Panathinaikos BC AKTOR defeated Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv 99–85 at the Telekom Center Athens, in a matchup for Round 7 of the EuroLeague Regular Season. Kendrick Nunn led the way for the Greens with 22 points.

Panathinaikos BC AKTOR started the game better, taking a 9–4 lead in the 3rd minute, before the visitors closed the gap to 11–9 a minute later. By the 7th minute, the Greens were up 22–14, but Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv responded to make it 22–20 in the 9th minute, and even closed the first quarter ahead 25–24, thanks to a spectacular buzzer-beating three-pointer by Clark from beyond half court.

The Greens reclaimed the lead at 27–25 in the 11th minute and went up by five (32–27) a minute later. Maccabi came back to 39–37 in the 15th minute, before taking a 41–40 lead and going into halftime ahead 49–47. Early in the second half, Maccabi extended its lead to 53–47 (21’), but Panathinaikos BC AKTOR tied it at 55–55 two minutes later. The Israeli side went up 60–55 before the hosts responded with a 9–0 run to lead 64–60 (26’). The Greens increased the gap to 68–62 in the 28th minute, but Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv cut it back to 68–66 at the end of the third quarter.

In the 33rd minute, Maccabi tied the game at 71–71, but the Greens reacted with a decisive 12–0 run to take a double-digit lead (83–71) at the 35th minute. From there, Panathinaikos BC AKTOR never looked back, extending their advantage and sealing a confident 99–85 home win.

Quarter scores: 24–25, 47–49, 68–66, 99–85.

Panathinaikos BC AKTOR (Ataman): Shorts 13 (1), Kalaitzakis 4, Osman 20 (2), Holmes 2, Sloukas 7 (1), Grant, Nunn 22 (4), Toliopoulos, Grigonis, Hernangomez 8, Mitoglou 7 (1), Yurtseven 16.
Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv (Kattash): Hord 15, Clark 14 (2), Santos 7 (1), Brissett 9 (1), Walker 10 (1), Sorkin 10, Reiman, Di Bartolomeo, Omoruyi, Doughtin 2, Leaf 12, Blatt 6 (2).

Ataman: “Everyone contributed, an important win”

Panathinaikos BC AKTOR head coach Ergin Ataman said in the post-game Press Conference:

“We had many chances early to finish the game, but our defense wasn’t tough enough and we missed easy shots with Nunn and Juancho. The second half was completely different. We started to pressure the ball aggressively, controlled the rebounds with Yurtseven, and scored from fast breaks — that gave us the chance to close the game. When you play at home and gain confidence, your offense improves. Nunn found his rhythm, Yurtseven grabbed offensive boards, Osman played excellent basketball. Everyone contributed — Sloukas, Shorts. It was an important win. In the fourth quarter, we played Osman at the ‘4’, with four guards on the floor, giving us more space in offense. We played good basketball and it’s an important victory for us.”

Regarding Yurtseven’s double-double and Holmes’ injury, Ataman added:

“Yurtseven played his best game so far with Panathinaikos BC AKTOR. His offensive rebounds were crucial, giving us extra possessions. He received great passes from Sloukas and Shorts and finished them well. Defensively he made some mistakes in the first half, but improved after the break. He was excellent — I hope he continues like this.”

“Holmes’ situation is serious. The doctors said he’ll be out for at least a month. The good news is there’s no ACL issue and no surgery needed. With treatment, we hope he’ll return, but he’ll definitely miss a month. We play every two days — we’ll think about our next steps, but nothing will happen this week. I was told that early next week, Lessort will start practicing with the team. If he’s ready, he’ll be like a new signing for us.”