The week's action starts early on Tuesday as EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (1-3) looks to bounce back from consecutive losses with a visit from Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (2-2) in a game originally scheduled for Round 2. 

Milan hosts Maccabi in postponed Round 2 game

[Rosters ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/ea7-emporio-armani-milan-maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/E2023/12/#roster)| [Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs2-game-facts-mil-tel/) | [Notes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs2-game-notes-mil-tel/) | [Quotes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs2-prequotes-mil-tel/) |[ TV](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/tv-listings-el/) | [Fantasy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fantasy-tips-round-6-players-on-the-rise/)

### EA7 EMPORIO ARMANI MILAN

Milan has been over-reliant on Nikola Mirotic (22.5 points per game) and Shavon Shields (15.8 ppg.), with nobody else averaging in double digits, so the likes of Kevin Pangos and Nicolo Melli will be looking to step up.

[Milan Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/ea7-emporio-armani-milan/statistics/mil/)

**Ettore Messina, Milan**: "Maccabi is an extremely athletic team with a lot of depth." \[[MORE](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs2-prequotes-mil-tel/)\]

### Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv

Maccabi suffered a 28-point thumping at Monaco last week and will be focused on improving its defense after allowing 43 field goal conversions in that game. Josh Nebo – averaging 6.5 rebounds – has an important role in patrolling the paint against Milan's long list of big men, while Lorenzo Brown will look to return to his usual high standards after having just 1 assist with 5 turnovers last week.

[Milan Stats](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/ea7-emporio-armani-milan/statistics/mil/)

**Antonius Cleveland, Maccabi**: "We must let our defense lead to our offense and enjoy our game." [MORE](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs2-prequotes-mil-tel/)

Nikola Mirotic vs. Bonzie Colson

After setting an all-time record with 38 assists in a crushing victory over Virtus, Maccabi aim to protect the competition's best home record against Milan, who target a return to winning-ways, while sustaining their postseason ambitions following a costly loss to Efes.

Last Game: 2022-23, Round 32, Maccabi vs. Milan.

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan v Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (2023-10-31T19:30:00.000Z)

### Ettore Messina, Milan head coach

"Maccabi is an extremely athletic team with a lot of depth and a point guard who is leading everybody on the court. By definition, they always have the right mentality and cohesion especially in trying times. They are coming off a loss in Monaco, but they had time to regroup and prepare, so I anticipate a very motivated team. For us it will be crucial to at least match their determination and show a better quality of play, compared to the last few games."

### Oded Kattash, Maccabi head coach

"We are coming off a very bad game in terms of energy and also basketball-wise. We have to find the energies to lift ourselves up, even though it is a complicated situation. We would like to do what we did against Panathinaikos after Valencia."

### Alex Poythress, Maccabi player

"They are a competitive team; they are a veteran team with a lot physicality. For us, it will be crucial to bring the same level of physicality to them, match their intensity and get back on track."

### Antonius Cleveland, Maccabi player

"We must let our defense lead to our offense and enjoy our game. We enjoy the game when we are playing free."

Game News

The week's action starts early on Tuesday as Milan (1-3) looks to bounce back from consecutive losses with a visit from Maccabi (2-2) in a game originally scheduled for Round 2. Milan has been over-reliant on Nikola Mirotic (22.5 points per game) and Shavon Shields (15.8 ppg.), with nobody else averaging in double digits, so the likes of Kevin Pangos and Nicolo Melli will be looking to step up. Maccabi suffered a 28-point thumping at Monaco last week and will be focused on improving its defense after allowing 43 field goal conversions in that game. Josh Nebo – averaging 6.5 rebounds – has an important role in patrolling the paint against Milan's long list of big men, while Lorenzo Brown will look to return to his usual high standards after having just 1 assist with 5 turnovers last week.

Pre-game quotes: Milan vs. Maccabi

Dusko Ivanovic has become Saski Baskonia's head coach for the fourth time in his career, having previously held the same role in three different spells (2000-05, 2008-12, 2019-21).

Dusko Ivanovic returns for a fourth stint at Baskonia

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz has named Dusko Ivanovic as its head coach for the fourth time in its history. The 66-year-old coach, a legend at Baskonia, [has replaced Joan Penarroya, who was sacked on Monday](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/joan-penarroya-out-as-baskonia-boss/). He is tasked with improving a Baskonia side that has started the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season with a 1-4 record.

Ivanovic only recently became available after being dismissed by Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade following a disappointing start to the current EuroLeague season. Like Baskonia, Zvezda had gone 1-3 through the first four rounds. Nevertheless, there is hope that Ivanovic’s previous success at Buesa Arena will be enough to right the ship.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="eu" dir="ltr">Dusko Ivanovic regresa a su casa 🔵🔴<br><br>Ongi etorri, Dusko ‼️<br>🗞️ <a href="https://t.co/f5cIGuco1Y">https://t.co/f5cIGuco1Y</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoazenBaskonia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoazenBaskonia</a> <a href="https://t.co/8weykA2P7z">pic.twitter.com/8weykA2P7z</a></p>&mdash; Baskonia (@Baskonia) <a href="https://twitter.com/Baskonia/status/1719019558273503682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Dusko Ivanovic and his relationship with Baskonia

If you say the name “Dusko” in Vitoria-Gasteiz, you will be met with words of praise for the Montenegrin tactician. Across three different spells with Baskonia – between 2000 and 2005, 2008 and 2012, and 2019 and 2021 – he led the team to unprecedented success.

Baskonia won three Spanish League titles under the orders of Coach Ivanovic, doing so in the 2001-02, 2009-10 and 2019-20 seasons, while the team also became the Spanish Cup champion in the 2001-02, 2003-04, 2006-07 and 2008-09 campaigns. You may note that two of those seasons are identical; this is because Baskonia won the double in the 2001-02 season.

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz head coach Dusko Ivanovic talks about the past and future of his club.

Focus On: Duško Ivanović, 2019-20

In 239 EuroLeague games as Baskonia’s head coach, Ivanovic boasts a 133-106 record. Notably, he led the team to Game 5 of the 2001 EuroLeague Finals in the competition’s inaugural season, before later guiding the team to four further Final Four appearances (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008).

### The other stops on his coaching journey

Through his EuroLeague head coaching career, which also includes spells with FC Barcelona, Panathinaikos Athens, Khimki Moscow and Zvezda, his overall record stands at 202-162. In addition to all of the teams named, he has also been the head coach of Fribourg Olympic (1995-99), Limoges CSP (1999-2000) and Besiktas Istanbul (2018-19).

Ivanovic arrived at Zvezda last season after the team suffered a 1-7 start to the EuroLeague season, before guiding the Serbian side to a 17-17 record. Now, he returns to Baskonia, a place that he knows well, as he attempts to once again turn things around after a rocky start to the 2023-24 season.

More Baskonia News

Dusko Ivanovic, who has returned to Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz for a fourth time, on the sidelines during a Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade game in the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

He previously coached the team in three different spells: 2000 to 2005, 2008 to 2012, and 2019 to 2021.

Saski Baskonia has relieved Joan Peñarroya of his head coaching duties, effective immediately, the club announced on Monday. 

Joan Peñarroya out as Baskonia boss

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz has relieved [Joan Penarroya](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/bas/penarroya-joan/?season=E2023) of head coaching duties, effective immediately, the club announced on Monday. Penarroya, 54, had the club on the cusp of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs in his first season in Europe's premier competition. However, his second season has not gone as well as Baskonia has lost all three of its home games thus far and fell 95-81 at Panathinaikos Athens last Friday. His EuroLeague career record stands at 19-20.

<center>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="eu" dir="ltr">Mila esker eta zorte on, Joan!<br><br>🖇️ <a href="https://t.co/fkh3jM13gL">https://t.co/fkh3jM13gL</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoazenBaskonia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoazenBaskonia</a> <a href="https://t.co/nSpxYOgdPe">pic.twitter.com/nSpxYOgdPe</a></p>&mdash; Baskonia (@Baskonia) <a href="https://twitter.com/Baskonia/status/1719017635701010646?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A former player, Penarroya started his coaching career with CB Olesa, and also spent time with CB Navas, MoraBanc Andorra and Basquet Manresa. He helped Andorra win the Spanish third division title in 2012 and won the Spanish second division in 2014 to guide the team back to the Spanish elite. Penarroya coached Andorra in the 2017-18 EuroCup, which was his eighth consecutive season with the club.

Focus on: Joan Penarroya, Cazoo Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz

Penarroya joined San Pablo Burgos in 2019 and guided the club to back-to-back Basketball Champions League titles. Burgos also lifted the Intercontinental Cup in 2021 and made it to the Spanish League semifinals in 2020. Penarroya coached Valencia Basket to the EuroCup Semifinals in 2022.

More Baskonia news

Joan Penarroya on the sidelines during a Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz game in the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

The Spanish coach has been sacked after a 1-4 start in his second season on the club's bench.

Joan Penarroya out as Baskonia boss

Here's a look at some of the hottest players in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, who you may want for your EuroLeague Fantasy teams.

Fantasy tips, Round 6: Players on the rise!

Through five rounds in the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season, only Real Madrid is undefeated and just LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne is seeking its first victory. The game between Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv and Real has been suspended, so players from those teams will get their average scores in Round 6 of the [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/home). Here are a few recommendations to make your teams better and challenge for prizes in the weekly standings.

[Aleksa Avramovic, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/aleksa-avramovic/003983/) (6.9 credits) – Partizan is without star guard Kevin Punter, so Avramovic should see significant playing time. He is the kind of player who can give you a high PIR due to his deep shooting range and feel for steals. It is no surprise that he is owned by over 30% of fantasy managers this season.

[John Brown, AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/john-brown/010588/) (8.1 credits) – Brown comes off a strong Round 5 performance against Maccabi with 11 points and 8 rebounds for a PIR of 20 in less than 25 minutes. Against Milan, Brown should have the tough mission of guarding Nikola Mirotic, so we expect him to remain focused and active. 

Aleksa Avramovic, Jordan Mickey. Dinos Mitoglou, Keenan Evans and John Brown are featured in this week's article.

EuroLeague Fantasy tips: Round 6

[Dinos Mitoglou, Panathinaikos Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/konstantinos-mitoglou/007866/) (9.7 credits) – Mitoglou had a fantastic second half against Baskonia last week as he led Panathinaikos to a 95-81 win with 23 points and a PIR of 24. He can deliver at the '4' and '5' spots, and Mitoglou is smart enough to look for advantages due to his high basketball IQ. 

[Jordan Mickey, Virtus Segafredo Bologna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jordan-mickey/008847/) (9.9 credits) – Virtus is on a four-game winning streak and Mickey has had a lot to do with it, averaging 12.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks off the bench. In Round 5, Mickey posted 11 points and 4 blocked shots against ASVEL. He is a good option at center for a less than 10 credits! 

[Keenan Evans, Zalgiris Kaunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/keenan-evans/011218/) (13.7 credits) – Zalgiris plays at home against ASVEL, which gives Evans a chance to keep doing well. In the last two games, Evans has averaged 16.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 6.5 fouls drawn for a PIR of 24.5. Evans has already proved that his injury belongs in the past and wants to keep leading Zalgiris.

Virtus Segafredo Bologna v Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2023-11-03T19:30:00.000Z)

Valencia Basket v ALBA Berlin (2023-11-02T19:30:00.000Z)

FC Barcelona v Panathinaikos Athens (2023-11-03T19:30:00.000Z)

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz v Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (2023-11-03T19:30:00.000Z)

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan v AS Monaco (2023-11-02T19:30:00.000Z)

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade v FC Bayern Munich (2023-11-02T17:30:00.000Z)

Zalgiris Kaunas v LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (2023-11-02T18:00:00.000Z)

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v Olympiacos Piraeus (2023-11-02T17:45:00.000Z)

Round 6 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague will see teams across the continent pushing for places inside the playoffs positions as the standings start to take shape. Here's your guide to this week's action.

This week: Superpower showdowns highlight three nights of action

### Thursday, November 2

[Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade vs. FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade-fc-bayern-munich/E2023/47/)

After suffering a heartbreaking loss in last week's Belgrade derby, Zvezda (1-4) will look to respond against a Bayern (2-3) team which is also hurting after consecutive losses. Zvezda, playing its first home game under new coach Ioannis Sfairopoulos, is starting to find leadership from its new backcourt pairing of Shabazz Napier and Yago Dos Santos, who combined for 25 points and 9 assists in the derby. Bayern is the league leader in rebounding with 40.4 per game, led by 7.5 from Serge Ibaka, but must start to find better outside looks after converting a competition-worst 24.2% of three-point attempts so far. Andreas Obst, in particular, would love to start firing after making just 8 of his 28 long-range attempts so far.

Game [Notes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs6-game-notes-red-mun) and [Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs6-game-facts-red-mun).

[Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul vs. Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul-olympiacos-piraeus/E2023/50/)

A heavyweight battle between title candidates will see Fenerbahce (4-1) attempt to extend its three-game winning run with a visit from reignited Olympiacos (3-2), which has won two in a row. The Reds got back to basics with a smothering defense to defeat Efes 75-57 last week, and the endlessly energetic Kostas Papanikolaou will try to have the same effect against in-form Scottie Wilbekin, who has scored 18 and 17 points in the last two games. In the paint, there's a battle of giants as Nikola Milutinov (12.4 ppg., 5.4 rpg.) goes up against a familiar foe in former Panathinaikos man Georgios Papagiannis (9.6 ppg., 2.8 rpg.), who is gradually settling in his new home.

Game [Notes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs6-game-notes-ulk-oly) and [Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs6-game-facts-ulk-oly).

At the conclusion of a series of momentum swings that hasn't seen either win two games consecutivelt,  Olympiacos look to make home-court advantage count against Fenerbahçe, who've excelled on defense by holding the usually prolific Reds to less than 80 points in every game thus far.

Olympiacos Piraeus vs Fenerbahçe Beko Istanbul - Playoffs Game 5 - Highlights

[Zalgiris Kaunas vs. LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/zalgiris-kaunas-ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne/E2023/49/)

Zalgiris (3-2) will look to bounce back from last week's heavy home loss to Valencia against an ASVEL team (0-5) looking for its first win of the season in new coach Giancarlo Pozzecco's road debut. With Paris Lee leading the offense by dishing 10 assists, ASVEL put up a good fight in last week's narrow loss to Virtus and will hope for a similar improvement to finally get into the W column. Big man Joffrey Lauvergne (11.8 ppg., 4.2 rpg.) returns to Kaunas to face his former team and will do battle with Zalgiris power forward Rolands Smits (14.4 ppg., 5.0 rpg.), who has also started the season well.

Game [Notes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs6-game-notes-zal-asv) and [Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs6-game-facts-zal-asv).

[Valencia Basket vs. ALBA Berlin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/valencia-basket-alba-berlin/E2023/53/)

Valencia (4-1) will look to maintain its excellent start to the season against an ALBA (1-4) team which is also feeling good about life after downing Milan for its first win of the season in Round 5. Johannes Thiemann has been phenomenal for the German team, putting up 15.4 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, while summer signing Sterling Brown has averaged 16.7 points in the last three games. Valencia was boosted by Jared Harper returning from injury and scoring 13 points to help seal last week's win at Zalgiris, with big man Boubacar Toure also impressing as he paired 9 points with 7 rebounds. His power alongside Brandon Davies will be crucial in slowing down Thiemann.

Game [Notes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs6-game-notes-val-ber) and [Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs6-game-facts-val-ber).

[EA7 Emporio Armani Milan vs. AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/ea7-emporio-armani-milan-as-monaco/E2023/46/)

After losing at home against Maccabi on Tuesday, despite 22 points and 8 assists from Shavon Shields, Milan (1-4) will be quickly back in action with another home game as Monaco (3-2) comes to town on Thursday. Elie Okobo was one of six double-digit scorers in Monaco's spectacular victory over Maccabi last week, posting his best game of the season with 17 points and 6 assists without a turnover. If he can maintain that form alongside the always electric Mike James, who will be returning to face his former club, the men from the principality will be confident of extending their impressive three-game winning streak. Milan will be desperate to avoid repeating last season's poor start (3-10) which ultimately scuppered its realistic playoff ambitions. The Italian side certainly needs to improve on the 18 turnovers committed against Maccabi if it is to get back on track.

Game [Notes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs6-game-notes-mil-mco) and [Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs6-game-facts-mil-mco).

In a first matchup between the two for twenty years, it's a Supercup-style showdown between the reigning EuroCup and EuroLeague champions. Both are hovering just outside the top-eight, but who can bolster their prospects of securing a place in the postseason?

Virtus Segafredo Bologna vs Anadolu Efes Istanbul - Round 10 - Highlights

#### Friday, November 3

[Virtus Segafredo Bologna vs. Anadolu Efes Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/virtus-segafredo-bologna-anadolu-efes-istanbul/E2023/54/)

Friday's first tipoff will see one of the league's hottest teams seeking to extend its winning run as red-hot Virtus (4-1) welcomes inconsistent Efes (2-3). Virtus's efficiency is reflected in the fact that the Italian team ranks second in the league in both two (57.9%) and three-point (42.2%) shooting efficiency, with Toko Shenglia excelling in all aspects on his way to 18.4 points per game. Efes needs to reignite an offense that was held to just 57 points at Olympiacos last week, with only Elijah Bryant netting in double digits as he scored 10 points. Efes will need its leaders like Will Clyburn and Shane Larkin to step up against a confident and highly effective Virtus which is looking to best the Turkish team for the first time since 2002.

Game [Notes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs6-game-notes-vir-ist) and [Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs6-game-facts-vir-ist).

[Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz-partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/E2023/52/)

After badly losing its way to suffer three straight defeats, Baskonia (1-4) will look to get back on the right path as it welcomes a Partizan (2-3) team still high after downing local rivals Zvezda in a Round 5 derby thriller. Aleksa Avramovic played a big part in his team's comeback last week, and his 11.6 points per game is just one of the weapons that have made Zeljko Obradovic's team the most potent offense in the league, with 86.8 points per game. Baskonia needs to generate better looks after ranking worst in two-point shooting (49.8%) and second-worst from long range (30.6%) so far, but the rebounding power of Tadas Sederkerskis (8.8 rpg.) has at least made the Spanish team the fourth-best team on the boards (37.8 per night).

Game [Notes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs6-game-notes-bas-par) and [Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs6-game-facts-bas-par).

[FC Barcelona vs. Panathinaikos Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/fc-barcelona-panathinaikos-athens/E2023/51/)

Barcelona (4-1) will look to bounce back from last week's close El Clásico defeat against a Panathinaikos (2-3) team that boosted its confidence with a convincing home win over Baskonia. Mathias Lessort excelled in that triumph, winning the weekly MVP award with 23 points and 14 rebounds, and he faces a big fight with another player who grabbed a double-double last week, Jan Vesely (12 points and 10 rebounds). In the backcourt, a battle between two of the league's best guards will see Nico Laprovittola (13.8 ppg., 6.8 apg.) showdown with Kostas Sloukas (11.2 ppg., 5 apg.). And judging by previous visits, Panathinaikos coach Ergin Ataman returning to Palau Blaugrana will be well worth watching.

Game [Notes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs6-game-notes-bar-pan) and [Facts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/tae2324-rs6-game-facts-bar-pan).

Owners of eight continental-titles between them, a pair of basketball juggernauts collide with Barça wanting a repeat of the defensive masterclass shown in the win against Monaco, whereas Panathinaikos wish to instigate another winning-sequence after an overtime loss to Valencia.

FC Barcelona vs Panathinaikos Athens - Round 14 - Highlights

Mike James of AS Monaco last week became the fourth and fastest player to score more than 4,000 points in Turkish Airlines Euro League history, but he also did it despite a higher lever of difficulty based on Synergy Shot Quality data.

Stats Review: Mike James makes the spectacular seem routine

[Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) of AS Monaco last week became [the fourth and fastest player to score more than 4,000 points](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/mike-james-is-fastest-ever-to-reach-4000-euroleague-points/) in Turkish Airlines Euro League history. This is a feather in the cap of one of the sport's most accomplished scorers, who this season is off to one of the hottest starts of his 10-year career. James has averaged 22.9 points per 40-minutes, pace adjusted, over that decade, has taken home the EuroLeague's Alphonso Ford Top Scorer Trophy, and has secured multiple All-EuroLeague honors. 

What has long made James special and aided his climb to this milestone is not only that he is a dynamic scorer – with sharp footwork, deep range, incredible creativity with the ball, and unwavering confidence – but how often he gets hot and then stays hot – for weeks on end, even.

In the graph above, which covers his EuroLeague career, James's points per shot (the black line), doesn't merely rise above the expected value of his attempts according to Synergy Shot Quality data (the gray line). Indeed, for entire seasons, his per-shot production dwarfs what would be expected from the data-driven model, and features some truly massive peaks, as well.

Beyond his ability to go supernova on any given night – as when scoring 24 points on 16 shots in Monaco's Game 5 playoffs win over Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv last spring – James will often carry such momentum through several rounds. 

"The spectacle of James rolling over defenses geared specifically to stopping him is surpassed only by the degree of difficulty that characterizes his game."

The spectacle of James rolling over defenses geared specifically to stopping him is surpassed only by the degree of difficulty that characterizes his game. He has been making the spectacular seem routine since he arrived in the EuroLeague during the 2014-15 campaign.

To put that in perspective, we can start with Synergy's new offensive roles – 11 unique categories derived from Synergy's logging data that define how a player tries to help his team score points. 

Even if his passing ability has long been underrated, James is the prototype for a scoring ball handler at this level. Think Keenan Evans, Scottie Wilbekin and Kevin Punter – and before them, Vassilis Spanoulis and Vasilije Micic – a group that often carries the most arduous shot-making burden in any given lineup.

Across the EuroLeague, the Synergy Shot Quality sits at 1.02 points per-attempt over the last two years. For scoring ball handlers, that average is just 0.94 points per attempt. For his career, James has had an SSQ of just 0.92 points per attempt. The extra distance he covers on his step-backs, the volume of contested attempts he faces in key moments, and the impact of the immense defensive scrutiny he confronts make his likelihood of success more difficult, even compared to the best of his peers.

Mike James hits 4,000-point milestone

But you wouldn't know that from the start of this 2023-24 campaign, which has been a microcosm of who James has been his entire career and shows why he'll have a real chance to climb to the top of the EuroLeague career scoring list in the coming years. 

Through five games, he has scored an absurd 1.21 points per shot to start the year on an SSQ of just 0.85 points per-attempt. The 33-year-old is as hot as he's ever been on paper while taking the toughest shots of his career. James is already in the highest echelon of 4,000-point scorers in his career. If he can keep this early-season virtuosity going, as he's done in the past, James will eventually be in pursuit of the title of all-time scoring king.

Selectio of social media posts during the week of Round 5 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

EuroLeague week on social media

**SOCCER FANS**: Stefan Jovic and Martin Hermannsson started the week by attending a Spanish League soccer game in Valencia.

<center><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CywQAE3qCpd/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CywQAE3qCpd/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CywQAE3qCpd/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Stefan Jovic (@stefanjovic)</a></p></div></blockquote>

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**STARTING EARLY**: While Billy Baron is recovering from elbow surgery, his son had his first basketball milestone.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">First basketball practice for the kid <a href="https://t.co/aDenZM6ENN">pic.twitter.com/aDenZM6ENN</a></p>&mdash; Billy Baron (@Billy_Baron) <a href="https://twitter.com/Billy_Baron/status/1716865079361126620?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

**GOOD, OLD, FRIENDS**: Marco Belinelli and Tony Parker, former NBA teammates with the San Antonio Spurs, had a chance to catch up when Virtus visited ASVEL this past week.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">𝕃𝕖𝕘𝕖𝕟𝕕𝕤 ♾️<a href="https://twitter.com/marcobelinelli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@marcobelinelli</a> 🤝🏼 <a href="https://twitter.com/tonyparker?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tonyparker</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmarsiAncora?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmarsiAncora</a> <a href="https://t.co/TZiak7WPmN">pic.twitter.com/TZiak7WPmN</a></p>&mdash; Virtus Segafredo Bologna (@VirtusSegafredo) <a href="https://twitter.com/VirtusSegafredo/status/1718167707294544319?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

**SUPERSTAR EXCITEMENT**: The return to the floor of Jordan Loyd this weekend in the French League action had Monaco guard Mike James excited. A backcourt of Loyd, James, Elie Okobo and Kemba Walker could get its EuroLeague premier this coming week.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/TdifcuDqd2">https://t.co/TdifcuDqd2</a> <a href="https://t.co/AeRZLucdRf">pic.twitter.com/AeRZLucdRf</a></p>&mdash; Mike James (@TheNatural_05) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheNatural_05/status/1718273126746804578?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

**MAODO'S HOMECOMING**: Milan guard Maodo Lo was back in his hometown of Berlin and enjoyed seeing his former ALBA teammates.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">Juckt uns gar nicht, ne? 🥹🥲<br> <br>Schön, <a href="https://twitter.com/maodolo12?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@maodolo12</a> wiederzusehen! Gleich beginnt unser Heimspiel gegen <a href="https://twitter.com/OlimpiaMI1936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OlimpiaMI1936</a>. 💥 <a href="https://t.co/yOYoDZjl3J">pic.twitter.com/yOYoDZjl3J</a></p>&mdash; ALBA BERLIN (@albaberlin) <a href="https://twitter.com/albaberlin/status/1717595739285557492?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

**ROLANDS'S FAN CLUB**: Zalgiris forward Rolands Smits has a group of devoted fans.

<center><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy6fAsENdMD/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy6fAsENdMD/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy6fAsENdMD/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiriskaunas)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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**FAN APPRECIATION**: ALBA picked up its first win of the season in Round 5 and club GM Himar Ojeda loved more than just the victory. Meanwhile, Scottie Wilbekin took time before the game in Munich for a few selfies with the Fenerbahce faithful who came to support the team.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I love everything in this video: the mixed ages of our fans, their passion, their joy, their commitment, their support…<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TrustTheProcess?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TrustTheProcess</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MitLeibUndSeele?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MitLeibUndSeele</a></p>&mdash; Himar Ojeda Pérez (@Himar_Ojeda) <a href="https://twitter.com/Himar_Ojeda/status/1717933848539856926?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">💛💙<a href="https://twitter.com/scottiew_5?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@scottiew_5</a><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/7UjKissAHn">pic.twitter.com/7UjKissAHn</a></p>&mdash; Fenerbahçe Beko (@FBBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol/status/1717969129280315513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


**BASKETBALL LIKE ART**: This gave Mario Hezonja a good laugh.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">😂☝🏻❤️ <a href="https://twitter.com/facucampazzo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@facucampazzo</a> <a href="https://t.co/gatSIHkGyI">https://t.co/gatSIHkGyI</a></p>&mdash; Mario Hezonja (@mariohezonja) <a href="https://twitter.com/mariohezonja/status/1717854176267669991?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

**WINNERS' CORNER**: Real Madrid is the only remaining undefeated team after winning the C*lasico*. Partizan also won its derby in the Serbian capital behind a great fourth-quarter performance by Aleksa Avramovic. Panathinaikos got its second win of the season behind Dinos Mitouglou and Round 5 MVP Mathias Lessort.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="art" dir="ltr">⚫️⚪️⚫️⚪️</p>&mdash; James Nunnally (@allornunn21) <a href="https://twitter.com/allornunn21/status/1717648865896136932?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Da igual como se ponga el partido, lo importante es tener fe y luchar hasta final. Gran trabajo chicos suma y sigue 💪🏾✅ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/halamadrid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#halamadrid</a> <a href="https://t.co/D11xtsa7Nu">pic.twitter.com/D11xtsa7Nu</a></p>&mdash; Edy Tavares (@waltertavares22) <a href="https://twitter.com/waltertavares22/status/1717670987305541960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Step by step <a href="https://t.co/cMF2WokirL">https://t.co/cMF2WokirL</a></p>&mdash; Mathias Lessort (@ThiasLsf) <a href="https://twitter.com/ThiasLsf/status/1718015845274640419?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">𝟒𝐭𝐡 WIN 🔥🤍🖤<a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmarsiAncora?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmarsiAncora</a> <a href="https://t.co/puJQmgjFPu">pic.twitter.com/puJQmgjFPu</a></p>&mdash; Virtus Segafredo Bologna (@VirtusSegafredo) <a href="https://twitter.com/VirtusSegafredo/status/1717998684317565252?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🥳👏🏽 When coach gives you one more reason to celebrate!!! <br> <br>Tomorrow is Day Off!!! 😃<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://twitter.com/hashtag/OLYEFS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OLYEFS</a> <a href="https://t.co/gujEb5QrML">pic.twitter.com/gujEb5QrML</a></p>&mdash; OLYMPIACOS BC (@Olympiacos_BC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympiacos_BC/status/1717662811550044671?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="eu" dir="ltr">Domingo Fonteta!! <a href="https://t.co/2biMWEcUTU">https://t.co/2biMWEcUTU</a></p>&mdash; Alex Mumbrú (@Alexmumbru15) <a href="https://twitter.com/Alexmumbru15/status/1717994305464193495?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 


The Round 5 clash between Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade and Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade finished as another thriller, just like the previous two EuroLeague derbies between these clubs.

The Belgrade Derby again lived up to the billing

Belgrade Derbies simply don't disappoint.

Thursday's was the third EuroLeague edition of the Belgrade Derby and the game was another drama as well as the first victory by a home team as Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade edged Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade 88-86 in a memorable way.

Partizan overcame a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit and rallied from 11 down with less than 5 minutes remaining to win the game. Partizan also survived a 28-point swing, from opening the game 17-2 to finding itself down 55-68.

"Incredible game, incredible victory", Partizan coach Zeljko Obradovic said after the game. "An incredible night that will be really difficult to forget.

"This game was all that is beautiful about basketball. So many swings in a game, good moments by both, us and Zvezda. I think everybody had a chance to see something fantastic and a quality EuroLeague game."

The Serbian stage is set for another chapter in the fiercely-contested Eternal derby. Both seek recovery from a disappointing double game-week, and history suggests a tight affair after the 22-23 meetings were decided by a single possession in favour of the visitors.

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade vs Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade | Round 5 | Replay

Fantastic it was, which we have learned to expect when Partizan and Zvezda clash.

The two teams never met in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague before last season. Their much-anticipated first-ever battle last December at Stark Arena lived up to the billing with Nemanja Nedovic knocking down the game-winning three-pointer with 2 seconds to go, giving Zvezda a 73-76 road win.

Partizan returned the favor seven weeks later, holding on to a 78-79 win at the legendary Aleksandar Nikolic Hall, a game neither team led by more than 8 points.

After Thursday's game, each of the three Belgrade derbies has been decided by 3 points or fewer. In each one of them, the winning basket was scored in the final 6 seconds of the fourth quarter.

Apart from the drama, the energy and the atmosphere in the arenas, the outcomes of the derby can carry momentum for the next part of the season. And that's exactly what Obradovic is hoping to see.

"The win should give us confidence and help us get back to playing like we are capable of," he said.

There were several keys to Partizan's victory. The first was Obradovic's adjustment and decision to play with a small lineup, which managed to slow down Zvezda's offense. Another was the performance by Aleksa Avramovic in the final 4 minutes of the game, during which he scored 12 of his team-high 14 points.

Also, there was Partizan making 9-of-20 threes for the night and then shooting free throws down the stretch better than Zvezda. All of that helped Partizan complete its rally.

"I am really proud of my players that we managed to come back in the toughest possible moment," Obradovic stated. "Psychologically, I think this was really important for us."

His team avoided falling into a 1-4 hole, which is now the case for Zvezda, which suffered its fourth straight loss. This one was with head coach Ioannis Sfairopoulos on the bench, who had a domestic league game and only three practices with the team before the derby.

"For the most part of the game we were really good," Sfairopolous said, finding positives despite a disappointing loss. "Our defense in the third quarter was excellent. We started the game really bad and we managed to come back. That is not easy against very good teams in front of their crowd. Also, the performance of Yago Dos Santos. There are positive things to build our game."

Both teams now look forward to Round 6 where Partizan will travel to face Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz while Zvezda hosts FC Bayern Munich. But before those EuroLeague challenges comes another derby. Same venue, and same hosts, but in their domestic league on Monday.

The next one in the EuroLeague is scheduled for Round 19 on January 4. Feel free to mark the date on your calendars because we have already learned how special each Belgrade Derby is.

The latest Belgrade Derby was another celebration of basketball at a packed arena and another thriller that went down to the wire between two archrivals. 

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade v Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (2023-10-26T16:30:00.000Z)