Fantasy Challenge Podcast: ‘Do as I say, not as I do’

As we enter the second week of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs, there are many difficult decisions to make for [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/home) managers. There are only four Game 3s on tap and it is possible that by the end of the week, there could be only three Game 4s! The co-hosts of the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Podcast, Javier Gancedo and Frankie Sachs, share some thoughts on each playoff series.

How should injuries impact your selections? Can you afford to use two Turn 2 centers? Will Jan Vesley turn things around? Gancedo and Sachs touch on all of those topics and more. Get ready for the second week of the playoffs with episode No. 33 of your favorite fantasy basketball podcast.

Starting on May 24, 2004, the former Mercedes-Benz Arena, will become the first venue to host the modern Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four three times.

Berlin's Uber Arena to make history at 2024 Final Four

The 2024 Final Four is set to take place in Berlin, Germany's magnificent Uber Arena, the first venue to host the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague's signature moment this century for a third time.

If you are a diehard basketball fan, you already know what's at stake: the best four clubs in Europe fighting for the ultimate goal – to be crowned as the 2023-24 EuroLeague champion. Even if you are a casual fan, you know that few sporting events, if any, have such an enthralling combination of passion, drama, adrenaline and anticipation – all in a great venue located in one of the most dynamic neighborhoods in one of Europe's greatest cities.

Uber Arena is so big that the Brandenburg Gate would fit into it. Opened in September 2008, it was already home to the EuroLeague Final Four in 2009 and 2016. Its great acoustics and good view from all angles have allowed Uber Arena to host some of the best pop and rock artists in the world, such as Coldplay, Madonna, Pearl Jam, Beyonce, Depeche Mode and dozens of others.

### A unique neighborhood in a dynamic city

The Final Four venue has an ideal location, too, barely a few hundred meters away from the East Side Gallery and the Wall Museum. The East Side Gallery is a permanent outdoor exhibit on the longest surviving section of the Berlin Wall. More than 100 artists painted this 1.3-kilometer section of the wall.

The East Side Mall should give Final Four attendees plenty of dining options. Some of the best music venues in Berlin, such as Lido and PrivatClub, are just across a bridge over the Spree River. If you want to walk from the Brandenburg Gate to Uber Arena, it takes just over an hour. Going from the iconic Alexanderplatz to the arena on foot is less than 40 minutes. In any case, Uber Arena is easily accessible from anywhere in the city by bus, train, subway and light rail.

EuroLeague club ALBA Berlin and hockey club Eisbaeren Berlin play their home games at Uber Arena, which has also helped develop the area. With 170 museums, more than 150 theaters, thousands of restaurants and dozens of iconic buildings, Berlin is not only a great destination for first-timers, but the kind of city that also has something new to offer in each visit.

It's a chance to be part of the Final Four, one of the best sports events in world sports, in a one-of-a-kind city that will surely surprise you.

Uber Arena, the home of the 2024 Final Four

Starting on May 24, 2004, the former Mercedes-Benz Arena, will become the first venue to host the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four three times this century.

Jabari Parker set new career highs in scoring and minutes during Barça Basket's Game 2 win against Olympiacos BC, but he's got more left in the tank.

Jabari Parker is loving the EuroLeague Playoffs: ‘You know I can score more, right?’

Big-time players step up in the big games, and that’s precisely what [Jabari Parker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jabari-parker/012745/) did on [Friday night against Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barca-throttles-olympiacos-for-77-69-series-tying-win/). Playing with its back against the wall after losing Game 1 at Palau Blaugrana, FC Barcelona was aware that the must-win label applied to Game 2.

Drawing energy from a buzzing home crowd, the hosts hit the ground running as Parker netted 11 first-quarter points, including a put-back basket to beat the buzzer as Barcelona took a 27-14 cushion into the second period. 

“This is what you live for,” he said after the game. “\[For\] these environments.”

The American forward went on to score another 7 points in the third quarter, but Olympiacos stayed in the game thanks to some tough [Nigel Williams-Goss](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nigel-williams-goss/007982/) buckets, with Barcelona heading into the closing quarter with a narrow 60-57 lead. When [Filip Petrusev](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/filip-petrusev/011194/) made a basket from inside to bring the visitors within 63-61 with less than 7 minutes to play, it was time for the Barcelona big guns to come to the fore.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">👑 𝐌𝐕𝐏 👑 <a href="https://t.co/n7Z9kSbcdJ">pic.twitter.com/n7Z9kSbcdJ</a></p>&mdash; Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket/status/1783974338271551864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Arise: Jabari Parker

Parker went on to drill a triple to put Barcelona’s up by 5 before nailing another one with 4 minutes remaining to extend the hosts’ lead to double digits, 74-64, and practically put the game to bed.

Come the final buzzer, Parker had netted a career-high 24 points, having gone 6 for 7 from inside the arc and 4 for 7 from deep. Interestingly, his previous season high in scoring also came against Olympiacos back in Round 20 to lead Barcelona to an 86-78 victory at home.

“If I score 2 points, if I score 5 points, the most important thing is to be aggressive,” Parker explained to [EuroLeague.net](http://EuroLeague.net)’s Panos Kostopoulos. “We played against one of the best teams \[in the EuroLeague\]. They don’t go to the Final Four every year by coincidence. They have the experience. Hat’s off to them that they bring out the best side of you.”

Jabari Parker set new career highs in scoring (24 points) and minutes (32:08) in FC Barcelona's Game 2 win against Olympiacos Piraeus in the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs.

Parker's highlights vs. Olympiacos

Having recently extended his contract with Barcelona until 2026, Parker has admitted that taking part in games of such importance is what he is here for. 

"This is what I got off the couch for,” he told EuroLeague TV. “This is why I decided to play here in Spain because of the intensity and I'm thankful for it.”

### Going from strength to strength

In his first Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season, he averaged 10.3 points in 23:09 minutes. The playoffs are a different animal, though, and in these two games against Olympiacos, Parker’s playing time has increased to 30:14 minutes per game, demonstrating how influential he has become for the Final Four contender.

Curiously, none of the 21 players who featured on Friday night played more than Parker, who stayed on the floor for 32:08 minutes, which is the most he has played in a single game in his first campaign in Europe.

"We needed to keep the energy and intensity,” he added. “We knew the game was about runs. We kept our composure and we stayed aggressive."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">𝐀𝐈𝐑 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐊𝐄𝐑 🚀 <a href="https://t.co/IDV7T5nDyf">pic.twitter.com/IDV7T5nDyf</a></p>&mdash; Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket/status/1783965418291355787?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Having already participated in the NBA Playoffs with the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics, Parker’s experience played a key role in Barcelona bouncing back to tie the series against Olympiacos. The *Blaugrana* will travel to Greece next week, with Game 3 and Game 4 scheduled to take place on Tuesday and Thursday, night, respectively, at Peace And Friendship Stadium.

“The job is not done,” Parker stated to [EuroLeague.net](http://EuroLeague.net). “I played in the playoffs and postseason before, and we’ve got to try to get one there at least because we know it’s hard to win there. It’s going to be important that we have the same energy.”

After shining with a career-high night against Olympiacos in Game 2, Parker is eagerly awaiting the games in Piraeus. Beating the Greek side at a sold-out SEF is anything but an easy task, but the Barcelona man demonstrated on Thursday night that he has what it takes to lead his team to big victories.

“You know I can score more, right?” the 29-year-old commented to [EuroLeague.net](http://EuroLeague.net). Parker is full of confidence, and that is certainly good news for Barcelona.

Game News

Jabari Parker celebrates during FC Barcelona's Game 2 win against Olympiacos Piraeus in the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs.

The Barcelona star set new career-best marks in scoring and minutes during his team’s Game 2 win

FC Barcelona v Olympiacos Piraeus (2024-04-26T19:00:00.000Z)

Focus during the first week of the EuroLeague playoffs was all on the basketball floor. Check out our selection of social media posts.

EuroLeague playoff week on social media

**LEGEND SIGHTING**: Mike Batiste was in Athens to watch Panathinaikos and Maccabi clash.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">MIKE 🫡💚<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/paobcaktor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#paobcaktor</a> - <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MaccabiTLVBC</a> <a href="https://t.co/WUv12B14ur">pic.twitter.com/WUv12B14ur</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/paobcgr/status/1783552069154021872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

**MILESTONE LLULL**: Sergio Llull became the EuroLeague all-time leader in three-pointers made and was honored by the club for this career accomplishment.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">👏 Homenaje a <a href="https://twitter.com/23Llull?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@23Llull</a> en el WiZink Center <br> 🎯 Máximo triplista histórico de la <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/7hV5f3Jbej">pic.twitter.com/7hV5f3Jbej</a></p>&mdash; Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto/status/1783767976099078432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">✨ Homenaje a <a href="https://twitter.com/23Llull?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@23Llull</a> en el WiZink Center por su récord de triples en la Euroliga.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/MTHQMqGscJ">pic.twitter.com/MTHQMqGscJ</a></p>&mdash; Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto/status/1783606911826276555?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


**GAME 1 WINNERS**: For the first time in playoff history, three road teams won Game 1 - Maccabi, Fenerbahce and Olympiacos.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">1⃣🇼 ✔️<br>We are going to fight for every possession!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreMaccabi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreMaccabi</a> <br>(📸 Andreas Papakonstantinou / Tourette Photography) <a href="https://t.co/mvYJpLtsXB">pic.twitter.com/mvYJpLtsXB</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC 🇮🇱 (@MaccabiTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC/status/1783043225969676782?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="el" dir="ltr">Kalimera! ☕️⛅️✌🏽<br><br>It’s time to spill some tea 🤭<br><br>📲 Ο Μιχάλης Λούντζης κάλεσε Face Time τον Κώστα Παπανικολάου (στον οποίο άπαντες αφιέρωσαν το διπλό επί της Μπαρτσελόνα) και εκείνος έδωσε το σύνθημα «1, 2, 3 Ολυμπιακός).<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OlympiacosBC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OlympiacosBC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreOlympiacos?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreOlympiacos</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TogetherWeFight?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TogetherWeFight</a> <a href="https://t.co/kajL5oNJ0n">pic.twitter.com/kajL5oNJ0n</a></p>&mdash; Olympiacos B.C. (@Olympiacos_BC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympiacos_BC/status/1783408552473727021?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">AS Monaco galibiyetimizin &#39;HERO&#39; anı! 🦸<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BenimKahraman%C4%B1m?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BenimKahramanım</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MyHero?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MyHero</a> <a href="https://t.co/j25ZKl1377">pic.twitter.com/j25ZKl1377</a></p>&mdash; Fenerbahçe Beko (@FBBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol/status/1783451389227659625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

**BETWEEN THE GAMES**: Despite the tension and drama in Game 1, the teams were generally in good moods and optimistic between the two games this week.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">🎥 MINIMOVIE - GAME 1<br><br>Just the beginning! ¡Mañana una nueva oportunidad de asaltar Madrid! 🔵🔴<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OurWay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OurWay</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoazenBaskonia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoazenBaskonia</a> <a href="https://t.co/ri6xB3BokO">pic.twitter.com/ri6xB3BokO</a></p>&mdash; Baskonia (@Baskonia) <a href="https://twitter.com/Baskonia/status/1783117829895508020?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Office hour ahead of G2 🏀☘️<br><br>See you tomorrow <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAOFans?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAOFans</a> 💚<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeTheGreens?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeTheGreens</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/paobcaktor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#paobcaktor</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToBerlin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoadToBerlin</a> <a href="https://t.co/hHuWLcRtYH">pic.twitter.com/hHuWLcRtYH</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/paobcgr/status/1783158891238367451?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">מתכנסים לאסיפת וידאו לקראת משחק מס&#39; 2 בסדרה <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D7%99%D7%97%D7%93%D7%9B%D7%9C%D7%94%D7%93%D7%A8%D7%9A?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#יחדכלהדרך</a> <a href="https://t.co/theISlnC9A">pic.twitter.com/theISlnC9A</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC 🇮🇱 (@MaccabiTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC/status/1783149473327165817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">✅ Listos para el segundo partido del playoff.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HalaMadrid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HalaMadrid</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/iYFSO7CoA9">pic.twitter.com/iYFSO7CoA9</a></p>&mdash; Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto/status/1783511292088627275?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🗣️ 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝟱 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀, 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗼 ✊<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RocaTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RocaTeam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EveryGameMatters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EveryGameMatters</a> <a href="https://t.co/5rUScNtmDG">pic.twitter.com/5rUScNtmDG</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket/status/1783237019428094399?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 
<iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fphoto.php%3Ffbid%3D974672740686197%26set%3Da.974673560686115%26type%3D3&show_text=true&width=500&is_preview=true" width="500" height="651" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe>


**GAME 2 WINNERS**: The home teams swept Game 2 and three series are tied going into Game 3. Real Madrid is the only team with a 2-0 lead.

The focus during the first week of the EuroLeague Playoffs was all on the basketball action. Check out our selection of social media posts.

EuroLeague top photos of the week

Matt Costello of Baskonia dunks on real Madrid's Vincent Poirier 

Jabari Parker of FC Barcelona tries to split the defense of Olympiacos's Filip Petrusev and Ignas Brazdeikis

Nate Sestina of Fenerbace dunks with two hands in front of Monaco's Alpha Diallo

Mathias Lessort of Panathinaikos shoots over Maccabi's Jasiel Rivero

Facu Campazzo of Real Madrid dives to tip the ball in front of Baskonia's Nikos Rogkavopoulos

Jan Vesely of Barcelona stretches around Olympiacos Moustapha Fall to shoot

Dinos Mitoglou of Panathinaikos dunks in front of Maccabi's Josh Nebo

Mike James of Monaco tries to get past his former teammate, Nick Calathes, of Fenerbahce

Guerschon Yabusele of Real Madrid rocks the rim against Baskonia

Wade Baldwin of Maccabi shoots over Panathinaikos's Marius Grigonis

Look back at all the action from game 1 and 2 of the playoffs by checking out the best photos of the week!

The Top 10 photos of the week, Playoffs, Game 1 and 2

In the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague roll call, we take a look at five players who had a big impact for their respective teams in the first week of the playoffs. Mathias Lessort, Nick Calathes, Walter Tavares, Willy Hernangomez, Jordan Loyd, Elie Okobo

Roll call, Games 1 and 2: Efforts worthy of playoff wins

### Calathes outdueled friend James in Game 1

In a battle of friends and former teammates, Nick Calathes got the better of Mike James in Game 1. Not only did Calathes lead Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul to a 91-95 overtime road win over AS Monaco, but he even outscored James while his defense on the Monaco star was key in securing that win. Calathes finished Game 1 by tying his season high with 17 points, scoring 10 of those in the fourth quarter and overtime. Meanwhile, the EuroLeague’s all-time leading scorer, James, finished the game with 16 points. Calathes made 3-of-6 two-pointers and 2-of-4 threes on that night, and those two long-range shots came in key situations. The first Calathes strike was a half-court shot to beat the third-quarter buzzer, making it a 1-point affair and stopping any momentum Monaco thought it had gained at that point, while Calathes's second triple came early in overtime, giving Fenerbahce the lead for good.

In a battle of two friends and former teammates, Nick Calathes got the better of Mike James in Game 1. In Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul's 91-95 overtime road win over AS Monaco, Calathes finished the game by tying his season high with 17 points, scoring 10 of those in the fourth quarter and overtime.

Calathes outdueled friend James in Game 1

### Lessort kept it at a high level in Games 1 and 2

Panathinaikos had its ups and downs in the first week of the playoffs, but its most consistent performer refused to shy away from the big stage and continued to play at a very high level. Center Mathias Lessort averaged 16.5 points and 7.0 rebounds in the first two games against Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, having made a remarkable 13-of-17 shots (76.5%) to start the playoffs. Lessort made his first 8 shots in Game 1, and by playing 34 minutes he was the Greens' top performer before Maccabi rallied late and pulled out an 87-91 win. Two days later, Lessort spent 32 minutes on the floor, collecting 11 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists, while Panathinaikos was +23 with him on the floor in a 95-79 series-tying Game 2 win.

Panathinaikos center Mathias Lessort averaged 16.5 points and 7.0 rebounds in the first two games against Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, having made a remarkable 13-of-17 shots (76.5%) to start the playoffs.

Lessort kept it at high level in Games 1 and 2

### The big man is back for the playoffs

The defending champs and the best regular-season team, Real Madrid, has a 2-0 lead after protecting its home floor in the first two games, and Walter Tavares was one of the main contributors in two double-digit victories over Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz. *Los Blancos*' center was all over the stat sheet on both nights, collecting 8 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks in a 90-74 win in Game 1, only to follow it up with 10 points, 9 rebound, 2 blocks and 3 steals in a 101-90 victory in Game 2. Despite playing just 20 minutes per night, Tavares still had the most rebounds (16) and steals (5) and second-most blocks (4) of all players through two playoff games. These two displays were also his best back-to-back games since January, which helped move Real Madrid to within one win of returning to the Final Four.

Walter Tavares was one of the main contributors for Real Madrid in two double-digit victories over Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz.

The big man Walter Tavares is back for the playoffs

### Hernangomez gave Barcelona a boost

Willy Hernangomez was effective in his minutes in Game 1, posting 13 points and 5 rebounds in 19:22 minutes off the bench, yet that wasn’t enough to prevent FC Barcelona from falling to a 75-77 Game 1 defeat. Again in a bench role, the Spain international joined Jabari Parker in becoming the only Barcelona players to score in double-digits in both games by notching 11 points, 4 rebounds and 1 assist in his team’s 77-69 Game 2 triumph. Although his minutes were somewhat limited, spending 17:23 on the floor, Hernangomez provided more proof of his scoring touch, this time in a crucial victory that tied up the series.

Willy Hernangomez scored in double digits in both games against Olympiacos.

Willy Hernangomez gave Barcelona a boost

### Monaco’s guards caused damage off the bench

Mike James failed to score in double digits for the first time all season in Game 2, finishing the contest with 8 points, yet his off night was certainly compensated by Elie Okobo and Jordan Loyd, who came off the bench. In fact, James and fellow starter Matthew Strazel combined for 13 points on the night, the same total Okobo managed on his own. Just a couple of days on from leading his side with 19 points, Okobo showed how much he loves playing on the big stage. Loyd, meanwhile, added 15, having scored 11 of those points in the fourth quarter as Monaco finished strong to win 93-88 in Game 2 and even up the series at 1-1.

Elie Okobo and Jordan Loyd led a fourth-quarter comeback against Fenerbahce in Game 2 of their best-of-five playoff series.

Loyd and Okobo caused key damage off the bench

In the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague roll call, we take a look at five players who had a big impact for their respective teams in the first week of the playoffs.

Jordan Loyd scored 11 of his 15 points in the fourth quarter of AS Monaco Basket's Game 2 win against Fenerbahçe Beko, with defense also proving key.

Fourth-quarter defense, Loyd heroics saw Monaco pull through against Fenerbahce

AS Monaco came close to falling two games behind in its best-of-five Turkish Airlines EuroLeague playoff series against Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, but ironclad defense in the last 10 minutes of a captivating Game 2 helped the French side to [a lifeline 93-88 home win](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/resurgent-monaco-beats-fenerbahce-93-88-to-even-the-series/).

The outcome evened the tie, which is now bound for a doubleheader in Istanbul where Fenerbahce will arguably be the slight favorite to wrap it up and advance to the Final Four in Berlin. However, Monaco will be confident of snatching at least one road win and taking the series back to the principality for a potentially decisive Game 5, having shown a great deal of resolve and character to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">💪 Iᴍᴘᴏʀᴛᴀɴᴛ ᴡɪɴ. 1-1, ᴛᴡᴏ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴛᴏ ɢᴏ ✊<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RocaTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RocaTeam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EveryGameMatters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EveryGameMatters</a> <a href="https://t.co/q6kxI2cgBQ">pic.twitter.com/q6kxI2cgBQ</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket/status/1783965002409406754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The hosts appeared to be in cruise control after opening up a 27-13 lead in the first quarter, but the game took a vicious turn for Monaco after the visitors had flipped the contest on its head and carved out a 65-74 advantage heading into the fourth period.

### Big night by Motiejunas, Loyd

In the end, Monaco thrived from stepping up on defense when it mattered most, with [Donatas Motiejunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/donatas-motiejunas/lcz/) and [Jordan Loyd](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jordan-loyd/009754/) providing the offensive spark to compensate for a modest night by the EuroLeague’s all-time top scorer [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/), who failed to hit double digits in points for the first time this season, netting 8 points, although he did rack up 7 rebounds and as many assists.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Love this team. Always fighting, Always together. On to the next 🇲🇨 <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ASMonaco_Basket</a></p>&mdash; Jordan Loyd (@mrjloyd) <a href="https://twitter.com/mrjloyd/status/1783954866819281189?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Motiejunas shined throughout as he paced Monaco with 18 points, while Loyd stepped up to the plate in the fourth quarter when he netted 11 of his 15 points, including a crunch three-pointer with 12 seconds left which sealed the contest.

Both men drew praise from head coach Sasa Obradovic, who was relieved after seeing his team force shorthanded Fenerbahce into submission. With big man [Johnathan Motley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/johnathan-motley/011157/) already missing, the Turkish also lost center [Sertac Sanli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sertac-sanli/002968/) who limped off the court after twisting his ankle in the first quarter.

“At the end, Jordan \[Loyd\] – especially in this last quarter – this is why we have him and why we missed him,” the Serbian tactician said in the post-game press conference. “He's not at his maximum in his \[conditioning\], but obviously this is the guy who made the difference. And how outstanding was D-Mo today? On both ends. Hitting almost all shots and being a threat until the end."

As so often this term, Nigel Hayes-Davis was the architect of a series-opener success for Fenerbahce, combining 19 points with 7 rebounds in nearly 40 minutes, whereas improved perimeter defense could be a priority for Monaco, who target greater accuracy in its own deep game after going just 8-for-27.

AS Monaco-Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul | Playoffs Game 2 | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

### A game with twists and turns

Motiejunas acknowledged it took a massive effort to overpower Fenerbahce, with the visitors shooting 10 of 17 from downtown in the first half before its offense came to a screeching halt in the fourth quarter. [Tyler Dorsey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tyler-dorsey/009849/) and [Scottie Wilbekin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/scottie-wilbekin/006661/) scored 48 points between them for the visitors but [Nigel Hayes-Davis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nigel-hayes-davis/008962/) was below his lofty standards, netting a mere 10 after shooting 0 of 4 from long range. 

“It was a rollercoaster,” Motiejunas stated. “We started really well, then we fell behind but in the end we managed to go up again and I am really happy that the team showed character this time. A lot of emotions and a lot of energy, the guys left a lot on the floor and it only shows how tough this series is going to be. Every game is going to be a battle and we now have to get at least one win on the road.”

Loyd stressed that Monaco had to improve in many departments if the French team is to stand a chance of coming out on top in the tie, with Fenerbahce’s fervent home crowd bound to galvanize the Turkish side as the series moves to Istanbul next week.

“That’s a great team we played against,” Loyd commented. “We played some pretty decent basketball but still found ourselves in a tough spot. It’s an amazing win but we still have to clean up a lot of things.”

Jordan Loyd celebrates with the AS Monaco fans after his team's Game 2 win against Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul in the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs.

The home team prevailed in the home stretch as Jordan Loyd found his range when the chips were down

AS Monaco v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2024-04-26T17:00:00.000Z)

KK Partizan head coach Zeljko Obradovic has agreed a two-year contract extension, committing him to the club until 2026.

Zeljko Obradovic renews at KK Partizan until 2026

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade head coach [Zeljko Obradovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/par/obradovic-zeljko/) has agreed a two-year contract extension until 2026, the club announced on Saturday at a press conference in the Serbian capital.

"This agreement has been a mutual desire," Obradovic said. "As always, I will try to give my maximum. This is a club I feel, this is the club I love, and I can only repeat I am really happy I will continue to work at Partizan."

Obradovic, 64, has won an unprecedented nine Turkish Airlines EuroLeague trophies during a storied head coaching career. He is enjoying his second stint in charge at Partizan, where he had also been a player. His coaching career started there in 1991 and he stayed until 1993 before returning 28 years later in 2021.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">✍🏽.<br><br>Željko Obradović potpisao je novi dvogodišnji ugovor.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKPartizan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKPartizan</a> <a href="https://t.co/hMLEfTb0xw">pic.twitter.com/hMLEfTb0xw</a></p>&mdash; KK Partizan Mozzart Bet (@PartizanBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/PartizanBC/status/1784206154815406487?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

In between his two spells at Partizan, Obradovic led Joventut Badalona (1993-94), Real Madrid (1994-97), Benetton Treviso (1997-99), Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (1999-2012), and Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2013-20).

"When I played at Partizan, it was 1984, and today it is 2024. I felt great respect everywhere I've been, but I am experiencing here something that I have never experienced anything similar before," Obradovic added at the pres conference. "This is my city, this is my club, these are my people here. I will continue to stay here as long as those who are the most important, and those are the fans, think I am that man for the job."

### Obradovic’s second spell at Partizan

Obradovic guided Partizan to the BKT EuroCup Playoffs in his first campaign back on the club’s bench, with the Serbian side posting a 12-4 regular-season record – good for second place in Group A – before falling in the eighthfinals to eventual runner-up Frutti Extra Bursaspor.

Last season, Obradovic’s Partizan reached the EuroLeague Playoffs after grabbing the sixth seed with a 20-14 record. It then lost in Game 5 of a best-of-five series to Real Madrid, which went on to become the EuroLeague champion. He also guided the team to the ABA League crown.

This season, Partizan finished in 11th place, just missing out on the final spot for the Play-In Showdown, with a 16-18 record. Nonetheless, the club has left its mark on the competition, with Partizan leading the league in both[ average attendance at 19,916, and in its fill rate of 99%](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/euroleague-regular-season-attendance-reaches-new-highs/) at Belgrade Arena.

### A bona fide EuroLeague legend

Obradovic first became a EuroLeague champion with Partizan in 1991-92, in his debut season as a head coach, before lifting the title with Joventut in 1993-94, Real in 1994-95 and Panathinaikos in 1999-2000.

In the modern EuroLeague era, Obradovic secured four more EuroLeague titles with Panathinaikos – in 2001-02, 2006-07, 2008-09 and 2010-11 – before leading Fenerbahce all the way to glory in 2016-17.

Obradovic brought first EuroLeague titles four of those clubs – Partizan, Joventut, Panathinaikos and Fenerbahce. Only Real had lifted the trophy before the Serbian’s arrival.

Partizan fans will be hoping that Obradovic can help the club win its second-ever EuroLeague title in the coming seasons, more than 30 years since it first became the champion of Europe.

More Partizan News

Zeljko Obradovic during a Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade game in the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

The nine-time EuroLeague champion head coach has penned a two-year extension

Zeljko Obradovic renews at Partizan until 2026

Facundo Campazzo masterfully conducted Real Madrid’s offense on Thursday night, earning MVP of the Round honors after leading the reigning Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champion to a 101-90 Game 2 win over Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz and moving the team within one win of returning to the Final Four.

Playoffs Game 2 MVP: Facundo Campazzo, Real Madrid

[Facundo Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) masterfully conducted Real Madrid’s offense on Thursday night, earning MVP of the Round honors after leading the reigning Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champion to a 101-90 Game 2 win over Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz and moving the team within one win of returning to the Final Four.

Campazzo starred in his 27 minutes on the floor, scoring a game-high 24 points on 3-for-4 two-pointers and 4-for-5 three-point shooting while making all 6 of his free throws. Los Blancos' playmaker also dished 7 assists and pulled down 4 rebounds, accumulating a PIR of 33, the highest among all players in Game 2 action. It earned Campazzo the second MVP of the Round honor of his career, having previously got his first one earlier this season in Round 7.

The second-best performance in Game 2 belonged to [Kostas Sloukas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kostas-sloukas/001926/) of Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, who led the Greens to a series-tying 95-79 victory over Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv and had a PIR of 28. Sloukas set a new career high with 29 points, making a career-best 8-of-9 two-point shots and 4-of-7 threes. Baskonia's [Vanja Marinkovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/vanja-marinkovic/004761/) had a PIR of 24, collecting 20 points, 4 assists and 2 rebounds in a loss in Madrid. Rounding out the list of Game 2's top performers, all with a 22 PIR, are [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/) of Panathinaikos, [Codi Miller-McIntyre](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/codi-miller-mcintyre/009048/) of Baskonia and [Jabari Parker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jabari-parker/012745/) of FC Barcelona. Lessort collected 11 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and drew 7 fouls; Miller-McIntyre had 13 points, 8 assists and 6 rebounds; and Parker amassed 24 points and 5 rebounds.

Facundo Campazzo | Playoffs Game 2 MVP | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

#### Playoffs Game 2 individual highs: Vincent Poirier, 4 blocks

[Points](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/stats/expanded/?size=25&viewType=traditional&seasonCode=E2023&statisticMode=perGame&seasonMode=Single&sortDirection=descending&statistic=score)

Panathinaikos playmaker Sloukas scored 29 points, which not only led all players in Game 2 but is the most by any player in the 2023-24 EuroLeague Playoffs so far.

[Rebounds](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/stats/expanded/?size=25&viewType=traditional&seasonCode=E2023&statisticMode=perGame&seasonMode=Single&sortDirection=descending&statistic=totalRebounds)

Real Madrid center [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/) grabbed 9 rebounds, more than any other player in Game 2.

[Assists](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/stats/expanded/?size=25&viewType=traditional&seasonCode=E2023&statisticMode=perGame&seasonMode=Single&sortDirection=descending&statistic=assistances)

Miller-McIntyre of Baskonia finished with 8 assists, the most in Game 2 action. He continues as the league assists leader, averaging 7.2 per game.

[Steals](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/stats/expanded/?size=25&viewType=traditional&seasonCode=E2023&statisticMode=perGame&seasonMode=Single&sortDirection=descending&statistic=steals)

Tavares also posted 3 steals in Thursday's win over Baskonia, which means he led all Game 2 players in that category, too.

[Blocks](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/stats/expanded/?size=25&viewType=traditional&seasonCode=E2023&statisticMode=perGame&seasonMode=Single&sortDirection=descending&statistic=blocksFavour)

Real center [Vincent Poirier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/vincent-poirier/004887/) delivered 4 blocks in Game 2. He improved his season average to 1.6 blocks per night, the best in the league.

Los Blancos' point guard earned his second MVP award of the season.