Panathinaikos BC AKTOR claimed an important away victory over Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz with a final score of 86–84, in Round 3 of the EuroLeague Regular Season. Kendrick Nunn led the Greens with 30 points.

Panathinaikos BC AKTOR started the game stronger and led 9–4 at the 4-minute mark, with the hosts cutting the gap to 9–7 a minute later. By the 7th minute, the Greens had pulled ahead 16–7, closing the first quarter in front 20–14. Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz reduced the deficit to 22–19 in the 11th minute, but the visitors responded with an 8–0 run to make it 30–19 by the 13th.

By the 15th minute, the run had reached 10–0 for a 32–19 lead, before Baskonia reacted and closed in at 32–24 in the 16th minute. The hosts came even closer at 37–34 in the 19th, but the half ended 42–36 in favor of Panathinaikos BC AKTOR. With the start of the second half, Baskonia went on a 7–0 run to take the lead 43–42.

The Greens regained control at 46–43 in the 23rd minute and extended their advantage to double digits (55–45) by the 26th. At 28 minutes, the score was 64–51, and a minute later the difference reached +17 (71–54) before the third quarter ended 71–56 for Panathinaikos BC AKTOR. Baskonia trimmed the gap to 73–63 in the 32nd minute, but the Greens responded immediately to make it 76–63.

Baskonia fought back again with a three-point play by Forrest (68–76) and a two-pointer by Cammarro (70–76), but Nunn gave breathing space to Panathinaikos BC AKTOR (78–71). He followed up with another big basket to make it 79–73 in a crucial stretch, about three minutes before the end. Grant then scored his first basket of the game, extending the margin to +9 (82–73) for the Greens.

The home side, however, rallied once more, cutting the deficit to three (84–81) with a three-pointer from Diallo. With 1/2 free throws and an offensive rebound immediately after, Forrest tied the game (84–84) with 4.4 seconds remaining. On the final possession, Kendrick Nunn took the ball and sank the buzzer-beater, sealing a thrilling 86–84 victory for Panathinaikos BC AKTOR at the Buesa Arena.

Quarter scores: 14–20, 36–42, 56–71, 84–86

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (Galbiati): Howard, Diakite 6, Nowell 11 (1), Diallo 15 (1), Kurucs 7, Sedekerskis 10 (2), Cammarro 16 (2), Spagnolo 1, Forrest 15 (1), Diop 3, Frith, Samanic.

Panathinaikos BC AKTOR (Ataman): Shorts 5, Osman 20 (3), Holmes 4, Sloukas 2, Rogkavopoulos 2, Samontourov, Grant 2, Nunn 30 (3), Grigonis, Hernangomez 15 (2), Mitoglou 6, Yurtseven.

Ataman: “We controlled the game until the last quarter”

Panathinaikos BC AKTOR head coach Ergin Ataman spoke at the press conference following the team’s away win over Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz:

“We controlled the game until the last quarter. We moved the ball well and played good basketball. In the final period, however, we lost control and no one took responsibility apart from Nunn. Everyone was just trying to get the ball to Nunn. We took some silly shots and missed easy layups, giving Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz the chance to come back. They tied the game, but with good organization and Nunn’s great shot at the end, we managed to win. Still, I’m not satisfied with the team’s performance. Nunn had an excellent game, Osman played well, Juancho wasn’t bad, but the rest contributed nothing. And that’s dangerous for the future because our goals are high.

We didn’t relax. Nobody wanted to take responsibility. We missed layups, open shots, and gave up offensive rebounds. It’s a weak mentality, because if you’re a big team and you’re up by 15 points in the fourth quarter, you finish the game. I didn’t like the mentality where everyone tried to avoid responsibility and just watched Nunn score.”