Fenerbahçe Beko and Olympiacos BC made last year's EuroLeague Final Four and are aiming to go even further this season, making their Round 1 matchup must-see TV.

Final Four-chasing Fenerbahçe, Olympiacos set for Round 1 collision

Two powerhouses with super-high expectations, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul and Olympiacos Piraeus, clash on Friday night (19:30 CEST) in Round 1 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague campaign.

Both teams are coming off appearances at the 2024 EuroLeague Final Four in Berlin, where they met in the third-place game. It was not the finish to the season they wanted, so both clubs went out and made the changes they felt were necessary to take another step forward.

Now, following the additions they have made, Fenerbahce and Olympiacos enter the new season as not only a strong contender to make the Final Four but to win the whole thing.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Yeni sezon, yeni heyecan! 🙌<br><br>Haydi! 💪<br><br>Yine son ana dek, omuz omuza, hep birlikte mücadele edelim! 💛💙<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YellowLegacy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YellowLegacy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/CChBHm6rJU">pic.twitter.com/CChBHm6rJU</a></p>&mdash; Fenerbahçe Beko (@FBBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol/status/1842153492971962369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Fenerbahce let Nick Calathes and Georgios Papagiannis head out the door, but coach Sarunas Jasikevicius was able to welcome several notable signings. All-EuroLeague guard [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/wade-baldwin-iv/009863/) and forward [Bonzie Colson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/bonzie-colson/009783/) joined from Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, while [Nicolo Melli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nicolo-melli/002849/) – returning to Fenerbahce after playing there between 2017 and 2019 – came in from EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, as did [Devon Hall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/devon-hall/011205/). The Turkish side also added size under its rims with the arrivals of ex-NBA duo [Boban Marjanovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/boban-marjanovic/lmg/) and [Khem Birch](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/khem-birch/007182/).

Olympiacos, meanwhile, brought back the 2023 EuroLeague MVP, [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/), as well as [Tyler Dorsey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tyler-dorsey/009849/), two key players in its run to the 2023 championship game. The Reds then bolstered their perimeter with scorer [Evan Fournier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/evan-fournier/013380/) and playmaker [Luca Vildoza](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/luca-vildoza/007947/), while the only significant loss from last year’s roaster was the departure of [Isaiah Canaan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaiah-canaan/010612/).

So, after a lot of additions and just a few subtractions, both clubs are not hiding anything: they are ready to fight for the 2024-25 EuroLeague title.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🔴⚪𝗜𝘁&#39;𝘀 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗮𝘆 <br>🏀 <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@euroleague</a> - Round 1<br>🆚 Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul<br>🕒 20:30 🇬🇷 <br>📌 Ulker Sports and Event Hall<br>📺 Novasports Prime<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/y2yBJw7N2U">pic.twitter.com/y2yBJw7N2U</a></p>&mdash; Olympiacos B.C. (@Olympiacos_BC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympiacos_BC/status/1842127375838110039?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

If one wonders what kind of a game to expect on the Asian side of Istanbul on Friday night, just take a peek at how their three head-to-head games went last season.

In the third-place game at the 2024 Final Four in Berlin, [Olympiacos beat Fenerbahce 87-84](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-left-the-final-four-on-a-high/). Both clashes between Fenerbahce and Olympiacos in the 2023-24 regular season were also decided by three points or fewer. In Round 6, [Fenerbahce held on for a 79-77 home victory](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-fenerbahce-basketball-vs-olympiacos-bc/), while Round 34 saw [Olympiacos grab an 84-81 overtime win](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/live-blog-olympiacos-bc-vs-fenerbahce-beko/).

Olympiacos - Fenerbahce | Third-Place Game HIGHLIGHTS | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

The Reds will be missing big man [Moustapha Fall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/moustapha-fall/008811/) and [Nikola Milutinov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-milutinov/003941/), but don’t doubt that coach Georgios Bartzokas will have a couple of things up his sleeve.

So, make sure to tune in to EuroLeague TV this Friday night to watch this can’t-miss EuroLeague bout between two giants. Grab your popcorn, too.

Game News

A pair of EuroLeague giants go against one another on the Asian side of Istanbul on Friday night

Final Four-chasing Fenerbahce, Olympiacos set for Round 1 collision

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v Olympiacos Piraeus (2024-10-04T17:30:00.000Z)

The fans of FC Bayern Basketball were treated to a show in the first-ever EuroLeague game at SAP Garden, the club's new home, as Gordie Herbert's side defeated 10-time champion Real Madrid on Thursday night.

Bayern’s new home already delivering top-class entertainment

FC Bayern Munich boasts a sparkling new home for the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season, with the 12,500-capacity SAP Garden opening its doors for the first time on Thursday night [with a visit from Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/bayern-munich-takes-opening-night-thriller-over-real-madrid-97-89/).

And after a dramatic and glitzy official opening ceremony featuring Bayern club president Herbert Hainer, honorary president Uli Hoeness and the basketball section’s boss, Marko Pesic, the stage was perfectly set for the home team players to strut their stuff in a prestigious season opener against the mighty Real Madrid.

They did not disappoint.

With Euroleague Basketball President Dejan Bodiroga and CEO Paulius Motiejunas looking on – as well as Bayern football stars Serge Gnabry and Joshua Kimmich – coach Gordie Herbert’s men started their club’s new era with a spectacular offensive exhibition in the first half.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Our CEO Paulius Motiejunas and President Dejan Bodiroga present at the opening of SAP Garden in Munich!<br><br>Hear their thoughts on this special 2024-25 season🗣️ <a href="https://t.co/7RxgPkvVPA">pic.twitter.com/7RxgPkvVPA</a></p>&mdash; Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1841916232712520153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Andreas Obst](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/andreas-obst/004508/) was the first to shine, netting 8 points in 90 seconds, including the first two long-range strikes in SAP Garden. Then summer arrivals [Johannes Voigtmann](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/johannes-voigtmann/007201/) and [Shabazz Napier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shabazz-napier/011224/) joined in the fun by sinking three-pointers, allowing Bayern to christen its new home by scoring 25 points in the first eight minutes.

But Real Madrid are not exactly the kind of opponent to simply roll over and allow the hosts to enjoy their opening party with a comfortable win, and the Spanish giant showed its class by taking control of the contest and threatening to play the role of party pooper.

The first warning came at the end of the first quarter, when a 1-11 run was concluded by new Real signing [Xavier Rathan-Mayes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/xavier-rathan-mayes/013378/) sinking an improbable half-court shot to beat the buzzer and give his team a 26-29 lead.

The second quarter saw Bayern again start strong before once more Real responded, with both teams producing impressively efficient offensive production at this early stage of the season. By halftime, Bayern had converted 9 of its 13 two-point attempts and 9 of 19 from long range, while Real was even more impressive with 15 of 18 from inside the arc and 4 of 9 from deep, allowing both teams to surpass the half-century mark with a 52-51 scoreline.

Bayern Munich vs. Real Madrid | Round 1 Highlights | 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

When Real then blasted clear in the third quarter, embarking upon a 0-13 run to take a double-digit advantage, Bayern fans would have been forgiven for thinking that their special opening night would end in disappointment.

But the home team players had other ideas, with triples from Voigtmann and Napier – new signings enjoying the bright lights of the new arena – taking Bayern back into the lead. [Carsen Edwards](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/carsen-edwards/011987/) was also on fire as Bayern scored 18 points in the first five minutes of the final period, and another Voigtmann three-pointer appeared to have sealed the deal as Real looked to be running out of steam.

The Spanish side cannot be written off so easily, though, and [Facu Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) inspired a comeback which made it a one-point game, 90-89, with 20 seconds to play.

So, the new arena had a grandstand finale in a meeting between two of the world’s most famous sporting institutions. The perfect script had been written, and it was given a perfect ending for the hosts as team captain [Vladimir Lucic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/vladimir-lucic/001288/) – a Bayern stalwart since 2016 – stayed cool at the free-throw line to drag his team over the winning line.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thank you fans for this amazing support tonight! ❤️🤍<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCBB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCBB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BAYRMB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BAYRMB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/jTiteXBIbZ">pic.twitter.com/jTiteXBIbZ</a></p>&mdash; FC Bayern Basketball (@FCBBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBBasketball/status/1841963336700776933?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The only problem now is that such a high bar has been set: can SAP Garden deliver such high-level entertainment every week? Surely not… but it will be fun to find out.

SAP Garden was electric on Thursday night as coach Gordie Herbert inspired his team to a famous win over Real Madrid

FC Bayern Munich v Real Madrid (2024-10-03T18:45:00.000Z)

Pablo Laso got off to a winning start in his first game as the head coach of Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz, his hometown club, as the team beat KK Partizan in Round 1 of the 2024-25 EuroLeague season.

Baskonia showed steel to give Pablo Laso a perfect homecoming 

For three quarters, it looked like Pablo Laso would not have much to cheer about after his first game in charge of Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz, where the 56-year-old tactician started out as a player at the young age of 17 and spent 11 seasons at the club.

Laso also enjoyed a glorious 11-year spell as a coach at Real Madrid, where he won two Turkish EuroLeague titles before moving to Bayern Munich in 2023. With much fanfare, [Laso took over at Baskonia in June](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/baskonia-appoints-pablo-laso-as-head-coach/) this year and appeared set for a sour start in Round 1 against Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade as the visitors were in the driving seat until midway through the fourth quarter.

However, Baskonia then forced the final twist thanks to ironclad defense coupled with some inspired offense.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Un momento HISTÓRICO 💙❤️<br><br>Pablo Laso salta, entre aplausos de toda su afición, a la pista del Buesa Arena como técnico azulgrana 🫡<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoazenBaskonia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoazenBaskonia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/pablolaso?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@pablolaso</a> <a href="https://t.co/at7Gcq9tmN">pic.twitter.com/at7Gcq9tmN</a></p>&mdash; Baskonia (@Baskonia) <a href="https://twitter.com/Baskonia/status/1841905993405587506?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

New signing [Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/timothe-luwawu-cabarrot/012080/) provided the spark in a tough 88-82 win with a flawless all-round display and the rest of the team followed in his footsteps, with five home players finishing in double digits. Crucially, Baskonia outmuscled Partizan in the paint as the hosts racked up 6 blocks to Partizan’s zero and won the battle of the boards 30-27, just enough to put a smile on Laso’s face.

“We knew Partizan was going to stay tough,” the visibly relieved Baskonia head coach said in a post-game courtside interview. “Our offensive performance was better in the second half; we were able to move the ball and get easier shots as well as better percentages. We got our rhythm back offensively and we did a good job on defense throughout the game.”

Laso could not stress enough just how much the fervent home crowd support meant to Baskonia when the chips were down.

“I know what it means to play here and without the fan support we would never have won this game. They were fantastic, the atmosphere was great and winning the first home game means a lot to us,” he added.

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz head coach Pablo Laso shares his thoughts after his team's win against Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade in Round 1 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

Pablo Laso: 'I know what it means to play here'

Luwawu-Cabarrot, who mixed long-range shooting with an audacious slam dunk to earn the player of the game award on the back of 15 points and 4 boards, hinted he had fit seamlessly after joining Baskonia from LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne this summer.

“I am feeling great, it’s a great victory for us and it’s just what we needed after the setback against Tenerife \[in the Spanish League\],” the versatile Frenchman said. “It was a team win and everybody contributed. My teammates are great, they give me confidence and the coach is great, too. I work every single day for big moments and it’s awesome \[to make big plays\].”

Captain [Tadas Sedekerskis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tadas-sedekerskis/007230/) echoed Luwawu-Cabarrot’s words, having sank 14 points to go with 6 boards. “It’s a super important win because it’s a new team with a lot of new players,” noted the Lithuania forward. “They work hard and we have a great chemistry in the locker room, and that’s the most important thing.”

Baskonia visits Partizan’s archrival Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade in Round 2, while Partizan continues its Spanish tour with a daunting trip to last season’s runner-up Real Madrid.  

The outfit from the Basque Country excelled offensively in the second half and delighted their head coach in his first game in charge of his boyhood club 

Baskonia went up a gear to give Pablo Laso a perfect homecoming 

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz v Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (2024-10-03T18:30:00.000Z)

Johannes Voigtmann and Shabazz Napier, two of FC Bayern Basketball's two summer additions, were among the star performers as the club opened SAP Garden with a famous win against Real Madrid in Round 1 of the 2024-25 EuroLeague season.

New Bayern stars thrilled by opening night win

A new arena, and two new stars… FC Bayern Munich enormously enjoyed its first night at the brand-new SAP Garden, [overcoming the mighty Real Madrid 97-89](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/bayern-munich-takes-opening-night-thriller-over-real-madrid-97-89/) in a game that was only decided in the last minute.

As well as the luxury of their new home, the German team's fans were equally thrilled by the contribution of two summer signings who made spectacular debuts to turn the dream victory into a memorable reality: [Johannes Voigtmann](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/johannes-voigtmann/007201/) and [Shabazz Napier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shabazz-napier/011224/).

And from their post-game comments, the new star duo are also pretty happy to be there.

Game Videos

Big man Voigtmann started his Bayern career with a double-double, draining 19 points on 5-of-9 three-point shooting and also grabbing 10 rebounds plus 4 assists.

The former Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz, CSKA Moscow and EA7 Emporio Armani Milan center is entering his ninth season in the competition so there’s not too much he hasn’t already seen, but he admitted the nerves were jangling before tipoff on the occasion of his 250th EuroLeague appearance.

“This was a big game for us,” said the 32-year-old. “Not only the first game of the EuroLeague season but also in the new arena. Everybody was a bit nervous before the game because we’d never played here – we’d never even practiced here – but it was incredible.

“We were down after three quarters but we came back, and it was pretty emotional. That’s the way we want to play, that’s the way we want to fight, and it feels very good right now.”

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a performance by Jo in his 250th game in the <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a> 🤯<br><br>19 Points, 10 Rebounds, 4 Assists, 1 Steal <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCBB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCBB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeBallTogether?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeBallTogether</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BAYRMB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BAYRMB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/aNRZOehy6A">pic.twitter.com/aNRZOehy6A</a></p>&mdash; FC Bayern Basketball (@FCBBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBBasketball/status/1841948919019798982?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Fellow newcomer Napier was the only other player who came close to matching Voigtmann’s impact on the game, with the guard posting a game-high 25 points by converting 4 of his 7 two-point attempts and an impressive 4 of 5 from long range.

And Napier, who last season represented both Milan and Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade, was equally enthusiastic about his new home: “It was amazing. Playing against one of the best teams in Europe, we fought to the end, and the fans did a hell of a job in pushing us to the end.

“Resilience \[was the key\]. A lot of us got tired, including myself, and at moments we had our heads down. But we stuck together, and the fans helped us win. We did an amazing job in the fourth quarter to push back and today was a great win.”

A great win it truly was, leaving Bayern fans optimistic that their team can challenge any team in Europe this season – especially if the new recruits maintain their spectacular early standards.

Johannes Voigtmann and Shabazz Napier starred on a special occasion against Real Madrid

Tamir Blatt made up for the departures of Wade Baldwin and Lorenzo Brown by leading Maccabi Tel Aviv BC to a Round 1 victory against LDLC ASVEL to start the 2024-25 EuroLeague season.

What Baldwin-Brown backcourt? Blatt has career night in opener

On Thursday night, [Tamir Blatt](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tamir-blatt/011193/) made Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv fans quickly forget about last season’s star backcourt of [Wade Baldwin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/wade-baldwin-iv/009863/) and [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/lorenzo-brown/009622/). The playmaker couldn’t have tipped off the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season any better, enjoying a career night and home victory.

The 27-year-old point guard Blatt posted career highs of 21 points, 12 assists and 36 PIR in [Maccabi’s 89-82 win over LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/report-maccabi-vs-asvel/). Blatt made 4-of-5 two-pointers, all 4 of his three-point attempts and his lone free throw, topping his previous best of 17 points for ALBA Berlin against FC Barcelona on December 1, 2022.

Tamir Blatt finished with 21 points, 12 points and a 36 PIR as Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv beat LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne 89-82 in Round 1 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Tamir Blatt's big night vs. ASVEL

Blatt, who also had 2 rebounds, 1 steal, 3 fouls drawn and just 2 turnovers in the game, eclipsed his previous high in assists of 9 versus EA7 Emporio Armani Milan on April 11, 2024, for Maccabi. And his best PIR before this game was 20 for ALBA against Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens on October 19, 2022.

“I feel great. I am really happy for the guys and for the team,” said Blatt, who is playing his second season back with a native Israeli club after two seasons in Germany with ALBA. “It was a great team effort and I’m happy we got the first win.”

About his strong performance, Blatt said: “It’s great to play well and I’m happy and the guys really helped me to get to my spots. The most important thing is that we got the win and we move forward.”

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">TB&#39;s opening night 💪<br>(📸 Djordje Kostic) <a href="https://t.co/POdDEtbTPj">pic.twitter.com/POdDEtbTPj</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC 🇮🇱​ (@MaccabiTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC/status/1841942000922460448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Blatt’s performance comes after he averaged 7.0 points, 1.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 19 minutes over 38 games last season. But because Maccabi had point guards such as Baldwin and Brown, Blatt did not start a single game last season in the EuroLeague.

Maccabi coach Oded Kattash had Blatt on the court for nearly 29 minutes against ASVEL. Blatt’s performance also gave Kattash less reason to play new point guard [Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/rokas-jokubaitis/007519/) as the Lithuanian playmaker from FC Barcelona played 15 minutes, scoring 4 points and dishing 2 assists.

It was a tremendous start to the season for Blatt in a good Maccabi victory. Who were the team’s guards again last season?

The Israeli guard fired on all cylinders in Round 1

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv v LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (2024-10-03T19:00:00.000Z)

Zalgiris Kaunas fans have a new hero to cheer for after Sylvain Francisco came to the fore late on during his debut, scoring key points in the fourth quarter to help beat FC Barcelona on the opening day of the 2024-25 EuroLeague season.

Sylvain Francisco showed his clutch gene on Zalgiris debut

Drawing energy from the home crowd inside Zalgirio Arena, Zalgiris Kaunas hit the ground running in the first half, holding FC Barcelona to just 31 points and taking a 12-point lead into the halftime interval.

Following the break, the guests turned the game around and tied the score at 48-48 with 2:07 minutes left on the clock in the third quarter. From that point on, Barcelona made the contest a tight affair, with Jabari Parker bringing his squad within 57-54 midway through the closing quarter.

Sylvain Francisco had 19 points in 17:44 minutes on his Zalgiris Kaunas debut as his side beat FC Barcelona 74-67 in Round 1 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Barcelona could not deal with Sylvain Francisco

Then, it was [Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sylvain-francisco/007975/)’s time to shine. The Zalgiris guard came off the bench and carried the team on his shoulders, [leading the hosts to a 74-67 victory](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/zalgiris-kaunas-powers-past-barcelona-74-67/). A step-back triple was followed by two baskets in traffic as he single-handedly extended Zalgiris’s lead to 64-56. The visitors fought back and scored four unanswered points, but Francisco came to the fore again, smoothly dribbling around and breaking Alex Abrines’s ankles before drilling a buzzer-beating triple with 2:17 remaining.

In the post-game interview, the Zalgiris summer signing credited a EuroLeague legend for his clutch three-pointer with less than 30 seconds to go that almost took the roof off Zalgirio Arena. “Shoutout to \[Olympiacos Piraeus great Vassilis\] Spanoulis, ‘cause that’s his move at the end of the day,” Francisco told EuroLeague TV.

Zalgiris Kaunas guard Sylvain Francisco channeled his inner Vassilis Spanoulis as his team beat FC Barcelona 74-67 in Round 1 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Sylvain Francisco: 'Shout out to Spanoulis, that's his move!'

Francisco finished the night with a game-high 19 points, 15 of which were scored in the last four and a half minutes. “I had to play my game and play for my team, too,” he added. “The third quarter was kind of messed up. I think I realized they were going to play defense on me and on every guy. So, I made sure I run the team first and then play for myself. And they let me do everything, so I was hot and I just took advantage.”

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Showed up in style, delivered in game. 😮‍💨 <a href="https://t.co/3DJiSQFLjL">pic.twitter.com/3DJiSQFLjL</a></p>&mdash; BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) <a href="https://twitter.com/bczalgiris/status/1841937545929883699?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The 27-year-old guard may have stood out on Thursday, but head coach Andrea Trinchieri stressed that the team’s effort on defense was what allowed the hosts to clinch the victory. “I believe that every player helped us to win the game,” the Zalgiris boss told EuroLeague TV. “Everybody saw Francisco doing Francisco stuff. \[He was\] very important, a game changer. But I would also underline the defense of [\[Laurynas\] Birutis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/laurynas-birutis/005504/), [Arnas \[Butkevicius\]](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/arnas-butkevicius/002676/) and [Matthew Mitchell](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/matthew-mitchell/012622/). We need each other. This is a team win.”

[Keenan Evans](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/keenan-evans/011218/)’s departure in the summer may have been a blow for Zalgiris, but Francisco demonstrated on Thursday that the Lithuanian side may have well found a new clutch player who can step up in the final minutes. With its confidence sky-high after a season-opening victory over Barcelona, Zalgiris will travel to Greece next week to take on another EuroLeague powerhouse in Olympiacos Piraeus.

He put on a show in the closing stages to put Barcelona to bed at Zalgirio Arena

Zalgiris Kaunas v FC Barcelona (2024-10-03T17:00:00.000Z)

FC Bayern Basketball secured a memorable 97-89 win over Real Madrid in the first EuroLeague game at SAP Garden in Round 1 of the 2024-25 season.

Bayern takes opening night thriller over Real Madrid, 97-89

In a thrilling contest of constant swings in momentum, FC Bayern Munich eventually overcame Real Madrid 97-89 to claim a famous victory from the first game at the spectacular new SAP Garden.

The first two quarters followed the same pattern, with Bayern starting strong but Real responding to keep it close at halftime. The script was flipped as the Spanish team surged clear with a 0-13 run after the break, but Bayern came back magnificently with its own 13-0 run to grab the win.

Johannes Voigtmann inspired Bayern with a double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds, Shabazz Napier was the top scorer with 25 points and Carsen Edwards contributed 14. Facundo Campazzo led Real with 19 points and 9 assists, Dzanan Musa netted 18 points and Walter Tavares had 12 points and 9 boards in a losing effort.

Both teams focused their early efforts inside, with Tavares and Musa netting for Real while Vladimir Lucic and Devin Booker answered for the host. Andreas Obst scored 8 points in 90 seconds, including a pair of two three-pointers, making it 14-7. A flurry of threeballs from Voigtmann and Napier kept the host ahead, but Musa and Serge Ibaka both scored from close and long-range, and Xavier Rathan-Mayes incredibly beat the buzzer from mid-court to make it 26-29 after 10 minutes.

Napier scored five points straight early in the second, before Niels Giffey struck a corner three and Edwards had a layup-and-one to complete a 13-0 run for a 39-31 lead. Rathan-Mayes rescued Real with a three-point play, but Napier and Voigtmann again struck from deep, and Booker netted at the basket for the game’s first double-digit lead, 49-38. Sergio Llull’s three-pointer, Tavares’s dunk and Campazzo’s transition jumper pulled Real back, 50-49. Oscar da Silva’s free throws snapped a 0-9 run, and Gaby Deck’s tough layup made it 52-51 at the break.

Voigtmann’s basket at the rim opened the third quarter scoring, but triples from Alberto Abalde and Campazzo, along with a pair of inside strikes from Musa, sent Real ahead, 54-61. Tavares’s three-point play completed a 0-13 run to give the visitor a double-digit lead, before Napier’s fast-break layup ended Bayern’s five-minute scoring drought. Campazzo struck from deep but Booker boosted Bayern with a three-pointer and a showtime slam, 61-69, and Napier added a jumper and one to make it 64-73 with ten minutes remaining.

Da Silva and Edwards scored the first 5 points of the final period, before Rathan-Mayes reignited Real. But Voigtmann’s fourth triple of the night was followed by Niels Giffey from deep, tying it up at 75-75. Edwards scored four straight points and Napier hit his fourth three-pointer, giving the host an 82-77 lead midway through the period. Voigtmann stretched the advantage into double digits with another deep strike, completing a 13-0 run. Campazzo’s layup and Musa’s three-pointer gave Real hope, and Campazzo struck from deep to make it 90-87 inside the last minute. Campazzo’s free throws made it 90-89, but Lucic also held his nerve from the line to seal the win.

On a special night for the German side, it recorded a memorable victory

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz secured an 88-82 win over KK Partizan in Round 1 of the 2024-25 EuroLeague season.

Baskonia grinds down Partizan, 88-82, thanks to cohesive team effort

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz celebrated an impressive 88-82 home win over Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade in Round 1 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague after coming from behind in an enthralling contest which lit up a packed Buesa Arena.

New arrival Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, who joined Baskonia from French rival LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne during the offseason, came up big on his debut for the Spanish outfit as he earned the player of the game award after racking up 15 points, 4 boards, 2 assists and 1 block in a smooth all-round performance.

Sharpshooter Markus Howard netted a team-high 17 points for Baskonia, captain Tadas Sedekerskis added 14, Chima Moneke posted 13 and Trent Forrest chipped in with 10, including a clutch three-pointer off the glass in the fourth quarter which gave the home team the lead for good, 73-72.

At the other end, twin towers Tyrique Jones and Brandon Davies carried a new-look Partizan with 22 and 20 points, respectively. Vanja Marinkovic scored 11 points against his former club and Iffe Lundberg netted 10 for the visitors, who ran out of steam down the stretch after dominating the first half.

Ironclad defense saw Partizan engineer a 32-38 first-half lead, with Tyrique Jones proving a handful for Baskonia’s big men. Davis too enjoyed plain sailing on offense, with Partizan sinking five shots from downtown in the opening two quarters while stifling out Baskonia’s long-range artillery.  

Jones continued to torment his markers in the third, scoring 9 points in the opening five minutes with some lightning moves close to the rim, but Howard and Luwawu-Cabarrot found their range too at the other end as Baskonia slashed the deficit to 59-60 heading into the final 10 minutes of a rip-roaring matchup.

The home fans were in raptures when Luwawu-Cabarrot scored the final basket of the third period, rounding his marker before he took off and rocked the rim with a one-handed slam jam which could figure as a strong contender for one of the best dunks of the season.

With Jones slowly running out of steam, Davis took over the mantle for Partizan early in the fourth quarter, but one could sense the visitors would be forced into submission after Forrest made that audacious shot off the glass to turn the tide.

With their confidence high, Baskonia hit top gear in a frantic finish and made sure they gave head coach Pablo Laso a dream debut on an emotional homecoming to his boyhood club, where he featured as a player from 1984 to 1995.

Davies and Marinkovic kept Partizan barely afloat in the last two minutes with a couple of fine shots from deep, but it was too little too late as Howard kept his nerve from the foul line to seal Baskonia’s victory.

The home side trailed for much of the contest and then prevailed down the stretch with five players finishing in double digits

Maccabi Tel Aviv BC leaned on a strong fourth quarter to beat LDLC ASVEL 89-82 in Round 1 of the 2024-25 EuroLeague season.

Maccabi comes from behind to beat ASVEL, 89-82

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv opened its Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season in style with an 89-82 victory over LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, coming back from 10 points down in a game that featured 23 lead changes.

Tamir Blatt had career highs of 21 points, 12 assists and 37 PIR for Maccabi while Jaylen Hoard and Jordan Loyd both scored 15 points, while Jasiel Rivero added 11 points and 9 rebounds. Joffrey Lauvergne paced ASVEL with 17 points and Paris Lee tallied 12 points and 4 assists. 

Theo Maledon knocked down a three-pointer for ASVEL’s first points of the season and Loyd did the honors for Maccabi before Rivero gave the home side its first lead. That was the start of a breathtaking back and forth with 14 lead changes in the first quarter - Lauvergne pouring in 9 points for the guests and Rokas Jokubaitis scoring two straight baskets for Maccabi. ASVEL finished strong with the final nine points on a couple of three-point plays by Nando De Colo and Mbaye Ndiaye and a buzzer-beater triple from Edwin Jackson to lead 24-31 after 10 minutes.

ASVEL continued the surge in the second quarter and Jackson gave the French side a 10-point lead, 26-36. Blatt stepped up at the other end with two three-pointers and Roman Sorkin put Maccabi back ahead 43-42. Lauvergne and Hoard went at it in the paint against each other and the game went back and forth again with four lead changes to end the first half with ASVEL up 51-52 at the break.

Early in the second half, Lee and David Lighty hit triples and ASVEL was up 54-58. Maccabi had a strong spurt of 10-2 with Rivero book-ending the run with scores and a 64-60 cushion. A Lee triple pushed the guests back into the lead, 64-65. Two Tarik Black scores had ASVEL up 65-69, but the score was level 70-70 after three quarters.

Shaq Harrison tallied the first five points of the third quarter to give ASVEL a five-point lead. John DiBartolomeo trimmed the margin to 77-78 on a three-pointer for Maccabi. The defenses of both teams were finally getting consistent stops, though Lauvergne made it 77-82. Blatt and DiBartolomeo both hit triples at the other end and Maccabi was up 83-82 with 2 minutes to play. Blatt then hooked up on alley-oop dunks by Hoard on back-to-back possessions to make it 87-82 with 30 seconds to play to decide the game. 

The Israeli side went to another gear in the fourth quarter to win the game