UPDATE:

Only 48 hours had passed, yet the picture on the court was drastically different. Olympiacos came out transformed for the better, leading by as much as 20 points, and achieved exactly what they needed against Panathinaikos (91-83) in Game 2 of the Stoiximan GBL Finals series.

It was a game filled with on-court battles, intensity, technical fouls, and even the ejection of Ergin Ataman in the fourth quarter. This time, Olympiacos got significant contributions from their bench, with Dorsey emerging as the X-factor in response to strong performances from Sloukas and Papapetrou.

The final score at Faliro (91-83) tied the series at 1-1. The next clash between the rivals is scheduled for Wednesday (4/6, 21:00) at OAKA.

Olympiacos – Panathinaikos: The Game

As expected, Game 2 began with high intensity and fierce battles. Olympiacos took an early 7-2 lead, but Panathinaikos responded with a 5-0 run. Thanks to baskets from Sloukas and Osman, they went ahead 10-15 (6’). However, a Vezenkov three-pointer and six straight points from Dorsey shifted the momentum completely. McKissic capped off the run with a solo play to end the quarter at 23-18.

This time, Olympiacos’s bench brought solutions. Ataman brought Mitoglou in early at center due to foul trouble for Gabriel and Yurtseven. Sloukas carried Panathinaikos’s offense, but McKissic kept converting plays, pushing the home lead to +8 (29-21, 15’). The visitors cut the gap in transition, led by Grant, but a revitalized Dorsey scored 10 first-half points to extend the lead back to +10 (41-31, halftime).

Olympiacos came out roaring in the second half, with the crowd fully energized. Walkup and Fournier hit threes (50-34, 22’), forcing Ataman to bench Nunn. The lead ballooned to 18 before Juancho and Mitoglou responded with threes (54-42, 25’). But Fournier stayed hot, scoring and assisting from beyond the arc to push the margin to +20 (62-42, 27’).

Ataman’s defensive adjustments showed some effect. Nunn nailed a big shot over Milutinov (64-52, 29’) and Papapetrou followed with another three to end the third at 66-55.

Papapetrou’s three-pointers brought Panathinaikos back in the game. He hit three before Dorsey answered (70-60, 32’). Turnovers from Olympiacos allowed transition chances, with Papapetrou again scoring (74-67, 34’) to keep the game close.

Sloukas hit a big three for 77-72, but Dorsey responded immediately. As long as Panathinaikos kept hitting shots, the game remained open. Osman’s three made it 81-75 (37’), but Olympiacos’s offense held firm. The game slipped away with consecutive technical fouls; the score reached 85-76 (38’) as Panathinaikos made one last push. Papapetrou hit another three (85-79), but Nunn missed a crucial chance with 90 seconds left. Walkup sealed the game with a three-pointer with 1:09 to go.

Yurtseven’s free throws made it 88-83 with 24.8 seconds remaining, but Peters calmly responded, and Olympiacos tied the series 1-1.

Quarter Scores:
Q1: 23-18
Q2: 41-31
Q3: 66-55
Q4: 91-83

Turning Point: Olympiacos came much more prepared for battle than in Game 1 at OAKA, and found offensive solutions from multiple players, effectively utilizing their bench depth.

MVP: Tyler Dorsey – Though he went just 1/5 from three, he scored 16 points, grabbed 4 rebounds, dished 2 assists, and brought incredible energy. His talent was a difference-maker in a big game.

Key Contributors:
Walkup bounced back with 16 points, 3 assists, 2 steals.
Vezenkov added 15 points and 9 rebounds.
McKissic chipped in with 10 points.

Underwhelming Performance: Kendrick Nunn finished with 10 points but committed 6 turnovers in just 19 minutes.

Great Efforts Gone to Waste: Sloukas (16 pts, 8 ast, 5 reb, 4 stl) and Papapetrou (16 pts, 4/6 3PT) nearly turned the game around single-handedly.

Stat of the Game: Papapetrou’s 5 assists, making him the top playmaker for Olympiacos.

Next Game: Game 3 of the series will be played at OAKA on Wednesday (4/6, 21:00).

Finals Series So Far:
Game 1: Panathinaikos – Olympiacos 80-68
Game 2: Olympiacos – Panathinaikos 91-83
Game 3: Panathinaikos – Olympiacos (4/6, 21:00)
Game 4: Olympiacos – Panathinaikos (6/6, 21:00)
Game 5: Panathinaikos – Olympiacos (9/6, 21:00, if necessary)

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Olympiacos lost 80-68 to Panathinaikos in Game 1 of the finals at OAKA, and today they must defend their home court at SEF and tie the series at 1-1.

On the other hand, Panathinaikos is aiming to steal a win at SEF. If they go up 2-0, they’ll have their first chance to clinch the title on Wednesday at OAKA.

Panathinaikos will be without Mathias Lessort. Olympiacos, meanwhile, cannot count on Shaquielle McKissic and Luke Sikma.

Luca Vildoza, who was injured in Game 1, is expected to be included in the 12-man squad. The game is, of course, sold out, and both Olympiacos fans and club management have called on the players to rise to the occasion and take responsibility.

After Game 1, Olympiacos coach Giorgos Bartzokas acknowledged that Panathinaikos won fairly and pointed to his team’s poor shooting. Ergin Ataman, coach of Panathinaikos, emphasized that it’s only 1-0 and they still need two more wins to secure the title.

Series Status: Panathinaikos – Olympiacos 1-0

Game 1: Panathinaikos – Olympiacos 80-68
Game 2: Olympiacos – Panathinaikos (June 1, 21:00)
Game 3: Panathinaikos – Olympiacos (June 4, 21:00)
Game 4: Olympiacos – Panathinaikos (June 6, 21:00) – if necessary
Game 5: Panathinaikos – Olympiacos (June 9, 21:00) – if necessary

Panathinaikos roster:

Kalaitzakis, Moraitis, Sloukas, Osman, Samontourov, Papapetrou, Grant, Nunn, Gabriel, Hernangómez, Mitoglou, Yurtseven

Olympiacos roster:

Walkup, Mitrou-Long, Lee, Dorsey, Larentzakis, Fournier, Papanikolaou, McKissic, Vezenkov, Peters, Fall, Milutinov