Andy West reviews the highs and the lows of the EuroLeague championship game between Real Madrid and Panathinaikos BC

Final Four records tumbled in a tale of two halves 

From record highs to record lows on a roller-coaster ride, the first-ever championship game between Real Madrid and Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens was well worth the wait. 

Real exploded out of the gate with the highest-scoring first quarter in a final this century, leading 36-25 after 10 minutes. The previous high had been 31 points by Maccabi Tel Aviv in the opening frame of the 2004 title game. 

Furthermore, the 61 points combined in Sunday's first quarter was a Final Four record in general, eclipsing the 53 scored between Montepaschi Siena and CSKA Moscow in their 2003 third-place game. 

By halftime, when Real led 54-49, more records had fallen. It was the highest-scoring first half of a final this century, also tying for the most points in any Final Four first half over that span. And it was the third-most points in any half at the Final Four. 

After being on the receiving end of that opening blitz, it was obvious that defense would be the focus in the Panathinaikos locker room at halftime, and the Greens duly came out to put the clamps on the previously rampant Real offense to record-breaking effect.

In the process of moving into a 61-64 lead after three quarters, Panathinaikos held Real to just 7 points. That was tied for the fewest points ever in any championship game quarter this century, alongside Olympiacos against CSKA in 2012, and was also Real's lowest-scoring quarter all season long.

And finally, Panathinaikos then put the seal on a thrilling 80-95 victory by scoring 31 points in the last 10 minutes, the fourth-highest fourth-quarter scoring in a final and the most in more than a decade.

Victorious coach Ergin Ataman insisted his players never started to panic despite their troubled opening, saying: “We didn't start well, we gave them 36 points in the first quarter, and maybe everybody was starting to think it would be a boring final.

“But we never thought like this, not in the timeouts nor in the locker room. We always talked about improving our defense, improving our aggressiveness. The game came back to us when we held them to 7 points in the third quarter, and in the last quarter we played perfect basketball.”

Juancho Hernangomez echoed those views, claiming his team still felt confident after allowing those 54 first-half points, stating: “They had been making all their shots, but we knew that wouldn’t continue throughout the whole game and we stayed on the same path defensively.

“At halftime, Coach Ataman just told us that we were doing fine, to apply more pressure and keep competing. We just had to be physical, all five players boxing out. All five players on the court had to stay focused and I think we did a great job. Every player is needed to win, not every player is going to score 30 points. We just had to do our jobs.”

Game Videos

Although the Greens players understandably celebrated their triumph by paying tribute to the team ethic, Luca Vildoza was happy to pinpoint one player in particular as the embodiment of the turnaround. 

“We have really good players,” he began. "Sloukas was controlling the game, Nunn is always there, but I think the main guy was Jerian \[Grant\]. Jerian was playing defense everywhere, helping everywhere, scoring when it was necessary, so I’m really happy for him.” 

Grant himself, however, hailed the collective effort throughout the roster as he reflected on how the game changed after the interval, simply stating: “As a team. We knew we had 20 minutes left in the second half to bring home the seventh star and we did that.  

“From day one, Coach told us our goal was to get to the Final Four and to win the championship, and we got it done. \[The Final Four\] was two games to call yourselves champions of EuroLeague, so whatever we had to do, whatever energy we had to get, we were going to do that.” 

No player experienced more of an individual turnaround than Kendrick Nunn, who was unable to contribute much during the early exchanges after committing three first-quarter fouls but returned with a bang after the break to finish with 21 points. 

"I was too aggressive with my hands,” he admitted. “I've been in that position before and just had to stay composed, believing in my teammates and sticking together.” 

Game News

Real coach Chus Mateo, meanwhile, believed his team fell into the trap of getting away from their game plan during their second-half collapse. “We probably thought the easy path was to play only on the perimeter,” he said.  

"But what we want to do first is gain advantage in the paint, to penetrate, get into the low post, set picks that give you an advantage, and in that sense, we lost a certain amount of aggressiveness. But this is basketball and sometimes things don’t go the way you want.” 

Andy West reviews the highs and the lows of the championship game 

Real Madrid v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2024-05-26T18:00:00.000Z)

### Ergin Ataman, Panathinaikos head coach

"It’s amazing. We have about 15,000 people here. We deserved it. All season we had a great season. Tonight we go down 15 points, but we came back. It’s amazing. I am very happy, I am very proud. I lost my father one month ago. I am sure that his heart … he was with me for all the championships with Anadolu Efes. Now one more time, thank you all Greek supporters. Thank you all Turkish people who give support to me."

### Kostas Sloukas, Panathinaikos player

"Amazing feeling, amazing feeling. I cannot describe my feelings. I am so happy, I am so proud for my team for our whole organization of Panathinaikos. We had an incredible game. Real Madrid has incredible talent. But we stayed there, we were solid. I am so happy, I am so happy for everybody, I am happy for coach, for Mr. Giannakopoulos and for my teammates.

"I always said I have to be aggressive offensively and defensively In the semi-final I wasn’t good because I was out for 10 days and I was trying to find my rhythm. But today I was feeling good. Listen to the crowd. I am so happy."

### Kendrick Nunn, Panathinaikos player

"This is unbelievable. It is my first year in the Europe, this is the first year about 10 of us played together, new coach. Top to bottom it's been new. So we were stacking days, encouraging each other, giving each other confidence. And this is what happens when you buy in and believe.

"I am in awe. But the past two nights I've been taking my game-day naps, and I've been feeling myself tear up a little bit, feeling this feeling, I promise you. So from my naps, I was expecting this."

### Marius Grigonis, Panathinaikos player

"The key is defense. Both in semis and tonight we played great defense and physicial. We won in an incredible way. Being here, as a champion, is incredible. I am sure we will not sleep and we will drink a lot."

### Juancho Hernangomez, Panathinaikos player

"Great games this weekend. Defensive effort and playing like a team. Berlin is amazing, I will buy a big home here. I will live here for the rest of my life, I love Berlin! Winning here is amazing, two titles, two big titles, European championship and a EuroLeague. I always trust myself and my team. Our defense was better in the second half. They started really well but we knew we had to stick to our defense. Coach said we were doing just fine in the break. That we had to stick to the plan."

### Luca Vildoza, Panathinaikos player

"We changed our minds after the first half. At the break we talked about the defense we wanted to play, which was not the one we showed in the first half. At the end we controlled the game and they missed some shots they normally make. We have really good players. Our main man was Jerian, he played great defense and scored when necessary. I am really proud of the team we have. Being able to help the team in the Final Four is amazing and I am proud to belong to this Panathinaikos team."

Panathinaikos reactions after winning the title

The two have joined forces again, having worked together on a project in Athens and Istanbul over the last three seasons

One Team, BKT come together to open refurbished court in Berlin

The power of One Team grows further each year and even more so when a partner such as BKT is ready to help take things to the next level. On Friday afternoon, One Team and BKT collaborated once again to help refurbish a basketball court at Lisa-Tetzner Schule elementary school, with the aim of helping improve the lives of youngsters who are in need or at risk of exclusion.

Turkish Airlines EuroLeague club ALBA Berlin has been working with Lisa-Tetzner Schule for the last few seasons as it looks to provide support for socially disadvantaged children and young teenagers in a socio-economically challenging environment. With the Final Four coming to Berlin, One Team and BKT came together and decided to provide an improved space for locals to play.

"It's a great pleasure to be here to inaugurate this great basketball court," said Lucia Salmaso, Managing Director of BKT Europe. "When \[One Team\] decided to approach us regarding sponsorship, we could not believe the impact that this sponsorship can have on a community. I believe that BKT has demonstrated with actions these projects have a great meaning for us. This is the third project that we have created along with One Team, and it is proof that we can do better to support the growth of communities. I hope that this court will bring a lot of happiness, joy, growth and opportunity to all the kids, to all the students and to all the residents of this neighborhood."

"I'm incredibly excited and proud that we have been able to open a third refurbished court thanks to our partnership with BKT," added Abigail Martin, Director of Sustainability and Development Projects at Euroleague Basketball. "These are honestly the best days for me. I would like to give a big thank you to ALBA Berlin, to Lisa-Tetzner Schule elementary school, and to specially Lucia and the BKT team for helping to make all of this possible. These projects are one of the highlights of the Final Four, as the social work put in by many different people comes together and ends up with a lot of excited individuals, in this case children. We are so, so thankful for everyone's efforts and we would love to have more of these community-committed projects in the future."

During Friday’s event, the participants took part in some One Team drills and featured in an exhibition tournament that was held by ALBA’s One Team Coaches. Former ALBA center Patrick Femerling, who played for the club over three spells and won a EuroLeague title with FC Barcelona in 2003, was present at the event, as was four-year former EuroLeague guard Heiko Schaffartzik. They both joined in with the activities with the children and were delighted with the work done by One Team.

"It was a lot of fun because the kids had a lot of fun," commented Heiko Schaffartzik. "The only reason why the kids could have fun is because the court exists. Without the court, the kids wouldn't be able to have this experience. Patrick Femerling is here and the EuroLeague is here. Next week they will not be, but the court will still be here, so they can still have fun and play by themselves. They're very enthusiastic kids here, they're really competitive and they really enjoy playing basketball, so this is a fantastic thing for the community."

This is the third straight year in which One Team and BKT have gone hand in hand to refurbish a court and help the community as a result, having improved the Kypseli court in Athens and given children there a new home where they can play basketball and have fun with friends. Also, in the 2021-22 season, the partnership between One Team and BKT saw the refurbishment of two courts at the TEB Atasehir Anatolian High School, the social partner of Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul for that season.

In addition to giving back to Berlin by helping to take this basketball court to another level, One Team is also putting on a session featuring Final Four players at Kraftwerk on Saturday and Sunday, which will feature some of the biggest names at the Final Four, along with the participation of the Final Four Ambassadors.

One of the best parts about Final Four weekend – apart from the basketball on the court – is when the players from the four clubs come along to enjoy a One Team session. This year, that took place at the FanZone on Saturday morning, with plenty of fans also present to see some of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague’s biggest stars join forces with the One Team participants from ALBA Berlin.

Final Four stars thrilled One Team participants at the FanZone

One of the best parts about Final Four weekend – apart from the basketball on the court – is when the players from the four clubs come along to enjoy a One Team session. This year, that took place at the FanZone on Saturday morning, with plenty of fans also present to see some of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague’s biggest stars join forces with the One Team participants from ALBA Berlin.

Enjoying the activities were Juancho Hernangomez and Kostas Antetokounmpo from Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, Eli Ndiaye from Real Madrid, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul duo Nigel Hayes-Davis and Georgios Papagiannis, and Olympiacos Piraeus pair Kostas Papanikolaou and Giannoulis Larentzakis.

The players joined ALBA’s One Team participants for some One Team drills that were led by ALBA’s One Team coaches, which instantly brought lots of smiles to everyone’s faces.

“It’s always good to give back and do nice things, to try to be a face, a pillar in the community, an inspiration and try to spread joy,” said Nigel Hayes-Davis. “It’s always good to get out and do something like this. The main goal is to make sure the kids enjoy themselves, and I think they had a good time today. They were playing basketball with people they watch play on TV. Perhaps some of the kids look up to some of us as idols or some of their favorite players, so to be able to get out there and interact with them, take pictures, play games is hopefully an experience that will inspire them and be something that they’ll remember and enjoy.” 

Once all the drills had finished, an exhibition game took place as the Final Four players were split between the two teams, with ALBA’s One Team participants also being split across the two teams. The kids were able to receive passes from their favorite places and try to score, or vice versa. The stuff of dreams!

“I’m really happy that I could take part \[today\],” noted Juancho Hernangomez. “I’ve had a really good year \[assisting with One Team\] with my team, Panathinaikos, and it’s truly an honor for me to help. I’m really glad, really happy. It fills me with joy, I love doing things to help people. Even just being with them in a photo, a video is something great for them. To bring a smile to their faces is the best feeling there is.”

ALBA’s One Team program this season aims to support socially disadvantaged children and young teenagers from the Lisa-Tetzner-Schule elementary school, which is located in a socio-economically challenging area of Berlin.

“You can see how much everyone enjoys it – from the players to the kids,” commented Kostas Papanikolaou. “It’s an amazing thing, it’s an amazing initiative. It started many years ago and still up to this day, it provides a lot of smiles, a lot of good things for everyone. I really, really enjoy being here and participating in these events.”

The One Team program implemented by ALBA is embedded in the club’s nationwide SPORT VERNETZT initiative, a project which seeks to bring the community together and help them develop an excitement for physical activities, as well as use basketball as a tool to focus on teamwork, integration, motivation communication and tolerance.

“It’s incredible that we can help the kids, that they enjoy themselves with us and that they can play with us,” added Eli Ndiaye. “It’s an honor to share this experience with them. The truth is that that it’s great as the kids get to have fun in an incredible way.”

 Members from all four clubs attended on Saturday morning

Have you ever wanted to know what it feels like to really be part of the action of a Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four game? 

Well, feast your eyes and ears on what a revolutionary MindFly AI ultralight-powered bodycam embedded in the referee's jersey sees and hears! 

 See the second semifinal from inside the court! 

Have you ever wanted to know what it feels like to really be part of the action of a Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four game?

Well, feast your eyes and ears on what a revolutionary MindFly AI ultralight-powered bodycam embedded in the referee's jersey sees and hears!

Game officials Streten Radovic and Damir Javor wore MindFly's POV Cam during the second semifinal between Real Madrid and Olympiacos Pireaus on Friday at Uber Arena in Berlin.

Now, you can not only watch the game action from closer than ever through the cameras in their jerseys but also hear them speaking with the players, coaches and each other during the game. It's a fascinating look at the professionalism that is at the very heart of the EuroLeague game experience.

Euroleague Basketball and MindFly started their collaboration during the last Final Four held in Kaunas, where all fans had the possibility to re-live some of the best moments of the EuroLeague's final phase as if they were inside the court. This season's debut of the same technology let fans experience *El Clásico* between [Real Madrid and FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/experience-el-clasico-like-never-before/) and since then a true winning streak of derby rivalries: [AS Monaco and LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/go-right-on-court-with-monaco-and-asvel/) in France, [Virtus Segafredo Bologna and EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/join-virtus-bologna-olimpia-milano-on-the-floor-euroleague-derby-ditalia/) in Italy, [Anadolu Efes and Fenerbahce Beko](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/mindfly-referee-cams-went-inside-the-istanbul-derby/) in Turkey, [Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade and Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/go-inside-the-belgrade-derby-with-mindflys-referee-cams/) in Serbia, and Panathinakos and Olympiacos Piraues in Greece.

Go inside the court on the first night of the Final Four with the POV CAM from MindFly!

See the second semifinal from inside the court!

Real Madrid v Olympiacos Piraeus (2024-05-24T19:00:00.000Z)

See the semifinals from inside the court! 

Have you ever wanted to know what it feels like to really be part of the action of a Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four game? 

Well, feast your eyes and ears on what a revolutionary MindFly AI ultralight-powered bodycam embedded in the referee's jersey sees and hears! 

Game officials Ilija Belosevic and Carlos Peruga wore MindFly's POV Cam during the first semifinal between Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens and Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul on Friday at Uber Arena in Berlin. Now, you may not only seethe game action from closer than ever through their bodycams, but also hear them speaking with the players, coaches and each other during the game. It's a fascinating look at the professionalism that is at the very heart of the EuroLeague game experience.

Euroleague Basketball and MindFly started their collaboration during the last Final Four held in Kaunas, where all fans had the possibility to re-live some of the best moments of the EuroLeague's final phase as if they were inside the court. This season's debut of the same technology let fans experience *El Clásico* between [Real Madrid and FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/experience-el-clasico-like-never-before/) and since then a true winning streak of derby rivalries: [AS Monaco and LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/go-right-on-court-with-monaco-and-asvel/) in France, [Virtus Segafredo Bologna and EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/join-virtus-bologna-olimpia-milano-on-the-floor-euroleague-derby-ditalia/) in Italy, [Anadolu Efes and Fenerbahce Beko](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/mindfly-referee-cams-went-inside-the-istanbul-derby/) in Turkey, [Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade and Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/go-inside-the-belgrade-derby-with-mindflys-referee-cams/) in Serbia, and Panathinakos and Olympiacos Piraues in Greece.

See the first semifinal from inside the court! 

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2024-05-24T16:00:00.000Z)

Final Four volunteers discover the power of One Team

Each year, many individuals who have signed up as volunteers for the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four participate in the One Team Welcome session, and this year was no different. During the session held on Thursday, 23 May, the volunteers got to learn the ins and outs of what the One Team program is.

They gained a greater understanding of social inclusion and its many benefits, while the One Team Coaches and Manager from ALBA Berlin took center stage by explaining the One Team methodology in more depth.

#### Markus Friedrichsen – EuroLeague Final Four Volunteer 

*From Munich - third One Team experience 2015, 2022 and 2024*

"It’s always a lot of fun. You meet people from all over the world, have great experiences and have a chance to look behind the scenes. It’s such a great event. I can recommend it to anyone. "

Former players involved in the One Team program offered their advice to the volunteers in order to ensure they are the most prepared they can be. It became clear that teamwork will be crucial, with all involved encouraged to create a positive atmosphere that puts the One Team methodology front and center.

#### Meritxell Wu Lu – EuroLeague Final Four Volunteer

*From Barcelona - first time*

"It’s a really good experience to connect with my fellow volunteers. We have a really big team. We didn’t know each other that well so this was a really good experience to get to know each other through our common passion, which is basketball, and share our experiences. 

It’s a great experience to know more about EuroLeague and not just the tournament but also what’s behind it. "

There were five stations where the volunteers took part in life skills tasks, which were led by ALBA’s One Team Coaches and Manager, as well as three Final Four Ambassadors: Joe Arlauckas, Patrick Femerling and David Rivers.

To close the session, the Final Four Volunteers took the opportunity to take some pictures with the treasure everyone wants to get their hands on in Berlin this weekend – the EuroLeague trophy.

They learned all about the program upon their arrival in Berlin

The basketball-centered party in the heart of the German capital was bustling from the moment it opened on Friday

FanZone reaches new heights at Kraftwerk Berlin

The greatness of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague merges with urban hoops for an event that appeals to all in the [FanZone](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/tae2324-the-fanzone-at-kraftwerk-berlin-is-the-place-to-be-at-the-final-four/) at Kraftwerk Berlin. Whether you are a basketball devotee or just curious about the big event at the heart of Berlin, there is something for everyone at the [FanZone](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/tae2324-the-fanzone-at-kraftwerk-berlin-is-the-place-to-be-at-the-final-four/).

Held for the first time at an indoor venue, the [FanZone](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/tae2324-the-fanzone-at-kraftwerk-berlin-is-the-place-to-be-at-the-final-four/) at Kraftwerk Berlin transports visitors to a basketball-centered party, with the former powerplant hopping thanks to the DJ spinning tunes from the top floor. A host of pavilions sponsored by the Euroleague Basketball’s family of partners ensures that there is something to do at all times at the [FanZone](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/tae2324-the-fanzone-at-kraftwerk-berlin-is-the-place-to-be-at-the-final-four/). 

The crowd is a virtual rainbow of shirts with the Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul faithful glowing in their yellow, the Olympiacos Piraeus fans shining in their firetruck red, the Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens loyals proudly decked out in rich green and Real Madrid’s supporters looking fine in their whites. Alongside them are basketball fans of all shapes and sizes wearing the colors of local German squads, other EuroLeague contenders and past powerhouses of the game, including one wearing a Benetton Treviso jersey! 

Among the first fans to visit the [FanZone](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/tae2324-the-fanzone-at-kraftwerk-berlin-is-the-place-to-be-at-the-final-four/) when it opened on Friday was Erhan, a Fenerbahce fan from Turkey. Erhan, who is at his sixth Final Four, was taking his son to his first.     

“The best thing is to be at the [FanZone](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/tae2324-the-fanzone-at-kraftwerk-berlin-is-the-place-to-be-at-the-final-four/) on the first day, to enjoy the atmosphere and get ready for the first games,” Erhan said. “I think this year there are many great activities for the kids. We cannot leave. We love the merchandise and we already bought ours. It’s a great [FanZone](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/tae2324-the-fanzone-at-kraftwerk-berlin-is-the-place-to-be-at-the-final-four/) experience this year.”

Along one row on the top floor, fans can get their photo taken with the EuroLeague Trophy at the BKT booth, purchase the first cases of the new Donruss EuroLeague collectors cards from Panini, play a virtual reality basketball game sponsored by OlyTV and get official Final Four merch from Spalding. On Saturday afternoon, OlyTV will open a podcast booth where players from all of the Final Four teams will stop by for interviews. 

On the ground floor, Turkish Airlines and Motorola have large facilities where you can play games for prizes and get souvenirs. There are great options to eat too from the food truck at the entrance to a variety of shops on the second floor offering all sorts of street fare, drinks and snacks, from pizza and pasta to pulled-beef sandwiches and Korean bowls. 

“We are huge basketball fans. We booked our tickets in December. We were a bit nervous in the playoffs, but our teams made it!” said Panathinaikos fan Dimitris Lalaounis, who is taking in his first Final Four with his close friend and Olympiacos fan Ilias Panteleakos, a veteran of four Final Fours. 

“There are many activities and prizes to win. It’s really nice,” Panteleakos added after the two had just completed playing one-on-one at one of the courts. 

At the heart of the [FanZone](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/tae2324-the-fanzone-at-kraftwerk-berlin-is-the-place-to-be-at-the-final-four/) are a variety of courts hosting different 3x3 and full-court tournaments related to the Final Four, which fans are invited to watch. Check [the FanZone schedule](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/tae2324-the-fanzone-at-kraftwerk-berlin-is-the-place-to-be-at-the-final-four/) to see the tournament times as well as the other special activities taking place over the weekend. 

When you go to the big games to cheer on your team, you can take photos of your favorite players on the court in action, but getting photos of yourself rooting them on was more of a challenge. The EuroLeague Final Four makes it easy!

Motorola presents an AI-based program to capture fans in action at the Final Four. Photos will be taken in the stands and at the VIP Hospitality experience at Uber Arena as well as at the FanZone. Once your face is recognized, your photo will be shared directly to your smartphone.

All you need to do is go to <https://euroleague.getpica.com> and allow the service to record an image of your face with its AI facial recognition software. After that, each fan will receive a private folder with only the photos in which they appear. These photos can then be downloaded or shared on social media.

Use the #F4GLORY hashtag to make sure everyone sees you in action at the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four!

Final Four records tumbled in a tale of two halves

Panathinaikos reactions after winning the title

One Team, BKT come together to open refurbished court in Berlin

Final Four stars thrilled One Team participants at the FanZone

See the second semifinal from inside the court!

See the first semifinal from inside the court!

Final Four volunteers discover the power of One Team

FanZone reaches new heights at Kraftwerk Berlin

Memories for the stars in the stands