AS Monaco Basket beat KK Partizan 85-70 in Round 24 of the 2023-24 EuroLeague season, with Mike James going joint second in the competition's all-time scoring list.

Monaco Basket brushes KK Partizan aside, 85-70, as Mike James hits milestone

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Mike James of AS Monaco seeks a teammate during his team's win against Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade in Round 24 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

The hosts boosted their chances of securing direct qualification to the playoffs.

Monaco brushes Partizan aside, 85-70, as Mike James hits milestone

AS Monaco v Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (2024-01-31T18:00:00.000Z)

Zalgiris Kaunas thrashed Anadolu Efes S.K. 96-70 in Round 24 of the 2023-24 EuroLeague season.

Zalgiris Kaunas wipes the floor with Anadolu Efes, 96-70

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Rolands Smits of Zalgiris Kaunas looks to get away from Derek Willis of Anadolu Efes Istanbul in Round 24 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

There was no stopping Andrea Trinchieri's side on Wednesday night.

Zalgiris wipes the floor with Efes, 96-70

Zalgiris Kaunas v Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2024-01-31T18:00:00.000Z)

Round 24 in the EuroLeague is here, with the playoff race starting to heat up as we enter the home stretch.

EuroLeague Game Center: The double-round week starts now!

### Wednesday, January 31

[Zalgiris Kaunas 96-70 Anadolu Efes Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-zalgiris-kaunas-vs-anadolu-efes-sk/)

Zalgiris remains perfect at home in the Andrea Trinchieri era after beating Efes 96-70 in Round 24. After losing by 4 points at Efes back in Round 7, Wednesday night's 26-point victory gave Zalgiris the head-to-head advantage. Both teams now share a 9-15 record.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">From start to finish! ✅ <br><br>Zalgiris celebrates victory after a perfect game at <a href="https://twitter.com/ZalgirioArena?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZalgirioArena</a>! 💚 <a href="https://t.co/RdU9fCxSgL">pic.twitter.com/RdU9fCxSgL</a></p>&mdash; BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) <a href="https://twitter.com/bczalgiris/status/1752784979891716416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[AS Monaco 85-70 Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-as-monaco-basket-vs-kk-partizan/)

Monaco romped to an 85-70 home win over Partizan in Round 24, improving to 14-10 as Mike James went joint second in the competition's all-time scoring list. Partizan dropped to 12-12 as its poor road form continued despite a fine individual performance from Kevin Punter.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">📢 𝙌𝙪𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙚 𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝙙𝙚 𝙡𝙖 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%F0%9D%99%8D%F0%9D%99%A4%F0%9D%99%98%F0%9D%99%96%F0%9D%99%8F%F0%9D%99%9A%F0%9D%99%96%F0%9D%99%A2?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#𝙍𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙏𝙚𝙖𝙢</a> ! ❤️‍🔥<br><br>✅️ Dans une ambiance survoltée, l&#39;ASM s&#39;impose 🆚️ <a href="https://twitter.com/PartizanBC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PartizanBC</a> et enchaîne un 3️⃣e succès de rang en <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a> 📈<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/7YZPb7YvjJ">pic.twitter.com/7YZPb7YvjJ</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket/status/1752785521049313726?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens 79-62 EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-panathinaikos-bc-vs-olimpia-milano/)

Panathinaikos led from start to finish in a 79-62 win against Milan on Wednesday night. The hosts produced another solid performance on defense that caused plenty of problems for the Italian side. With its fifth straight win at home, PAO improved to a 15-9 record, while Milan dropped to 10-14.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Final Score ☘️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/paobcaktor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#paobcaktor</a> - <a href="https://twitter.com/OlimpiaMI1936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OlimpiaMI1936</a> 79-62 <a href="https://t.co/e7eZoylt8L">pic.twitter.com/e7eZoylt8L</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/paobcgr/status/1752800370227556615?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[FC Barcelona 84-57 Virtus Segafredo Bologna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-barca-basket-vs-virtus-bologna/)

FC Barcelona claimed sole possession of second place in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague standings by downing Virtus Segafredo Bologna 84-57 at Palau Blaugrana on Wednesday. Barca improved to 16-8 while Virtus dropped to 15-9.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐀𝐀𝐀𝐋! Quin cop d&#39;autoritat a la segona posició 🫡 <a href="https://t.co/ClIKKfSZut">pic.twitter.com/ClIKKfSZut</a></p>&mdash; Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket/status/1752802417949708681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Tuesday, January 30

[FC Bayern Munich 112-109 Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (after OT)](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-fc-bayern-basketball-vs-saski-baskonia/)

Bayern missed a chance to close the deal in regulation but found a way to pull out a 112-109 overtime win over the visiting Baskonia on Tuesday night. The win not only improved Bayern to a 10-14 record but gave it a sweep of Baskonia, which dropped to a 12-12 mark.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 𝐖𝐈𝐍 ❗❗❗<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCBB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCBB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BAYBKN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BAYBKN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroLeague</a> (c) Pahnke <a href="https://t.co/f1fCDdu3FA">pic.twitter.com/f1fCDdu3FA</a></p>&mdash; FC Bayern Basketball (@FCBBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBBasketball/status/1752440403255513191?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne 73-83 Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-ldlc-asvel-vs-fenerbahce-beko/)

Fenerbahce overturned a double-digit first half deficit to overcome bottom club ASVEL 73-83 on Tuesday night. ASVEL's Mike Scott scored 21 points in the first half to seemingly lead the French club towards an upset win, but Fener bounced back after the break and looked comfortable in the fourth quarter.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Lyon&#39;da Galibiyet Bizim!<br><br>Tebrikler Fenerbahçe Beko! 👏<br><br>Maç Sonucu | <a href="https://twitter.com/LDLCASVEL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LDLCASVEL</a> 🆚 Fenerbahçe Beko: 73-83<br><br>Skor dağılımımız: Motley 24, Wilbekin 17, Noua 11, Calathes 8, Sertaç 8, Guduric 7, Papagiannis 5, Biberovic 3. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YellowLegacy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YellowLegacy</a> <a href="https://t.co/QjgnZoZBlV">pic.twitter.com/QjgnZoZBlV</a></p>&mdash; Fenerbahçe Beko (@FBBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol/status/1752436996130148418?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade 82-64 Valencia Basket](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-kk-crvena-zvezda-vs-valencia-basket/)

Crvena Zvezda kept its hopes of making the EuroLeague Playoffs alive by defeating Valencia 82-64 at Stark Arena on Tuesday night. This win improved the Serbian side to a 10-14 mark, while the Spanish team dropped to 12-12. Having lost by 4 points at Valencia earlier this season, Zvezda's 18-point triumph means it holds the head-to-head advantage if needed at the end of the regular season.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Great team effort to grab the victory ✅<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kkcz?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kkcz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreTheTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreTheTeam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EveryGameMatters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EveryGameMatters</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/sportmts?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sportmts</a> <a href="https://t.co/8lGPLxx5GS">pic.twitter.com/8lGPLxx5GS</a></p>&mdash; KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet (@kkcrvenazvezda) <a href="https://twitter.com/kkcrvenazvezda/status/1752436922213974483?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Olympiacos Piraeus 101-87 ALBA Berlin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-olympiacos-bc-vs-alba-berlin/)

Olympiacos grabbed a 101-87 victory over ALBA to extend its winning streak at home to four games. The visitors dictated the pace in the first half, but Olympiacos bounced back after the break to get back to winning ways after losing at Real Madrid last week. The hosts improved to a 13-11 record, while ALBA dropped to 5-18.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">Final score🏀 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OlympiacosBC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OlympiacosBC</a> - ALBA B. 101-87 (40&#39;) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EveryGameMatters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EveryGameMatters</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://twitter.com/hashtag/OLYBER?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OLYBER</a> <a href="https://t.co/7vYDv29kB7">pic.twitter.com/7vYDv29kB7</a></p>&mdash; OLYMPIACOS BC (@Olympiacos_BC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympiacos_BC/status/1752436478729236678?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Real Madrid 106-101 Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-real-madrid-baloncesto-vs-maccabi-tel-aviv-bc/)

Real Madrid remained undefeated at home in the EuroLeague by edging Maccabi 106-101 in the Spanish capital. Real improved to 21-3 while Maccabi dropped to 13-11. Dzanan Musa paced the winners with 19 points. Mario Hezonja and Vincent Poirier each added 16, Facu Campazzo had 12 while Sergio Rodriguez got 11 for Real. Poirier added 10 rebounds for a double-double. Wade Baldwin led Maccabi with 18 points. Bonzie Colson added 25, James Webb had 18 and Roman Sorkin chipped in with 10.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">👊 Victoria frente al <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MaccabiTLVBC</a> para sumar la 21ª en la <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Euroleague</a>; la 12ª en casa 👊<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HalaMadrid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HalaMadrid</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/UnicajaBanco?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UnicajaBanco</a> <a href="https://t.co/pFsLQlC441">pic.twitter.com/pFsLQlC441</a></p>&mdash; Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto/status/1752444415950348563?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The first half of the penultimate double-round week of the season is now in the books.

Game Center: Four home winners to close Round 24

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens v EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (2024-01-31T19:15:00.000Z)

Real Madrid v Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (2024-01-30T19:30:00.000Z)

FC Bayern Munich v Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (2024-01-30T19:00:00.000Z)

Olympiacos Piraeus v ALBA Berlin (2024-01-30T19:15:00.000Z)

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2024-01-30T19:00:00.000Z)

FC Barcelona v Virtus Segafredo Bologna (2024-01-31T19:30:00.000Z)

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade v Valencia Basket (2024-01-30T19:00:00.000Z)

Two of the oldest and winningest teams in continental basketball face in Round 24, as Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (14-9) welcomes EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (10-13) at OAKA Altion on Wednesday at 20:15 CET. 

Panathinaikos B. C. hosts Olimpia Milano in heavyweight clash

### Tradition on and off the bench 

Panathinaikos first put a basketball team together in 1919. Milan was founded in 1936. Both teams combine for 69 domestic league titles in 10 decades, which says enough about their legacy. Panathinaikos and Milan also combine for nine top continental titles. Both teams are trying to get back to the very elite of European basketball. In 2021, Milan reached the EuroLeague Final Four for the last time since 1992. Panathinaikos won five of its six EuroLeague titles from 2000 to 2011, but has not made it to the Final Four since 2012. Both teams have deep rosters and above all, made sure to get a coach that knows what it takes to be a champion. 

Speaking in the midst of the 22-23 EuroLeague season, the veteran coach discusses the prospect of moulding EA7 Emporio Armani Milan into championship-contenders.

Ettore Messina: Leading Milan

Panathinaikos head coach Ergin Ataman has won consecutive EuroLeague titles with Anadolu Efes Istanbul in 2021 and 2022. It is the highlight of a legendary career which saw him lift three other European trophies and become the only head coach to win the Turkish League title with three different teams. Ettore Messina has a double role of president and head coach in Milan. He won the Italian League with three different teams and lifted the EuroLeague trophy four teams, twice each with Virtus Segafredo Bologna (1998, 2001) and CSKA Moscow (2006, 2008). Each Ataman and Messina have worked in more than 400 games, so the tactical battle should be one to follow closely. 

### Mirotic, back to OAKA 

There are some good news for Milan, that is gradually bringing back players to have a deeper rotation. [Shavon Shields](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shavon-shields/007831/) already played two EuroLeague games after his injury, [Maodo Lo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/maodo-lo/007032/) returned last week and now, superstar forward [Nikola Mirotic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-mirotic/000796/) is back in action and expected to play in Athens. He returned in an Italian League game this season, getting 16 points and a PIR of 19 in barely 15 minutes. Mirotic's return is definitely not good news for Panathinaikos, who has won his last seven games against the Greens. He has played really well against Panathinaikos, particularily at OAKA Altion. 

Nikola Mirotic of FC Barcelona had 26 points against Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens at OAKA Altion in the 2022-23 season.

Mirotic's last game at OAKA

Since joining FC Barcelona, Mirotic played four games in the Greek capital and beat Panathinaikos all four times, scoring 20 points or more in each game, and getting his team's highest PIR in each and every showdown. In four games at OAKA since coming back from the NBA, Mirotic averages 22.8 points, hitting 17 of 23 two-pointers (73.9% 2FG), 12 of 26 three-pointers (46.2% 3FG) and 21 of 24 free throws (87.5% FT), adding 6.0 rebounds, 5.0 fouls drawn and a PIR of 27.0. Mirotic definitely feels comfortable in OAKA, he also won with Real Madrid in his only visit to the building with Los Blancos, and has a chance to prove it again, this time with a different team. 

### Panathinaikos looks for backcourt answers 

Panathinaikos faces this game star playmaker [Kostas Sloukas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kostas-sloukas/001926/) sidelined. [Luca Vildoza](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/luca-vildoza/007947/), who missed his team's last four games, is questionable for this game and if he plays, probably not in the best rhythm after a month sidelined. All that forces Coach Ataman to be a little bit creative when it comes to organizing his team's offense, as Sloukas not only averaged 10.9 points and a team-high 5.5 assists, but is his team's first option in crunch time due to his experience and great clutch skills. Two players are expected to take center stage: [Jerian Grant](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jerian-grant/011204/) and [Panagiotis Kalaitzakis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/panagiotis-kalaitzakis/011209/).

Jerian Grant and Panagiotis Kalaitzakis of Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens combined for 32 points in a losing effort against Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv

Grant, Kalaitzakis step up against Maccabi

Grant averages almost 35 minutes per game in Panathinaikos's last five games. Without Sloukas, Grant had an all-around game against Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv last week, getting 13 points, 5 rebounds (all on the offensive end), 5 assists and a PIR of 15 in a 90-75 losing effort. In that game, Panathinaikos had as many asssists as turnovers, 15. Kalaitzakis had a career-best game, playing over 20 minutes for the first time this season to get 17 points and a PIR of 14. Kalaitzakis went on to get 18 points in a Greek League win. Their matchup against Lo, [Shabazz Napier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shabazz-napier/011224/) and recently signed [Rodney McGruder](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rodney-mcgruder/012800/) should be critical for the outcome of this interesting game. 

There is tradition, superstars at both ends of the floor, great coaches and a one-of-a-kind crowd. Make sure you don't miss the game on Wednesday night! 

Panathinaikos hosts Milan in heavyweight clash

FC Bayern Basketball veterans Vladimir Lucic and Serge Ibaka both stepped up as the team beat Saski Baskonia in an overtime thriller in Round 24 of the 2023-24 EuroLeague season.

Vladimir Lucic, Serge Ibaka helped FC Bayern Basketball catch 'the last train'

It was a thrilling, dramatic and a highly entertaining night, and once the final overtime buzzer sounded, FC Bayern Munich had something to celebrate. [Pablo Laso's side edged out Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz 112-109](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-fc-bayern-basketball-vs-saski-baskonia/) on Tuesday in a 45-minute affair, which came down to the final shot – twice. First at the end of regulation, then also in overtime.

At the end of the fourth quarter, Baskonia's Codi Miller-McIntyre made a three-pointer with 3.5 seconds left to force an overtime period. Later, in the final seconds of the extra session, Vanja Marinkovic missed a three-pointer to tie as Bayern prevailed.

"We got a big victory," Coach Laso said after the game. "We knew how tough it is to beat Baskonia. But we did not know it would be this tough."

Regardless how it transpired, the victory was a much-needed one.

Bayern has had its share of let-downs so far this season; games and performances it would certainly like to have back. One of them came just last week when it lost by double digits on its home floor against LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne.

### A victory that could spark a run

But last night's win, as the regular season has entered the home straight, might act as the start of Bayern's playoff push.

"This was maybe a do-or-die game if we want to catch the last train for play-in tournament," noted team captain [Vladimir Lucic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/vladimir-lucic/001288/).

FC Bayern Munich team captain Vladimir Lucic spoke after his team's overtime win against Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz in Round 24 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

Interview by Vladimir Lucic

Lucic and fellow 34-year-old [Serge Ibaka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/serge-ibaka/003583/) were the only two Bayern players who spent more than 30 minutes on the floor, and they were the main driving forces that allowed Bayern to win the game and improve to a 10-14 record on the season.

"The veterans know what's up," Coach Laso stressed. "Both gave us a lot of effort. Serge finished with cramp in his legs, but he gave us all the energy \[he had\]. Lucic helped us a lot. He knows the game, he understands it. He had a great effort."

After missing two of Bayern's last three games, Ibaka got Bayern going with 9 first-quarter points. He finished with 21 points and 7 rebounds, playing 31:38 minutes.

"It is good to be back on the court with my guys. Being able to play tonight, to help my team, is big time," Ibaka commented. "We deserved \[this victory\]. They were coming at us, but we were ready to respond."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Another day in the office for <a href="https://twitter.com/sergeibaka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sergeibaka</a> <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/BAYBKN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BAYBKN</a> <a href="https://t.co/XOibVqy4oT">pic.twitter.com/XOibVqy4oT</a></p>&mdash; FC Bayern Basketball (@FCBBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBBasketball/status/1752453254380941364?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Lucic scored 17 in an all-round effort that was reminiscent of his best days, having made 3-of-5 two-pointers and both of his three-point shots, while collecting 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal. All in 34 minutes and 8 seconds on the floor.

For Lucic, who missed the first 14 games this season and 17 last season, it is the most minutes he played since Round 17 of the 2021-22 campaign, which was a home game against... Baskonia.

Earlier this season, when Lucic was still recovering from an elbow injury, Laso told the media: "He is a player we really need and expect a lot from."

Laso finally got that from Lucic, who is the team captain and an unquestionable leader. Now, though, he is proving that he is back to his best and performing at a level that earned him All-EuroLeague honors less than three years ago.

"\[There is\] no time for practicing, so I am using the games at the highest level to get back in shape physically and basketball-wise," Lucic explained. "Using the games to come back and help my team."

Highlights from Serge Ibaka and Vladimir Lucic in Bayern's 112-109 overtime win over Baskonia.

Ibaka and Lucic led Bayern past Baskonia

### A late playoff push

On Tuesday night, he not only helped but led the team to a win and a sweep against an opponent which could easily turn out to be Bayern's direct rival for a spot in the Play-In Showdown.

Now comes the daunting task of doing it all over again in a very short time-span, something Coach Laso is also very well aware of.

"Let's see how they are 48 hours from now," Laso added about his two veteran stars, as Bayern hosts Olympiacos Piraeus on Thursday night in a game where a victory would firmly put Bayern in the playoff conversation.

And in a hunt which can be argued, started against Baskonia.

More Bayern News

Vladimir Lucic in action for FC Bayern Munich against Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz in Round 24 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

In an overtime thriller, the two veterans played hugely important roles to potentially kick-start a late push towards the playoffs.

Lucic, Ibaka helped Bayern catch 'the last train'

Isaiah Canaan and Moses Wright both impressed as Olympiacos B.C. beat ALBA Berlin in Round 24 of the 2023-24 EuroLeague season.

Red-hot Isaiah Canaan produced career-high display to dispatch ALBA

On Tuesday night, [Isaiah Canaan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaiah-canaan/010612/) scored a career-high 31 points to [lead Olympiacos Piraeus to a 101-87 victory over ALBA Berlin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-olympiacos-bc-vs-alba-berlin/) in Round 24 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

The 32-year-old went 9-for-14 from behind the arc, having come close to tying the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague record of three-pointers made (10). Canaan hit the ground running, netting 8 of his team’s first 12 points on the night.

“With the weather outside, you know it’s kind of cool, so why not bring some heat inside the gym,” Canaan joked after the game. “My teammates did a great job finding me and the ball was falling for me tonight. I just tried to give my team a boost to start this double-round week off \[on the right foot\].”

Isaiah Canaan hit a career-high 9 three-pointers in Olympiacos Piraeus's 101-87 win against ALBA Berlin in Round 24 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

Canaan's 9 threes vs. ALBA

### Canaan inspired the turnaround

Yet, Olympiacos struggled on defense and saw ALBA take a 45-48 lead into the second half. Enter Canaan, who stepped up after the break and netted 14 of his team’s 33 points in the third quarter, with Olympiacos heading into the fourth up by 17 (78-61).

“We were down at halftime,” Canaan added. “Coach \[Georgios Bartzokas\] got onto us at halftime. We were giving up too many points. We knew that we could play a lot better than what we were playing. We just needed to go out and showcase that. We did that in the third and carried it over to the fourth quarter.”

Isaiah Canaan spoke to the cameras after his career-high 31 points in Olympiacos Piraeus's 101-87 win against ALBA Berlin in Round 24 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

Interview by Isaiah Canaan

### An impressive debut by Moses Wright

Seven of his teammates netted at least 5 points each, but the one who stood out most was new signing [Moses Wright](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/moses-wright/012878/), who debuted in style. Despite having trained just once with his new teammates, the new Olympiacos center had a dream debut in Piraeus.

Wright didn’t get off to a strong start, however, and didn’t register a single point before the break, although explained afterward the reason behind his nervous first 20 minutes.

“In the first half I came out a little shaky, but in the second half, \[after I\] went to the locker room and gathered myself, I came out to do what I was supposed to do,” Wright said after the game.

And that’s exactly what he did. The 25-year-old center scored 15 second-half points, having gone 7-for-9 from inside the arc, including some big dunks that got the Olympiacos fans off their seats. Wright produced a complete performance on both ends, having also recorded 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 4 blocks for a PIR of 23.

“Basketball is basketball,” he stated. “You practice, you work hard to get out at these levels and just show what you can do. So, \[I realized\] that there was no reason for me to be nervous. I put on all the hard work and just had to go out there and show it.”

Moses Wright had 15 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 4 blocks in an impressive Olympiacos Piraeus debut.

Wright's highlights vs. ALBA

That’s great news for Coach Bartzokas, who didn’t have [Moustapha Fall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/moustapha-fall/008811/), [Filip Petrusev](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/filip-petrusev/011194/) and [Nikola Milutinov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-milutinov/003941/) at his disposal due to injuries, with Wright being the only available natural center against ALBA.

After beating the German side, Olympiacos will look to build its momentum when it travels to take on ALBA’s domestic rival, FC Bayern Munich, on Thursday night.

More Olympiacos News

Isaiah Canaan of Olympiacos Piraeus celebrates a made basket during his team's win against ALBA Berlin in Round 24 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

He inspired a comeback that saw Olympiacos improve to a 13-11 record.

Nemanja Nedovic scored a season-high 27 points as KK Crvena zvezda beat Valencia Basket 82-64 in Round 24 of the 2023-24 EuroLeague season.

Nemanja Nedovic caught fire to keep KK Crvena zvezda’s playoff hopes alive

Each game is a must-win for Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade right now, so [Nemanja Nedovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nemanja-nedovic/000848/)’s season-high 27 points in [an 82-64 win against Valencia Basket](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-kk-crvena-zvezda-vs-valencia-basket/) in Round 24 certainly came at just the right time.

Nedovic has blown hot and cold for Zvezda this season, but there was no stopping him on Tuesday night. Despite not playing at all in the first quarter, the 32-year-old scored 11 second-quarter points to lead all players in the game at halftime. After the break, Nedovic picked up where he left off by netting 13 points in the third quarter to take his tally to 24. In the fourth, with Zvezda holding a relatively comfortable lead, Nedovic got some rest before making his sixth three-pointer on 7 attempts, moving to 27 points in the process.

Nemanja Nedovic had a season-high 27 points as Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade beat Valencia Basket 82-64 in Round 24 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

Nedovic's highlights vs. Valencia

Round 24 was the fifth time that Nedovic has netted 20 points or more across 21 appearances for Zvezda this season, having had 26 – his best mark before Tuesday night – on two occasions: in Round 9 against Olympiacos Piraeus and in Round 20 against LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne.

### Nedovic gave Zvezda a huge boost

Notably, against Valencia, Nedovic was the reason why the visitors were never able to turn things around. Despite leading 11-12 at the end of the first quarter, that would prove to be the last time that Valencia was ahead. After a Milos Teodosic inspired start to the second quarter, Nedovic started to get going halfway through the period as he made a three-pointer – his first points of the game.

In fact, that basket lit a fire under Nedovic as scored Zvezda’s final 11 points to end the second quarter. Importantly, he made sure the hosts held on to their lead as it finished Nedovic 11-14 Valencia in the second half of the second period. Without his points, Zvezda’s lead would have surely been trimmed further before the break.

Once the action resumed, Nedovic scored a layup off the glass with the first make of the second half. Again, his 13 third-quarter points proved crucial as Zvezda outscored Valencia 22-19 in the period. If it wasn’t for the heroics of Nedovic on the night, Zvezda may have been looking at a surprise defeat to a Valencia side missing its two main centers, Brandon Davies and Boubacar Toure.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="sl" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/adidasPlayeroftheGame?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#adidasPlayeroftheGame</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a> R24 🏀 <br><br>⭐️ NEMANJA NEDOVIĆ<br><br>📊 27 pts, 6/7 3FG, 2 reb; PIR 27<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kkcz?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kkcz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreTheTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreTheTeam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EveryGameMatters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EveryGameMatters</a> <a href="https://t.co/bPzaaTTozR">pic.twitter.com/bPzaaTTozR</a></p>&mdash; KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet (@kkcrvenazvezda) <a href="https://twitter.com/kkcrvenazvezda/status/1752438464782454980?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

But, luckily for Zvezda fans, that wasn’t the case as Nedovic kept going and going. Just a couple of days after beating archrival Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade in the Adriatic League, Tuesday’s triumph over Valencia allowed Zvezda to keep up its momentum ahead of a tricky fixture at FC Barcelona in Round 25. Nedovic will no doubt be hoping his red-hot shooting continues at Palau Blaugrana on Thusday night.

More Crvena Zvezda News

Nemanja Nedovic of Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade shoots a three-pointer against Valencia Basket in Round 24 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

The 32-year-old scored 27 points against Valencia, his former team.

Nemanja Nedovic caught fire to keep Crvena Zvezda’s playoff hopes alive

BMW Park in Munich has never seen a higher-scoring EuroLeague game than the one on Tuesday night as FC Bayern Munich and Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz combined for 221 points in Bayern's 112-109 overtime win.

This is Bayern's second-highest scoring performance, the one in which it made 70.3% of its two-point shots, club's third-best percentage ever, and also hit 13 threes on 27 attempts (48.1%).

And Bayern needed every bit of it, as Baskonia knocked down 17-of-35 (48.6%) three-point shots.

"Shooters' night", Pablo Laso agreed to the label of this game, adding:

On unusual 'shooters night', Bayern outscored Baskonia

BMW Park in Munich has never seen a higher-scoring EuroLeague game than the one on Tuesday night as FC Bayern Munich and Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz combined for 221 points in Bayern's 112-109 overtime win.

This was Bayern's second-highest scoring performance and it made 70.3% of its two-point shots, the club's third-best percentage ever, and also sank 13 threes on 27 attempts (48.1%).

And Bayern needed every bit of it, as Baskonia knocked down 17-of-35 (48.6%) three-point shots.

"Shooters' night", Pablo Laso agreed to the label of this game, adding: "We made difficult shots, and we missed some easy ones."

What was highly unusual was that Coach Laso used 10 players in this game and each player made at least 1 three-point shot. Moreover, no Bayern player made more than 2 three-pointers.

Andreas Obst and Sylvain Francisco attempted 6 triples apiece, combining to make 3 three-point shots. The rest of the team went a remarkable 10-for-15 from long range.

The last one of those was by Nick Welier-Babb, a step-back dagger with 16.1 seconds left in overtime that proved to be a game-winning shot.

Game Videos

Interestingly, it was Baskonia that was making the 'bigger' shots until that point.

Markus Howard shot 7-for-12 from three-point land, but 0-for-4 after the third quarter. Codi Miller-McIntyre was 4-for-4, while Vanja Marinkovic was 4-for-8 from long range.

Miller-McIntyre hit a buzzer-beating triple to end the first half and a three-pointer with 3.5 seconds left in regulation to send the game into overtime. Marinkovic's fourth triple came with 35 seconds to go in overtime, as he tied the game at 107-107.

However, Marinkovic missed a triple that would have sent the game into a second overtime.

When all was said and done, the game saw 11 scorers finish in double figures, none more than Howard's 27 points, while Ibaka led Bayern with 21 points. Vladimir Lucic scored 17, Elias Harris and Francisco each scored 13, while Leandro Bolmaro had 12 in victory. For Baskonia, Miller-McIntyre had 20 points, Matthew Costello scored 18, Marinkovic 16, Chima Moneke had 13 and Jordan Theodore 10.

Game News

With 221 combined points, 30 combined three-pointers and 11 double-digits scorers, Bayern and Baskonia played a highly-enertaining game.

Real Madrid Baloncesto had to battle until the final minute to beat Maccabi Tel Aviv B.C. 106-101 at home in Round 24. By doing so, Real earned the right to keep fighting for Turkish Airlines EuroLeague glory after the regular season. 


Real Madrid Baloncesto secures post-season spot with win 

Real Madrid had to battle until the final minute [to beat Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv 106-101](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/euroleague-live-blog-real-madrid-baloncesto-vs-maccabi-tel-aviv-bc/) at home in Round 24. By doing so, *Los Blancos* clinched a postseason berth.

The victory means Real has secured a top 10 finish at the end of the regular season, meaning that it has already qualified for the new Play-In Showdown. Real leads the standings with a 21-3 record, is five victories ahead of second place, and it looks to be only like a matter of time before it secures a playoff spot with a top-six finish, and the home-court advantage in the playoffs with a top-four finish.

Real's main strength has been protecting its home court. *Los Blancos* are 12-0 at home this season and have not lost a EuroLeague game at home since last season's playoff series against Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade. This time, it had to fight harder than expected. Even though Maccabi did not lead in the entire game, it managed to get within striking distance several times.

Wade Baldwin and Lorenzo Brown brought Maccabi within 100-98 with a little more than a minute left. When Mario Hezonja missed at the other end, Vincent Poirier fixed it with a put-back slam, then Dzanan Musa made a pair of free throws for a 104-98 score with 24.6 seconds left. Baldwin buried a big three-pointer but Hezonja sealed the outcome from the foul line.

Vincent Poirier of Real Madrid had 16 points and 10 rebounds to lead Real Madrid to a 106-101 home victory over Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv.

Poirier has double-double against Maccabi

"We have help from our fans. We feel comfortable at home. We're comfortable sleeping in our beds before the game. I think that is the most important thing, to protect our home court," Musa said after the game. "That's one of the reasons why we are first in the EuroLeague, but we have to continue doing this job."

Musa finished the game with 19 points on 4-of-4 two-point shooting and 11-of-12 on free throws. Poirier stepped up again in Edy Tavares's absence with a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds. The duo combined for a PIR of 54.

"We fought until the end. It was a tough game, they came back but we stayed strong. We played at home, so that's what we need to do all season long," Poirier said. "We need to be aggressive. We play at home and need to play defense and do it aggressively, control the rebound and then we just need to run. When we run, we play great. That's the mentality we need to have in each game."

Asked about Tavares, Poirier agreed with everyone else: he is definitely missed.

"I miss Edy! Edy changes the games every time he is on the court. We know it is way much harder for the opposite team, but I try to do my best and hopefully, he is coming back soon."

Added to its strength at home, Real is also the only team with a positive record on the road: 9-3. In other words, *Los Blancos* are completing a near-perfect regular season and by mathematically making it to the Play-In Showdown, have taken another step to the ultimate goal: getting to the Final Four for a chance to win its 12th EuroLeague title.