Anadolu Efes 81–95 Panathinaikos: Thrilling, Dominant, and in Full Control in Istanbul!

With Kostas Sloukas orchestrating the game and Cedi Osman dominating offensively, Panathinaikos swept through Istanbul, defeating Anadolu Efes 95-81 to secure a perfect 2/2 record in the EuroLeague “devil’s week”!

Even if Kendrick Nunn struggled, it didn’t matter. Panathinaikos faced a tough away game against a strong Efes team coming off a win at SEF—but the “Greens” delivered arguably their best performance of the season, leaving Istanbul with a huge road victory over the in-form hosts.

Sloukas served as the true maestro, tallying 7 points and 12 assists—just one shy of his EuroLeague career record—while Osman was unstoppable on offense with 29 points, shooting 3/4 from two-point range, 6/10 from three, 5/6 free throws, and grabbing 5 rebounds. Omer Yurtseven impressed in the first half, and Grant (11 points) and Holmes (10 points) also delivered strong performances.

Game Summary

The first five minutes saw both teams struggling defensively, especially around the paint. This led to substitutions, including Papagiannis (Efes, 4 points) and Yurtseven (Panathinaikos, 6 points). Holmes tightened the Green defense, turning a 17-12 Efes lead at the 6th minute into an 18-19 advantage for Panathinaikos with a 7-1 run—even though Nunn had four early turnovers.

The first quarter ended 21-22 in favor of Panathinaikos, led by Osman’s 7 points. The Greek team shot 8/15 on two-pointers, 1/5 on threes, and had 8 assists against 4 turnovers. Efes recorded 6/13 twos, 1/3 threes, 6/8 free throws, and 7 assists with 2 turnovers.

In the second quarter, Panathinaikos increased their intensity. With Sloukas (7 assists) creating chances, the lead reached +8 (32-40) three minutes before halftime. However, the game paused as Giorgos Papagiannis was stretchered off due to injury. Efes capitalized on the temporary disruption, narrowing the gap to 42-43 at halftime.

Despite the scoreline, the Greek side could have led by more. Panathinaikos had 15 assists at halftime for only 6 turnovers. Yurtseven dominated offensively (15 points, 6/7 twos, 3/3 free throws, 4 rebounds, 2 assists), while Osman also excelled (10 points, 3/4 twos, 1/4 threes, 1/1 free throw, 2 assists, 2 steals).

Panathinaikos saved their best for the third quarter. After Efes briefly closed in at 49-51, Sloukas and his teammates took over, going on an 18-3 run to finish the quarter 52-69 up. Sloukas had already amassed 12 assists, Osman contributed 18 points, and Holmes converted nearly every Sloukas pass into points.

The lead stretched to +21 early in the fourth quarter (74-53), but Efes responded with a 9-0 run, cutting the deficit to 12 points (61-73) at the 33rd minute. Yet the Greens regained control, extending the lead back to 17 points (64-81) at the 35th minute, even with Sloukas resting on the bench.

Quarter Scores: 21-22, 42-43, 52-69, 81-95

Panathinaikos is building on their strong performance against Anadolu Efes in the fourth quarter, holding a significant lead as the clock winds down. Osman has been unstoppable, hitting multiple three-pointers and reaching 29 points, while also converting key free throws after a foul by Lloyd.

Dozier, Grant, Jones, and Babb have all added crucial baskets, keeping Panathinaikos firmly ahead. Efes responded with a brief 9-point run, including a three-pointer by Larkin, but the Greens have quickly regained control.

With just over three minutes remaining, Panathinaikos leads 95–81. The game remains live in Istanbul, with the visitors demonstrating strong offensive execution and composure under pressure.

The third quarter began tightly, with Efes briefly taking the lead through Osman and Larkin’s sharp shooting. However, Panathinaikos responded quickly — Huanchos’s three-pointer and key baskets from Grant and Holmes turned the momentum, sending the Greens into the final period with a strong 69–52 advantage.

Efes tried to rally early in the fourth quarter, cutting the gap to 61–73 after back-to-back threes from Larkin and Osman. Yet, Panathinaikos’ composure and depth proved too much. Lloyd’s three-pointer, followed by baskets from Dozier, Grant, and Nunn, restored a comfortable lead. Shorts then sealed the game with a layup and a foul for the final 89–73 scoreline, three minutes before the buzzer.

Despite Osman’s efforts and a short scoring burst from Efes, Ataman’s men controlled the pace, dominating both ends of the court. It was a statement win for Panathinaikos, showing resilience, teamwork, and firepower against one of Europe’s toughest home teams.

At the start of the third quarter, Efes briefly took the lead as Shane Larkin made it 44–43, but Panathinaikos quickly responded with a three-pointer from Osman to move ahead 46–44. The game continues to be a tight, high-intensity battle in Istanbul.

Panathinaikos heads into halftime with a narrow 43–42 lead over Anadolu Efes in tonight’s EuroLeague clash at the Sinan Erdem Dome

The Greek team showed strong defense and consistent shooting throughout the second quarter, overturning an early deficit. Omer Yurtseven proved decisive under the basket, while Juancho Hernangómez and Kendrick Nunn added crucial points.

Efes, led by Shane Larkin and Rodrigue Beaubois, responded with quick perimeter shots, keeping the game tight. Beaubois’ late three-pointer just before the buzzer closed the gap to one point.

A moment of concern came when Greek center Giorgos Papagiannis went down with a serious left knee injury and had to be carried off the court in tears. The game paused briefly as medical staff attended to him, and early reports suggest he will undergo further evaluation.

The match remains highly competitive, with both teams exchanging the lead several times. Efes coach Ergin Ataman, facing his former club, has called for better defensive discipline in the second half.

Score at halftime: Efes 42 – Panathinaikos 43