In a tense and thrilling EuroLeague Round 30 match held on March 21, 2025, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens fought hard to secure a 91-81 victory over ALBA Berlin despite facing significant challenges posed by key injuries to their players Cedi Osman and Ioannis Papapetrou.
The game began on a somber note for the home side, with Osman suffering discomfort in his ankle just four minutes into the first quarter, requiring immediate attention from the medical staff. Shortly afterward, he was transferred to the hospital for evaluation. Coach Ergin Ataman confirmed, "Osman is in the hospital for an MRI," indicating the seriousness of the injury.
Before his exit, Osman had contributed two points. Meanwhile, Papapetrou also grappled with injuries, later leaving the court for an MRI as well, making it a doubly concerning night for Panathinaikos as they navigated the pressures of the game with less than a full squad.
Despite these setbacks, Panathinaikos was determined to maintain their position in the league. The team headed into halftime with a solid lead of 46-35, thanks in part to contributions from Jerian Grant, who was the game’s top scorer with 19 points, and Kendrick Nunn, who added 18 points. Their performance exemplified a collective effort to rise against adversity.
The second quarter saw Panathinaikos build a 12-point lead at one point, outscoring ALBA significantly and asserting their dominance on the court. The team showcased their depth and resilience, handling the challenges while leading the game throughout the first half.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically after halftime. The second half began with Papapetrou turning his ankle, further stretching the team's resources and leading to a strong push from ALBA, who mounted a 20-8 run to take a brief lead at 55-54. This comeback underscored the competitive nature of the EuroLeague, where every point becomes crucial and every player impacts the game.
ALBA's performance was remarkable, with players like Matt Thomas, who contributed 14 points, and Gabriel Procida, who added 13 points, looking to capitalize on the absence of Panathinaikos' sidelined players. They managed to momentarily take the lead in this clash, unsettling the local team and their home crowd.
As the final quarter unfolded, ALBA surged ahead, even extending their lead to as much as eight points at 74-66 owing to a 10-0 run. This moment, however, sparked a fierce response from Panathinaikos as they demonstrated their championship mentality. Wenyen Gabriel led a stunning turnaround, remarking after the game, "We made shots in the end, we dug in deep, forced some turnovers and that shows a lot about our character."
In a display of grit and determination, Panathinaikos rallied back, stunning ALBA with an impressive 21-0 run that reestablished their control over the match at 90-77, sealing the victory decisively. They finished the game with a flourish, showcasing their home advantage, which now reflects a commendable record of 13-2 at home this season.
With this win, Panathinaikos rises to a record of 19-11, keeping them competitive in the race for the top spots in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, positioning them firmly in third place. The victory not only highlights their capability on the court but raises questions surrounding the recovery of their injured players and the potential impact on upcoming games.
The match against ALBA Berlin serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of competitive basketball in the EuroLeague, where the underdogs can rise and the most potential teams must constantly fight to maintain their standing. As the season progresses, Panathinaikos will surely be looking to leverage their current successes while also addressing their injury concerns.
