Panathinaikos made history by becoming the first team to defeat Bayern Munich at home this EuroLeague season, clinching victory with an 80-69 scoreline. The triumph at SAP Garden not only handed Bayern their first home defeat but also illustrated the growing prowess of the Greek squad as they secured the tiebreaker advantage over the Germans with this double win during the regular season.
The game started with Bayern on the front foot, establishing a commanding 9-0 lead within the first three minutes. Panathinaikos, undeterred, began to find their rhythm, closing the first quarter trailing closely, 16-13. The Greeks were buoyed by quarterbacking from Kostas Sloukas and outstanding shooting from Kendrick Nunn, who would end the night with 27 points, effectively dismantling Bayern's defensive strategies.
"It was not just about winning, but also about showing resilience," stated Panathinaikos coach Ergin Ataman after the match. "We had the experience and power to do it, and we executed well under pressure." Sloukas added, "Each game is dedicated to Mathias [Lessort]. We miss him, and Wenyen [Gabriel] stepped up big tonight. His fighting spirit was important for us." Gabriel, making his debut replacing the injured Lessort, contributed seamlessly, tied to the outcome as he defended vigorously, blocking five shots and grabbing eight rebounds alongside six points.
After overcoming the initial deficit, Panathinaikos began to take control, employing strong defense to limit Bayern's fast-break opportunities. They rallied back from being down, even seizing the lead via a quick 9-2 run early in the second quarter. Despite battling through inconsistent shooting—both teams faced struggles from the three-point line, with Bayern ending at just 9/34 from long range—the Greek side's tenacity shone through.
The second half saw Panathinaikos regain the advantage with free throws from Cedi Osman, making it 39-38. The battle for supremacy was fierce as they concluded the third quarter narrowly leading 55-53. With tensions high and Devin Booker ejected due to technical fouls, Panathinaikos capitalized, pushing their advantage to 66-61 by relying on quick contributions from Grant and Mitoglou.
Bayern wasn’t done yet, and with sharp shooting from Andreas Obst, they briefly reclaimed the lead 67-66. Just as it seemed the match was up for grabs, the Greens responded decisively with nine unanswered points late on, cementing their lead at 75-67, courtesy of back-to-back three-pointers from Sloukas, Mitoglou, and Grant. Kendrick Nunn’s remarkable finish included key shots to help secure the win.
Reflecting on the game, Nunn said, "When it came down to it, we played as we needed to—and our defense won this game." He highlighted the importance of adapting under pressure, noting how they regrouped after falling behind early.
Gabriel’s impact was evident, providing not only the blocking prowess needed to thwart Bayern’s efforts but also lifting his teammates’ spirits with his explosive alley-oop dunk, igniting the momentum for Panathinaikos. His performance did not go unnoticed, as Sloukas and Nunn both praised him for stepping up under pressure.
The final minutes were characterized by strategic plays and exceptional execution from the Greeks. They managed to control the pace of the game, handling the pressure with poise and professionalism. The closing two minutes displayed their offensive depth, with contributions from multiple players assuring their dominance on the scoreboard.
This victory positions Panathinaikos firmly within the EuroLeague competition, bringing their record to 11-7, just one win shy of the top spot. Their performance not only galvanizes their approach as they charge headlong toward the playoffs but also sends a message across the league. Echoing the sentiments of Ataman, this victory is as much about resilience and character as it is about skill.
With strong individual performances coupled with remarkable team cohesion, the Greens have set themselves up for what promises to be an exciting finish to the EuroLeague season. Fans will undoubtedly be left eager to see how far this enterprising team can go as they solidify their place among Europe’s elite.
