The Greek center has taken his game to another level during Fenerbahce's series with Monaco
Georgios Papagiannis has been back to his best in the playoffs
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Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul suffered a 62-65 home defeat against AS Monaco at Ulker Sports and Event Hall in Game 4 of their playoff series. Yet, the good news is that center Georgios Papagiannis had another great performance.
The 26-year-old Papagiannis joined Fenerbahce last summer after six Turkish Airlines EuroLeague seasons with Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens. He was named to the 2021-22 All-EuroLeague Second Team, averaging 10.3 points, 8.2 blocks and leading that season in blocks (1.7 bpg.).
At Fenerbahce, however, it wasn't all plain sailing as Papagiannis struggled in his new role as a backup center. Even though he shot the ball with superb percentages (64.8% 2FG, 54.8% 3FG), Papagiannis only averaged 5.6 points, 2.7 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in less than 16 minutes per night in 31 regular-season games. "Big Papa" had only scored in double digits once in his last 15 regular-season appearances.
Johnathan Motley's injury gave Papagiannis the chance to see extended playing time in the playoffs – and he is making the most out of it, gradually playing better and better.
In Fenerbahce's Game 2 triumph in Monaco, Papagiannis had 6 points, 6 rebounds and a career-high 5 assists, amassing a PIR of 14. In Game 3, Papagiannis posted 8 points and 6 rebounds, balancing his team's offense in an impressive win.
With greater confidence and improved numbers, Papagiannis had his first double-double of the season – and his first all-time in the playoffs – in Game 4, getting 10 points and 11 rebounds in a season-high 32 minutes on the floor. He helped his team with a couple of tip-ins, a dunk, a three-pointer, 4 offensive boards, 1 assist, 1 block and 4 four drawn.
His playoff numbers are significantly better as Papagiannis is averaging 7.0 points on 80.0% two-point shooting, 6.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 0.8 blocks, good for a PIR average of 12.5.
Papagiannis has given Fenerbahce head coach Saras Jasikevicius a solid option at the center position. Even if Motley remains sidelined, Papagiannis has made sure that Fenerbahce had a strong, effective presence under the boards as he splits playing time with former EuroLeague champion Sertac Sanli.