EA7 Emporio Armani Milan leaned on Zach LeDay to make a good start in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague this term with a fine display at Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade, as the Italian outfit celebrated an 82-92 win in the Serbian capital on the opening night of the season.

Zach LeDay comes up big as Milan cruises to smooth win at Crvena Zvezda

[EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/ea7-emporio-armani-milan/mil/) leaned on [Zach LeDay](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/zach-leday/008987/) to make a good start in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague this term with a fine display at Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade, as the Italian outfit [celebrated an 82-92 win](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/milan-hits-the-ground-running-to-sink-zvezda-82-92/) in the Serbian capital on the opening night of the season.

LeDay shot 7 of 11 from the floor and 6 of 7 from the line to rack up 21 points and 5 boards, helping the visitors to a perfect start with their sixth successive road win over Zvezda and their ninth in the last 10 meetings with the Serbian side.

The 31-year-old drew on his vast experience, notably against Zvezda as he produced yet another vintage performance against a rival he is all too familiar with. LeDay fought countless battles with Zvezda during a 2021-2024 stint with bitter city foes Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade in Europe as well as in the regional ABA League, where the two teams engage in a perennial battle for supremacy.

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade-EA7 Emporio Armani Milan | Round 1 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

Jibed and taunted by a vocal home crowd throughout, the unfazed LeDay held his nerve from start to finish and stood tall at both ends of the court whenever Zvezda threatened to turn the tide.

“It’s a blessing to come to this tough and hostile environment and get a big with a great group of guys,” LeDay said in a flash courtside interview after putting Zvezda to the sword. “We are a brand-new team, we’ll take it day by day and just keep going. Belgrade is like a second home to me so it’s always good to be back in the gym. I called this place home for three years.”

LeDay’s effort was complemented by [Josh Nebo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/josh-nebo/011199/), who celebrated his return to action after being sidelined by a year-long injury as he racked up 12 points and five boards, as well as by a fine effort from [Shavon Shields](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shavon-shields/007831/), who netted 13 points including eight in the first quarter.

Shields produced an effective performance as he shot 5 of 8 from the floor and picked up 4 rebounds, managing 2 assists and a steal to make sure Milan stayed in front pretty much throughout the contest as he helped the visiting team carve out an early 20-22 advantage.

“I am super happy,” said Shields. “I am proud of everybody in the locker room, we knew it wasn’t going to be easy but we stuck together in some of the tough moments and got it done. We made shots and everybody stepped up at different moments.”

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="it" dir="ltr">L’Olimpia parte con il botto, vince a Belgrado 92-82<br><br>Game recap 👉🏻 <a href="https://t.co/JEmtahaHJL">https://t.co/JEmtahaHJL</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/insieme?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#insieme</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ForzaOlimpia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ForzaOlimpia</a> <a href="https://t.co/8ogu7M8YAU">pic.twitter.com/8ogu7M8YAU</a></p>&mdash; Olimpia Milano (@OlimpiaMI1936) <a href="https://twitter.com/OlimpiaMI1936/status/1973129052258181627?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Milan head coach Ettore Messina was pleased with his team’s effort. “We made the right decisions with the right players at crucial moments,” he said. “The ball was always in the right hands and you’ve got to have that kind of discipline if you’re going to have a good season. Everybody contributed and that will help us build some more chemistry,” added Messina, who was given a perfect 66th birthday gift by his players.

His counterpart Ioannis Sfairopoulos had little to cheer about. “We were not tough defensively and we lost a lot of one-on-one battles,” said the Greek tactician. “Just as we found our way back into the game, they scored two tough shots to build a six-point lead and that restored their confidence.”

Milan’s visit to Belgrade continues with Thursday’s matchup against Partizan in Round 2 while Zvezda faces a tough outing at Bayern Munich in a rematch of last season’s Play-In Showdown, when the German side prevailed on home court.

Game News

The visiting team’s forward produced a flawless performance in a cracking atmosphere in Belgrade

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade v EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (2025-09-30T18:00:00.000Z)

There was plenty of anticipation surrounding how Virtus Bologna forward Saliou Niang would adapt to the EuroLeague level following a strong showing at EuroBasket 2025 with the Italian national team. On Tuesday night, Niang left no doubt about his talent, refined skill set, and high ceiling, delivering an impressive performance to lead Virtus to a 74–68 opening-night win over Real Madrid.

Saliou Niang makes a statement on his EuroLeague debut

There was plenty of anticipation surrounding how [Virtus Bologna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/virtus-bologna/vir/) forward [Saliou Niang](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/saliou-niang/012687/) would adapt to the EuroLeague level following a strong showing at EuroBasket 2025 with the Italian national team. On Tuesday night, Niang left no doubt about his talent, refined skill set, and high ceiling, delivering an impressive performance to lead Virtus to [a 74–68 opening-night win over Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/virtus-snaps-losing-streak-against-real-74-68/).

Niang came off the bench early in the first quarter and needed a few minutes to settle in. His first basket – a tip-in that brought Virtus within 14–19 at the end of the opening period – marked the beginning of a confident display. He soon Euro-stepped his way to the rim for a smooth driving layup, making a tough move look effortless. Later in the second quarter, he repeated the move, this time finishing through heavy contact.

Just after halftime, Niang found space for a backdoor slam before heading to the bench for a breather. He played the entire fourth quarter and delivered the game’s biggest highlight: a powerful dunk over Gabriel Deck that gave Virtus a 68–61 lead with just over two minutes remaining. Real made a late push and even had a chance to tie, but Virtus held firm down the stretch.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">SALIOU NIANG, what a way to announce yourself! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MotorolaMagicMoment?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MotorolaMagicMoment</a> I <a href="https://twitter.com/Moto?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Moto</a> <a href="https://t.co/Njk58aA7Gg">pic.twitter.com/Njk58aA7Gg</a></p>&mdash; EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1973133444763824354?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Niang finished with 12 points on 6-of-8 shooting from two-point range, along with 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and a steal for a game-high PIR of 16.

“It was a crazy night. I was a little bit nervous – it was my first time in the EuroLeague – but it went really well and I’m very happy,” Niang said after the game. “I’m very proud of the team. Now we have to stay focused and keep pushing.”

Saliou Niang had 12 poitnts and a game-high PIR of 16 to lead Virtus Bologna to a 74-68 home win over Real Madrid. 

Niang has stellar EuroLeague debut 

Niang has immediately positioned himself as one of the top contenders for the EuroLeague Rising Star award this season. Born in Dakar, Senegal, he moved to Italy at the age of two and developed through Fortitudo Bologna’s youth system. After two seasons with Dolomiti Energia Trento, he’s now ready for bigger challenges and remains committed to daily improvement.

“I just try to help my teammates, bring energy to the court, and do the little things that help the team. That’s what I do,” Niang said. “I’m very happy – it gives me even more energy to keep pushing and keep doing what I’m doing.”

The 21-year-old forward stood out in his first EuroLeague appearance



Kendrick Nunn did not wait long to show he could be a contender for back-to-back Most Valuable Player awards as he guided Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens to a season-opening 87-79 victory over FC Bayern Munich. 

'I’m still here' - Nunn ready for another star season 

[Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/) did not wait long to show he could be a contender for back-to-back Most Valuable Player awards as he guided [Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-bc-athens/roster/pan/) to [a season-opening 87-79 victory](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/panathinaikos-starts-quest-for-home-final-four-with-87-79-home-win-over-bayern/) over FC Bayern Munich.

Nunn led the Greens with 21 points on 9-of-14 shooting while dishing out 10 assists and just 2 turnovers for a performance index rating of 29 in the opening game. It was a strong way to start the EuroLeague for the MVP.

“Of course I’m still here. I’m back for another season,” said Nunn, who signed a contract extension last April until 2028. “I said that in the preseason. I am here now. I feel like a kid on the first day of school.”

Kendrick Nunn (21 points) Highlights vs. FC Bayern Munich, 09/30/2025

Kendrick Nunn carried Panathinaikos to season-opening win

Nunn came up big throughout the game, scoring 8 points in the opening frame and adding a big three-point play midway through the second quarter as Bayern was trying to stay close.

The 30-year-old scored three straight baskets as Panathinaikos took control of the game. His drive and dunk provided the first double-digit lead, 58-48, and he added a layup and jumper in the lane to make it 62-50.

Nunn finished with two more scores in the closing minutes to kill off any Bayern hopes of a comeback.

“I feel good. I feel like I left a handful of plays out there, but my teammates get it done. When I deliver the ball, they execute. So the credit goes to them,” Nunn said about his 10 assists, which evened his career high. 

Game Videos

Panathinaikos coach Ergin Ataman said the team relied on strong individual performances, led by his star Nunn, saying: “We have incredible offensive players like Kendrick, who played a great game.”

Nunn’s performance was all the more needed as star signing [TJ Shorts](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tj-shorts/012608/) was held scoreless in 10 minutes, missing all four of his shots. It was the first time the guard failed to score in the EuroLeague, his previous low being 9 points.

“Once every thing clicks together with all of us, I think it will look a lot better,” said Panathinaikos center [Omer Yurtseven](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/omer-yurtseven/005353/), who contributed 14 points in the win.

The reigning MVP carried Panathinaikos to a season-opening win

'I’m still here' - Kendrick Nunn ready for another star season 

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens v FC Bayern Munich (2025-09-30T18:15:00.000Z)

Smits's 7 straight points in the closing stages sealed the outcome for Efes's victory against Maccabi

Difference-maker Rolands Smits stepped up when it mattered most

[Anadolu Efes Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/anadolu-efes-istanbul/roster/ist/) had an extraordinary offseason, beefing up a roster that now looks complete with players complementing each other in all positions. On Tuesday evening, the Turkish side [beat Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv 85-78](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/anaolu-efes-hold-off-maccabi-85-78/) in its EuroLeague opener, with five players recording double digits in scoring. The one who stepped up when it mattered most was [Rolands Smits](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/rolands-smits/007109/).

In an exciting tug-of-war clash, Efes led 75-67 with 6:28 remaining, but Maccabi went on a 0-9 surge to get back in front with 4:33 left on the clock.

Enter Efes’s game-changer, with Smits drilling a corner triple to put the hosts back ahead. Maccabi didn’t manage to respond and Smits hit again on the other end. Efes circulated the ball smoothly before [Shane Larkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shane-larkin/007200/) pulled off a sublime bounce-pass to connect with an incoming Smits for a slam that forced a Maccabi timeout.

Rolands Smits took over late against Maccabi

Rolands Smits took over late against Maccabi_39987917.mp4

This 5-0 run didn’t serve as a wake-up call for the visitors and Efes tightened up its defense, with [Ercan Osmani](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/ercan-osmani/012710/) getting the steal on one end before Larkin fed Smits again on the other, this time for a one-handed slam in transition to make it 82-76.

“I just took my opportunities,” a humble Smits told EuroLeague TV after the game. “My teammates found me and I just needed to score the ball.”

Smits ended the game on 16 points, having gone 5-for-7 from inside the arc and 2-for-3 from deep. He also recorded 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal in just 15:50 on the floor. Most importantly, 12 of his points came in the last quarter, bagging almost half of his team’s scoring tally in the fourth (25).

A special mention for one of Efes’s offseason signings, [Jordan Loyd](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jordan-loyd/009754/), who also grabbed 16 points, having netted 4 of his 8 three-point attempts, including a dagger to seal the outcome in crunch time.

Efes opened the first double-round week of the season with a victory and it will look to make it 2 out of 2 against Israeli teams by beating Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv in their Round 2 duel on Friday. In a marathon like the EuroLeague depth matters and Smits demonstrated on Tuesday evening that Efes’s next-man-up mentality could take them far in the competition.

His 7 straight points in the closing stages sealed the outcome against Maccabi

Anadolu Efes Istanbul v Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv (2025-09-30T17:45:00.000Z)

In a back and forth opening-night battle that went down to the final minute, Olympiacos Piraeus pulled out a 96-102 victory on the road against Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz on Tuesday night. 

Olympiacos escapes Baskonia in a shootout, 96-102

In a back and forth opening-night battle that went down to the final minute, Olympiacos Piraeus pulled out a 96-102 victory on the road against Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz on Tuesday night. Olympiacos had a strong start and a strong finish to the game to escape the Basque Country with a win. The Reds made the first 30 of its free throws before finishing 31 of 32 from the line. 

Two players had double-doubles for the Reds on the first night of the 2025-26 EuroLeague season. Sasha Vezenkov collected 24 points and 13 rebounds, while Nikola Milutinov had 12 points and 14 rebounds. Tyler Dorsey netted 21 points, Tyson Ward scored 11, and Evan Fournier finished with 10 points. Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot was Baskonia's top scorer with 23 points, while Trent Forrest orchestrated the offense with 14 points and 10 assists. Hamidou Diallo scored 15 and Markus Howard bagged 12 points in defeat.

Olympiacos stormed out of the gate with its defense, holding Baskonia without a basket for more than 4 minutes, while a pair of triples from Dorsey helped opened a 0-12 lead. The margin was 4-19 before Clement Frisch connected on back-to-back threes to cut it to 12-19. Milutinov and Dorsey restored a double-digit margin, but just briefly because Howard hit back-to-back triples as the hosts cut it to 20-27 at the end of the first quarter.

Another three from Howard sparked a run that got Baskonia within 29-31, but Ward and Alec Peters pushed the margin into the double figures again, making it 33-43 from long range. Ward and Milutinov kept the Reds’ margin safe, but Luwawu-Cabarrot had a tough baseline jumper and a triple before Diallo and Forrest helped Baskonia finish the half strong on both ends of the floor, making it 48-49 at halftime.

Baskonia took its first lead with a triple from Tadas Sedekerskis, and after Vezenkov knocked down his first triple, a three from Luka Samanic made it 58-56. Dorsey answered with 6 consecutive points, but Markquis Nowell scored 5 points to spark a 7-0 run which got the hosts back in front, 65-64. Vezenkov had a three-point play, yet Luwawu-Cabarrot answered with a four-point play, only for Donta Hall to secure a slim lead for Olympiacos going into the final 10 minutes, 70-73.

Baskonia made an early fourth-quarter push through Luwawu-Cabarrot, who had a three-point play then nailed back-to-back triples to make it 81-79. Sedekerskis also hit one from downtown and an acrobatic three-point play from Diallo opened 87-83. But the Reds continued making free throws, then Fournier had a pair of baskets driving to the rim to make it 90-91. A high-arching catch-and-shoot triple from Vezenkov made it a 92-96, only for Thomas Walkup to nail a step-back triple with 40 seconds to go, making it 94-99 and securing a win for the Reds.

The Reds opened the new season with a valuable road win

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz v Olympiacos Piraeus (2025-09-30T18:30:00.000Z)

Virtus Bologna recorded its first EuroLeague win of the season right away by downing Real Madrid 74-68 at the Paladozza on Tuesday. Carsen Edwards led the winners with 14 points. 

Virtus snaps losing streak against Real, 74-68

Virtus Bologna started the new season in style by defeating Real Madrid 74-68 at the Paladozza on Tuesday. Carsen Edwards led the winners with 14 points, Saliou Niang added 12 in his first game in the competition while Luca Vildoza scored 11 for Virtus. Mario Hezonja paced Real with 14 points and Gabriel Deck added 12. Virtus put an end to a five-game losing streak against *Los Blancos*.

Edwards got Virtus going with a catch-and-shoot three-pointer. Walter Tavares responded with a basket inside and Hezonja’s jumper gave Real a 3–5 lead. Alessandro Pajola stepped up for the hosts, but Hezonja hit another mid-range shot and added a transition layup to keep *Los Blancos* ahead, 5–9. Deck took over with a backdoor layup following a Virtus timeout. Vildoza answered with a driving finish, which Bruno Fernando matched with a jump hook. David Kramer scored in the paint, Aliou Diarra knocked down a mid-range jumper, and Trey Lyles restored Real’s lead at 9–17. After Vildoza connected from deep, Deck banked in a close-range shot. Niang’s tip-in brought Virtus within 14–19 at the end of the first quarter.

Niang Euro-stepped his way to the basket for an easy two early in the second quarter. Garuba got on the scoreboard, but Matt Morgan’s three-pointer forced Real to call timeout at 19–21. Andres Feliz responded with a coast-to-coast layup, which Diouf erased with a block. Niang and Hezonja traded layups, Karim Jallow scored on a strong drive, and Vildoza’s coast-to-coast finish put Virtus back in front, 27–25. Hezonja banked in a fadeaway jumper, but Brandon Taylor answered with a three-pointer. Morgan blew past Tavares for a layup, and Smailagic capped a 7–0 run with a tip-in. Tavares scored inside, and Abalde added a jumper to cut the deficit to 36–31. Deck and Lyles chipped in to bring Real even closer, 38–35, at halftime.

Niang threw down a dunk shortly after the break. Hezonja responded with a strong basket in the low post, and Smailagic followed with a deep three-pointer to extend Virtus’s lead to 43–37. Campazzo scored his first points in transition and Deck added a layup to bring *Los Blancos* within 2. Deck then tied the game from the foul line before Edwards delivered a wild four-point play for a 47–43 Virtus advantage. Edwards connected with Mouhamet Diouf for a layup and soon stretched the lead to 8, prompting Real to call timeout. Fernando answered with a jump hook, and Okeke finally broke Real’s drought from beyond the arc — after 12 missed attempts — to close the gap to 51–48. Alston scored inside and then Sergio Llull and Hackett traded jumpers to fix the score at 55–50 after three quarters.

Chuma Okeke scored off a steal early in the fourth quarter. Diarra banked in a close-range shot, and Vildoza followed with a three-pointer that fired up the crowd at 60–52. Llull hit a floater, but Niang answered with a reverse layup. Edwards buried a huge three-pointer to give Virtus its first double-digit lead, 66–54, with just over four minutes remaining. Tavares responded with a dunk, and Hezonja followed with a coast-to-coast layup to give Real a spark at 66–58. Campazzo connected from deep before Niang brought the crowd to its feet with a massive poster dunk over Deck. Feliz scored in the paint, and Deck added a tip-in to bring Real within striking distance at 68–65. Campazzo bettered Edwards’s acrobatic layup with a triple but missed a close attempt on Real’s next possession. Morgan drew a foul and calmly sank both free throws with 11.3 seconds left to seal the outcome.

After five consecutive losses, Virtus managed to beat Real at Paladozza


Virtus Bologna v Real Madrid (2025-09-30T18:45:00.000Z)

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan made a perfect start to the new EuroLeague season with an impressive 82-92 win at Crvena Zvezda Meridian Bet Belgrade after leading for the lion’s share of the contest at Belgrade Arena

Milan hits the ground running to sink Zvezda, 82-92 

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan made a perfect start to the new EuroLeague season with an impressive 82-92 win at Crvena Zvezda Meridian Bet Belgrade after leading for the lion’s share of the contest at Belgrade Arena.

Zach LeDay led Milan’s charge with a game-high 21 points and 5 rebounds while Shavon Shields scored 8 of his 13 points in the first quarter, as the visitors carved out a slender 20-22 at the end of the opening period.

Big man Josh Nebo chipped in with 12 points and 5 boards and Marko Guduric netted 10 points against his former club - 9 of them from downtown as he made some clutch shots that kept Milan in the driving seat when Zvezda closed in on the visiting team.

At the other end, Jordan Nwora stood out with 19 points while Tyson Carter added 16 and Izundu Ebuka amassed 14, but Zvezda’s new arrivals received preciously little support from the Serbian team’s stalwarts as the hosts shot a miserable 6 of 19 from three-point range. 

Shields got Milan going early on and Leday, who often tormented Zvezda during his stint with city rival Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade, took over the mantle in the second quarter as the Italian side steadily built its lead thanks to solid defense. 

The visitors confined Zvezda to just 11-of-24 shooting from inside in the opening 20 minutes while hitting 13 of 17 at the other end, subduing the home team as well as a fervent home crowd which performed in fits and starts - very much like the Serbian team still needing to gel as its revamped roster struggled to hit top gear.

Having trailed 41-45 at the interval, Zvezda produced its brightest spell in the third quarter as it drew level several times before Guduric hit a couple of huge three-pointers in quick succession to put Milan back in front, 61-67, paving the way for a smooth finale. 

The writing was on the wall for Zvezda as Milan pulled away to 63-75 early in the fourth, thanks to 6 unanswered points and there was no way back for the battling Serbian outfit. The hosts gave themselves a glimmer of hope after slashing the deficit to 78-84 in the home stretch, but another 0-6 run put Milan out of sight and sealed its first win of the season in Europe’s premier competition.  

The Italian giant dominated throughout to celebrate its ninth win in the last 10 meetings with the Serbian team  

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens started its quest to play the EuroLeague Final Four at home in May by fighting off FC Bayern Munich 87-79 at home thanks to an outstanding showing by star guard Kendrick Nunn

Panathinaikos starts quest for home Final Four with 87-79 home win over Bayern 

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens started its quest to play the EuroLeague Final Four at home in May by fighting off FC Bayern Munich 87-79 at home thanks to an outstanding showing by star guard Kendrick Nunn. Last season’s Most Valuable Player poured in 21 points with 10 assists as Panathinaikos remained perfect at home against Bayern at 9-0 and now 12-5 all-time with six straight wins.

Panathinaikos took control of the game in the third quarter and kept Bayern at bay the rest of the way. Nikos Ragkavopoulos scored 15 points and Omer Yurtseven picked up 14 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks while TJ Shorts was held scoreless in 10 minutes played. Isiaha Mike and Xavier Rathan-Mayes both set career highs with 18 points each and Wenyen Gabriel had 13 points against his former team.

Mike scored the first points of the season for Bayern and Richaun Holmes followed suit immediately thereafter for the Greens. Mike moved to 5 points as Bayern went up 4-8. Ragkavopoulos answered with a four-point play and Nunn had 4 points as the game remained close at 12-12. The game went back and forth - Nunn totaling 8 points and 4 assists and Gabriel 7 points - with a total of 11 lead changes as Panathinaikos led 23-22 after 10 minutes.

Both teams’ defenses stepped up their play to start the second quarter with Bayern only managing one score in the first nearly 4 minutes, but Panathinaikos only could push the lead to 27-24. Kamar Baldwin came off the Bayern bench for back-to-back triples to put the visitors back ahead - and start four more lead changes before two scores from Alexandros Samodurov helped push the cushion to 37-32. Rathan-Mayes tried to keep Bayern close with 6 points, but Panathinaikos led 47-41 at the break.

Rathan-Mayes and Mike continued their strong game and trimmed the gap to 47-46. Panathinaikos delivered the first real run with 8 straight points as Bayern was held scoreless for 3+ minutes for a 58-48 lead on a big Nunn dunk. The Greens star added two more scores and it was 62-50. Bayern temporarily got the deficit to 6 points and trailed 68-61 after three quarters.

The big man combo of Yurtseven and Samodurov helped Panathinaikos open a double-digit lead again, 72-61, and Kostas Sloukas’s triple made it 77-65 with less than 7 minutes to go. Bayern could not produce enough offense and Nunn extended the difference to 81-68 with 4 minutes left. Bayern could not get closer than 8 points down the stretch.

Kendrick Nunn delivers MVP-like performance to start season for the Greens

Anadolu Efes Istanbul kicked off the 2025-26 EuroLeague season with an 85-78 victory over Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv at MORACA in Podgorica, Montenegro

Anadolu Efes hold off Maccabi, 85-78

Anadolu Efes Istanbul kicked off the 2025-26 EuroLeague season with an 85-78 victory over Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv at MORACA in Podgorica, Montenegro. An entertaining back-and-forth clash saw the hosts trail 75-76 with 4:10 to go, but Rolands Smits stepped up with 7 straight points in the closing stages to clinch it for the Turkish side.

Smits and Jordan Loyd led all scorers with 16 points each. Shane Larkin scored 14, with Ercan Osmani and Nick Weiler-Babb netting 12 each. For the visitors, Jaylen Hoard and Roman Sorkin bagged 15 points apiece in a losing effort.

Efes started strong with Kai Jones and Osmani scoring inside before a triple from Weiler-Babb gave the hosts a 7-3 lead. Isaia Cordinier completed a three-point play following back-to-back buckets from Hoard, with Efes maintaining a 14-9 cushion. Six points from Sorkin and Brice Dessert’s second EuroLeague basket brought Maccabi within 18-17. Then, Osmani took over on the other end, taking his tally to 7 points, but Jeff Dowtin netted his first-ever bucket for Efes, cutting the difference to 21-19 after 10 minutes.

Maccabi hit the ground running in the second quarter, with summer signing TJ Leaf’s alley-oop slam opening a 2-12 run. Larkin responded with 5 straight points, but Dowtin restored a 30-36 lead with a floater. Loyd’s first two baskets as an Efes player were followed by a Larkin layup, with Efes slightly trimming the deficit to 40-44 at halftime.

Weiler-Babb netted one from deep before teeing up Larkin for an open layup that tied it up at 45-45. What followed was an exchange of blows, as Hoard slammed home a dunk on the other end, but Smits put Efes back in front with a bucket in transition, 54-52. Then, Lonnie Walker and Loyd traded triples before a second from the latter gave Efes a 60-59 edge heading into the closing quarter.

The fourth started with a rain of triples, as Loyd, Smits and Oshae Brissett drilled one each, with the Turkish side leading 66-62. Weiler-Babb took over with 6 straight points, but Tamir Blatt responded from downtown and Hoard made 2 from the line to put Maccabi ahead, 75-76. Smits replied with 7 consecutive points before a three-point dagger by Loyd put the game to bed.

Rolands Smits and Jordan Loyd led the Turkish side to the opening night victory