolstered by the remarkable individual talents on their roster.
With matches continuing, both teams are set to push harder to solidify their playoff positions, making each game even more pivotal.