Panagiotis Kalaitzakis was one of Panathinaikos BC's surprise stars as they beat Fenerbahçe Beko to reach the EuroLeague Championship Game.

Kalaitzakis made all the right plays on the biggest stage

The history of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four has taught us that we should expect unsung heroes. On Friday evening, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens guard [Panagiotis Kalaitzakis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/panagiotis-kalaitzakis/011209/) fit that exact description with his performance in [the Greens' 73-57 semifinal victory against Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/game-blog-panathinaikos-vs-fenerbahce/) in Berlin, Germany.

Kalaitzakis finished with 5 points, 4 rebounds, 2 drawn fouls and a PIR of 11. In fact, he was one of five Panathinaikos players who recorded a double-digit PIR.

What's more, the large majority of his production – and all 5 of his points – came in the final 50 seconds of the third period and the first 54 seconds of the fourth quarter. Those points came as a part of a 9-0 run which the Greens used to finally pull away.

In the biggest moment of his career, the 25-year-old Kalaitzakis nailed a catch-and-shoot triple late in the third, his only field goal attempt of the night, to make it 56-50, then had an offensive board which he followed up by making both free throws and opening a 60-50 margin.

"It is about work," Kalaitzakis said after the game. "I work really hard for this one shot, and I am glad today it went. It was a great pass from Jerian \[Grant\]."

That's in addition to his trademark aggressive perimeter defense on opposing guards, which is what helped Panathinaikos hold Fenerbahce to 57 points and just 7 in the fourth quarter, in which Kalaitzakis played 5 minutes and 52 seconds.

Great majority of Kalaitzakis's production and all 5 of his points came in the final 50 seconds of the third, and the first 54 seconds of the fourth quarter as a part of a 9-0 run which the Greens used to finally pull away.

Kalaitzakis came up big in key Panathinaikos run

Making such a crucial impact with his team's season on the line was nothing new for Kalaitzakis.

The Panathinaikos guard had several big plays in a do-or-die Game 4 of the playoffs against Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, playing the final 60 seconds of that crucial road game. He then followed it up with 13 minutes of action in Game 5, where he had 2 points and 2 steals and kept making defensive pressure on the perimeter.

Kalaitzakis says that his job is, actually, an easy one.

"I don't have pressure, there are a lot of guys on my team that have pressure," Kalaitzakis told [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net) after the win on Friday. "I am talking about \[Kostas\] Sloukas, Kendrick \[Nunn\], Mathias \[Lessort\], our main players. I don't have pressure, just have to enter the game and energy 2, 3, 4, 5 minutes.

"That is what I do and so far, so good. I am happy I am helping my team, and we have one more to go."

That one will be on Sunday, a championship game with EuroLeague glory on the line.

Game News

Panagiotis Kalaitzakis (center) is congratulated by Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens teammate Juancho Hernangomez after their team's semifinal triumph against Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul.

The Greek guard made his presence count as the Greens reached the championship game

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

Real Madrid and Olympiacos BC face off in the EuroLeague Semifinals, with a spot in the championship up for grabs.

Semifinals LIVE: Real Madrid vs. Olympiacos

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Los Blancos never trailed and led by as many as 25 before holding off a late rally to advance to Sunday's championship game

Real overpowers Olympiacos 87-76 in second semifinal

Panathinaikos BC is the first team into the 2024 EuroLeague Championship Game after beating Fenerbahçe Beko 73-57 on Friday evening.

Panathinaikos comes out on top against Fenerbahce in semis, 73-57

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The Greens have reached their first championship game since 2011

The Players' View on EuroLeague TV offers special coverage of the 2024 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four starting with two-time champion Tibor Pleiss of Anadolu Efes Istanbul coming aboard to call the first game from Berlin. He will be joined by regulars of The Players' View, former champion Tyrese Rice and Michael Roll.

The three of them offer insights that only players can serve up for the clash between Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens and Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul.

There's no better way to get the low-down on what's happening on the court than to listen to the live insights of current and former pros, all of whom have played at Final Fours. The Players' View is available exclusively to EuroLeague TV subscribers. Get your pass now to make sure you don't miss any of the action.

Enjoy triple-team coverage by the players who know the game best when Panathinaikos and Fenerbahce square off in the first game at the 2024 Final Four

Tibor Pleiss joins The Players' View for Friday's first semifinal!

The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four is about to start and there is a perfect plan to follow right before the games. 

Tune in to the Final Four's pregame show!

The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four is about to start and there is a perfect plan to follow right before the games. Coming LIVE from Uber Arena and starting at 16:45 CEST, the [YouTube Pregame Show Live](https://www.youtube.com/live/_KsbrQocUoQ) will be hosted by Deniz Aksoy, featuring two-time EuroLeague champion head coach Dimitris Itoudis, Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz star forward Chima Moneke and basketball influencer Leigh Ellis. Dane Arlauckas will tune in live from the VIP room to offer flash interviews as soon as legends and basketball stars arrive to the arena. Today's show will run until 17:45 CEST. The [YouTube Pregame Show Live](https://www.youtube.com/live/_KsbrQocUoQ) returns on Sunday at 18:45 CEST to take fans right into the championship game. There will be a third show starting right after the championship game to talk to the winners seconds after being this season's EuroLeague champions.

Don't miss the [YouTube Pregame Show](https://www.youtube.com/live/_KsbrQocUoQ) for insights, data, fresh content and a lot of fun! 

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

As they've done all season, EuroLeague.net staff offers these bold predictions for the second semifinal on Friday between Real Madrid and Olympiacos Piraeus.

Bold predictions: Real Madrid vs. Olympiacos

### Real Madrid will show why it has dominated all season

#### *by Javier Gancedo*

Let's face it: Real Madrid started the season with a 10-0 record, it was the first team to qualify to the playoffs and also the first to punch its playoffs tickets. It reached the Final Four with 30 victories, two of them against Olympiacos, in 37 games. Olympiacos has been unlucky in each of its last two Final Four appearances, losing both times at the buzzer. This time, my prediction is that it will not be that close. Real has the experience and the confidence, and has naturally embraced its role as favorite, knowing that if it wants to win again, it needs to put together 40 minutes full of focus and intensity, being loyal to what went well throughout the season. It is the end of an era: Rudy Fernandez will leave the team and it is a final opportunity to win another big title together. I believe Los Blancos will be fighting for the title on Sunday. **My pick: Real.** 

### Olympiacos, because defense wins championships

#### *by Frankie Sachs*

For my money, this game is the championship game. Barring an injury or something else throwing a monkey wrench into things, the team that wins this game will be the one I pick to take the crown on Sunday. Which team will that be? That's the question. It's easy to make the case for either of them. I will pick Olympiacos for several reasons. I think the Reds have the options in the frontcourt with Nikola Milutinov, Moustapha Fall, Moses Wright and Filip Petrusev to make things difficult for Los Blancos's star centers. Olympiacos should be hungry and steeled after losing at the buzzer in the Final Four two years running. And, as they say, "defense wins championships." **My pick: Olympiacos.**

### Real Madrid looking to join an exclusive club

#### *by Geoff Gillingham*

Just three teams have won back-to-back EuroLeague titles this century, but I think Real Madrid will give itself a good shot to make it four by knocking off Olympiacos. Chus Mateo's squad already know what it takes to succeed at the Final Four, having gone all the way last year, while Georgios Bartzokas's men must surely still have nightmares about Sergio Llull's game-winning shot in last season's championship game. Olympiacos certainly has what it takes to beat Real, but I think Los Blancos' experience in these moments will end up seeing them reach another final. **My pick: Real Madrid.**

Real Madrid vs. Olympiacos Piraeus semifinal trailer

### The Reds are peaking at the right time

#### *by Frank Lawlor*

Much is legitimately made of Real Madrid's position as favorite. But a year ago, Los Blancos were a miss or a make – Sergio Llull's rainbow that fell or Kostas Sloukas's runner that didn't – from not defending anything right now. And in 2024, the reigning champs are 14-6 to the Reds' 16-6, so this season's dominance by Real was front-loaded. Olympiacos beat FC Barcelona decisively in the playoffs despite having a fully healthy lineup only late in that series, which the Reds won by scoring 92 points in Game 4 and holding Barca to 59 in Game 5 away. In other words, this Olympiacos team can win both ways, too. Meanwhile, Real lost an important glue guy when Gabriel Deck was injured after the playoffs. All respect to the champs, but I think that if Olympiacos can rebound, especially on offense, thereby pumping the breaks a bit on Real point guard Facundo Campazzo, they can win this game. And I think they will. **My pick: Olympiacos.**

### Real gets a step closer to title defense

#### *by Igor Petrinovic*

It's the EuroLeague's best offense against the best defense, but I do not think this game will turn into a battle of those two strengths. Olympiacos will be energetic, it will be focused and it will be playing behind an army of its fans. The Reds will also have a bit of revenge on their agenda in this rematch of last year's championship game. But I think, just like last year, Real Madrid will come out on top. Real's defense is very underrated, and this team filled with EuroLeague winners is not afraid of any scenario, even if it involves getting into a low-scoring affair against the Reds. So, I pick the defending champs to keep their title defense going. **My pick: Real Madrid**

SEMIFINAL NEWS

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

As they've done all season, EuroLeague.net staff offers these bold predictions for the first semifinal on Friday between Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens and Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul

Bold predictions: Panathinaikos vs. Fenerbahce

### The Ataman effect is real

#### *by Geoff Gillingham*

Ergin Ataman is renowned for dreaming big, but he certainly knew that something special was possible at Panathinaikos, one of Europe's storied clubs. The Greens ended up having a tricky playoff series against Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv before eventually coming out on top in Game 5 at a sold-out OAKA, but that matchup was the perfect preparation for his team. One could make a good argument that the highest quality of basketball in the EuroLeague Playoffs was seen in that Panathinaikos-Maccabi series, and I think Ataman's group will be ready to swat Saras Jasikevicius's Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul aside in the semifinals. My pick: Panathinaikos.

### Fenerbahce will rain threes into the title game

#### *by Igor Petrinovic*

This huge clash of two teams whose fan bases have waited long for a Final Four return will get only one of them to the championship game again. Panathinaikos is a favorite in the eyes of many, as the team with a second-best record this season. But Fenerbahce has a 17-9 record since Sarunas Jasikevicius took over as a coach. The team is averaging 86.8 points, making 12.2 triples on 41.1% three-point accuracy since his arrival in December, and along the way the has set a new single-season mark with 449 triples made. One might suggest that three-point shooting is not what a team wants to rely on at the Final Four, but Fenerbahce made 13.4 triples per game in a high-stakes and highly-physical five-game playoff series, and I think that can get a job done for Jasikevicius's troops in Berlin. My pick: Fenerbahce

### Talented Greens take another step

#### *by Frankie Sachs*

There is a reason these teams made it to the Final Four. All four teams can win, which makes predicting the winner of any of these games very difficult. Panathinaikos and Fenerbahce have few advantages over one another. Even by the numbers, they are quite similar. My gut tells me to pick Fenerbahce, which honestly does seem to be a bit more determined thus far in the interactions I have experienced with the players and the media. The Panathinaikos players seem looser. Can they ramp it up just in time for tip-off? Maybe. Will Fenerbahce burn itself out? It's possible. But my head thinks the Greens are the more talented team. And for that reason… My prediction: Panathinaikos. 

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens vs. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul semifinal trailer

### Fenerbahce will meet the moment

#### *by Frank Lawlor*

In my opinion, if one team in Berlin still has some margin to improve upon what we've seen so far, it's Fenerbahce. Indeed, Sarunas Jasikevicius's charges will need to be better even than they were during the five-game playoffs with AS Monaco to counter a prime-time Panathinaikos team on Friday. But since Saras arrived back in December, this team has been on the upswing, and his players seem to feel they have more to show here. I would have misgivings about which Fenerbahce big man will step up and how they will manage against Mathias Lessort, especially, but having seen Jasikevicius engineer playoff road wins with small-ball lineups, I am sure he has plenty up his sleeve for this semi. I expect Nigel Hayes-Davis, Marko Guduric and Nick Calathes – who shut down Mike James in the playoffs – to be deciding factors in a result that I would not consider an upset after the tightly-packed season we've had. My pick: Fenerbahce.

### Panathinaikos holds the cards 

#### *by Javier Gancedo*

 It is one of the hardest games to predict all season. Fenerbahce has arrived to the Final Four with great momentum. Better ball circulation led to several three-point shooting records and even when some may think that is a double-sided weapon, modern basketball is all about three-pointers and head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius knows it. On the other hand, I believe we have not seen the best version of Panathinaikos just yet. Some players like Luca Vildoza and Juancho Hernangomez, who earned EuroBasket final MVP honors in Berlin, usually play better in important games. Kostas Sloukas and Kendrick Nunn have been a one-two punch for head coach Ergin Ataman, and Mathias Lessort is posting career-best numbers. I believe that if the Greens are able to contest shots and get Lessort and Dinos Mitoglou involved around the basket, they should make it to the championship game. My pick: Panathinaikos. 

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. 