Zalgiris Kaunas forward Rolands Smits has been rewarded with a contract extension until the end of the 2025-26 season, following an impressive debut campaign at the Lithuanian club. Smits (2.08 meters, 27 years old) joined Zalgiris last summer from FC Barcelona and went on to play a key role in the team reaching the playoffs, where it lost in three games to the Blaugrana. The Latvia international had his best season in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague to date in 2022-23, averaging 9.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists and a 9.4 PIR.

Rolands Smits signs contract extension at Zalgiris until 2026

Zalgiris Kaunas forward [Rolands Smits](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rolands-smits/007109/) has been rewarded with a contract extension until the end of the 2025-26 season, following an impressive debut campaign at the Lithuanian club. Smits (2.08 meters, 27 years old) joined Zalgiris last summer from FC Barcelona and went on to play a key role in the team reaching the playoffs, where it lost in three games to the *Blaugrana*. The Latvia international had his best season in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague to date in 2022-23, averaging 9.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists and a 9.4 PIR.

The best plays of Zalgiris Kaunas forward Rolands Smits during the 2022-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

Rolands Smits's top plays of the 2022-23 regular season

"The season is not over yet, we all want to win the Lithuanian championship, but my family and I are happy to stay in Kaunas for a longer period of time. The players here have all the right conditions, we have an incredible fan base, and I want to keep enjoying it. Moreover, I will play in a familiar environment, close to home \[Latvia\], which makes me happy," Smits told Zalgiris's official website. 

“When we signed Rolands last summer, we already knew what he could bring to the team. During the season we were convinced that we will need all of that in the future, so I am glad that these negotiations did not take long and we kept an important player,” added Zalgiris head coach Kazys Maksvytis.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Let’s make it last! Zalgiris agrees on a contract extension with <a href="https://twitter.com/Rolands_Smits?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Rolands_Smits</a>! 🤝 <a href="https://t.co/kChEfi2TPY">pic.twitter.com/kChEfi2TPY</a></p>&mdash; BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) <a href="https://twitter.com/bczalgiris/status/1661710480031858688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Smits has played a total of 144 games in the EuroLeague, starting 57 times. Through his first four seasons in the competition, which all came with Barca, the forward appeared in 107 games and had 21 starts. During his first campaign with Zalgiris, he was a starter in 36 of his 37 appearances. Smits began his career with Spanish side Fuenlabrada, where he was contracted to between 2012 and 2017, before going on to join Barca. He returned to Fuenlabrada on loan in the 2017-18 campaign, but he spent the next four seasons in Barca's first team. Then, in the summer of 2022, Smits took the decision to leave Spain for the first time in his career and begin an adventure in Lithuania with Zalgiris. Now, Zalgiris fans can look forward to seeing Smits for another three years.

Champion facts: Ndiaye youngest, Rudy third-oldest this century

· Real Madrid now leads the all-time standings with 11 continental crowns since international club competitions began in 1958, three more than second-placed CSKA Moscow. Real has won the competition in 1964, 1965, 1967, 1968, 1974, 1978, 1980, 1995, 2015, 2018… and 2023!

· In addition to its 11 EuroLeague titles, Madrid has won four Saporta Cups, a Korac Cup and a EuroCup for 17 total European trophies.

· Rudy Fernandez and Sergio Llull have now won three EuroLeague titles, all with with Real. The last Spanish players to win three EuroLeague titles were Rafael Rullan, Juan Antonio Corbalan and Luis Maria Prada with Real in 1974, 1978 and 1980.

· Sergio Rodriguez, who also has three EuroLeague titles now, is the first player ever to win the EuroLeague with one team (Real in 2015), then do so with another club (CSKA, 2019) before return to the other club to win again (Real, 2023).

· Fernandez now has three EuroLeague, two World Cup and four EuroBasket titles. Only Dejan Bodiroga and Sergei Belov have won these three competitions multiple times.

· At 38 years, 1 month and 17 days old on Sunday, Fernandez became the third-oldest player this century to lift the EuroLeague trophy. Only his former teammate, Felipe Reyes, and Johnny Rogers (Panathinaikos 2002) were older when they won.

· Walter Tavares has become the second player to earn EuroLeague Best Defender and Final Four MVP honors in the same season. Dimitris Diamantidis was the first to get both awards, in 2011.

· Fernandez headlines the short list of players to have won a World Championship, EuroBasket, EuroLeague and EuroCup. He joins Dejan Tomasevic and Reyes.

· Adam Hanga is the first Hungarian ever to win the EuroLeague. Hanga had reached the championship game with FC Barcelona in 2021 and Real in 2022.

· Walter Tavares, Fabien Causeur and Anthony Randolph are now two-time EuroLeague champions. They all won the EuroLeague with Real in 2018.

· Alberto Abalde and Eli Ndiaye joined an exclusive list of Adidas Next Generation Tournament MVPs who also won the EuroLeague title. Abalde was the ANGT MVP in 2013 with Joventut Badalona. Ndiaye was chosen as the 2022 ANGT MVP with Real. Luka Doncic was previously the only player to get both trophies: he was the ANGT MVP in 2015 and won the EuroLeague in 2018 with Real.

· Eli Ndiaye became the youngest champion to see action in any Final Four this century. Aged 18 years, 10 months and 23 days when the Final Four began, Ndiaye started both games for Real, averaging 7 minutes. 

· Gabriel Deck added his name to a long list of Argentinians who have won the EuroLeague title. The list features Hugo Sconochini (Virtus 1998, 2001), Facu Campazzo (Real 2015, 2018), Manu Ginobili (Virtus 2001), Pepe Sanchez (Panathinaikos 2002) and Andres Nocioni (Real 2015). 

 Put your finger on the pulse of the Final Four in Kaunas! 

The best weekend in world basketball is a whole lot more than balls bouncing and shots falling. Last weekend in Kaunas, Lithuania, all the sights, sounds, colors and action you can ask for around a basketball event were on full display during the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four. That eight hours' worth of games on the court Zalgirio Arena were dramatic enough, but the scenes around the city, in the teams’ hotel, and backstage at the venue were just as festive. If you were not able to be on the ground in a place whose heart beats with basketball, here is your chance to feel what it was like on the inside as one incredible season raced to its thrilling climax. 

Put your finger on the pulse of the Final Four in Kaunas!

No other game of the season has more eyes on it than the championship game, and that includes eyes peering through camera lenses. Here's a selection of some of the images that the photographers at courtside, behind the baskets and are up in the rafters at Zalgirio Arena were about to capture in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Championship game won by Real Madrid, 78-79, over Olympiacos Piraeus.

Championship Game photography

Their team's thrilling capture of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague trophy with a game-winning shot in the waning seconds of the Final Four in Kaunas, Lithuania, over the weekend inspired an outpouring of Real Madrid fans into the streets of the Spanish capital on Tuesday evening.

Madrid opened its arms to the EuroLeague champions!

Their team's thrilling capture of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague trophy with a game-winning shot in the waning seconds of the Final Four in Kaunas, Lithuania, over the weekend inspired an outpouring of Real Madrid fans into the streets of the Spanish capital on Tuesday evening.

They were there to celebrate as the players paraded the EuroLeague champions trophy from the city hall to the regional government headquarters and everywhere in between.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">📸 Foto de familia en la sede de la Comunidad de Madrid.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHAMP11ONS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHAMP11ONS</a> <a href="https://t.co/Zxd5lA11bi">pic.twitter.com/Zxd5lA11bi</a></p>&mdash; Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto/status/1661001627585888257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">⏮️🏆 ¡Nuestro equipo ofreció esta mañana la 1️⃣1️⃣º !<br>📍 Comunidad de Madrid<br>📍 Ayuntamiento de Madrid <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHAMP11ONS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHAMP11ONS</a> <a href="https://t.co/LaHxc8mQ9o">pic.twitter.com/LaHxc8mQ9o</a></p>&mdash; Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto/status/1661084724637384730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>



"It's very exciting for all of us to share with all the people of Madrid, including all our club's supporters, this new accomplishment that will stay forever in the memories and hearts of all basketball fans," club president Florentino Perez said.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">🙌🏆 <a href="https://twitter.com/23Llull?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@23Llull</a> 🙌🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHAMP11ONS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHAMP11ONS</a> <a href="https://t.co/7UzowMqBnc">pic.twitter.com/7UzowMqBnc</a></p>&mdash; Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto/status/1661054392244776960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">😀🏆 ¡Nuestros <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHAMP11ONS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHAMP11ONS</a> ofrecen la Undécima a los <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Madridistas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Madridistas</a>! 😀🏆 <a href="https://t.co/gBgZsYJez1">pic.twitter.com/gBgZsYJez1</a></p>&mdash; Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto/status/1660990907028500486?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Looking sharp in their suits and ties for the occasion, the Real Madrid stars mixed with the fans at each stop along the way, signing autographs and taking pictures and letting them touch the trophy, symbol of the club's 11th continental club title and third in the last eight editions.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">🙌 <a href="https://twitter.com/SergioRodriguez?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SergioRodriguez</a>: &quot;Muchas gracias a todos y ¡Hala Madrid!&quot;.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHAMP11ONS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHAMP11ONS</a> <a href="https://t.co/Evi8VUo06l">pic.twitter.com/Evi8VUo06l</a></p>&mdash; Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto/status/1660984233501020161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">🤩 <a href="https://twitter.com/DzMusa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DzMusa</a> y Adam Hanga, desde el balcón de la sede de la Comunidad: ¡HALA MADRID!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHAMP11ONS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHAMP11ONS</a> <a href="https://t.co/yVYDsALZym">pic.twitter.com/yVYDsALZym</a></p>&mdash; Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto/status/1660981102570352640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

"We are very happy to be here again to present you with this EuroLeague title, which has come with a huge effort," team captain Sergio Llull said. "It has been a very difficult season for various reasons. We had a playoff series that was a very steep uphill climb. In fact, no team had previously recovered from 0-2 deficit, and it couldn't be other than Real Madrid to do it. Later, in the Final Four, every last player has been incredible. We made one more demonstration of what it means to wear this jersey."

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">👏 El MVP de la Final Four, <a href="https://twitter.com/waltertavares22?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@waltertavares22</a>, da las gracias a los <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Madridistas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Madridistas</a> por el apoyo recibido. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHAMP11ONS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHAMP11ONS</a> <a href="https://t.co/aqWduDtRHZ">pic.twitter.com/aqWduDtRHZ</a></p>&mdash; Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto/status/1660977742416867329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Walter Tavares, who also took home the Final Four MVP trophy, thanked the crowd for their support from afar.

"We felt the energy that all of you transmitted from Madrid," Tavares said. "We were there \[in Kaunas\], but we always felt you close to us at every moment. The \[game-winning shot by Sergio Llull\] signified the positive energy that you were sending, and it went in clean, so thank you to everyone."

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">🏆 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHAMP11ONS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHAMP11ONS</a> ❤ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Madridistas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Madridistas</a> <a href="https://t.co/5UIdUn9LgL">pic.twitter.com/5UIdUn9LgL</a></p>&mdash; Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto/status/1661024182946131970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">🤲 <a href="https://twitter.com/FCauseur1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FCauseur1</a> 🤲<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHAMP11ONS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHAMP11ONS</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Madridistas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Madridistas</a> <a href="https://t.co/Qna0Ypfa9s">pic.twitter.com/Qna0Ypfa9s</a></p>&mdash; Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto/status/1661042805786152962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 EuroLeague on social media: Championship edition 

**CHAMPIONSHIP GAME REACTIONS**: All eyes around the world were on the EuroLeague Championship Game, and reactions were instant and full of awe for the thrills and drama witnessed at Zalgirio Arena.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Increible increible!!!!!!! HALA MADRID Y NADA MAS!!!!! Vamoooooss</p>&mdash; Luka Doncic (@luka7doncic) <a href="https://twitter.com/luka7doncic/status/1660358396451647489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 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">This Euroleague championship game is such a beauty of basketball. Tune in if you can</p>&mdash; Nicolas Batum (@nicolas88batum) <a href="https://twitter.com/nicolas88batum/status/1660354720160968705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Chachoooooo<br>Lluuuuuulllllllll 🍊</p>&mdash; marko popovic (@markopop006) <a href="https://twitter.com/markopop006/status/1660358324808826882?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 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">Great championship game <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/euroleague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#euroleague</a></p>&mdash; Gabriel Iffe Lundberg (@IffeLundberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/IffeLundberg/status/1660359938319826946?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 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">What a game</p>&mdash; Elijah Bryant OC©️ (@Elijah_Bryant3) <a href="https://twitter.com/Elijah_Bryant3/status/1660358424306089985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qst" dir="ltr">Wow 🤯</p>&mdash; Jordan Loyd (@mrjloyd) <a href="https://twitter.com/mrjloyd/status/1660358929455489024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 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">I’ll say it again… BELIEVE IN THE VETS!!!!</p>&mdash; Will Thomas (@the_common_name) <a href="https://twitter.com/the_common_name/status/1660358244106117120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 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">Hell of game!!!! Lots of experience and composure displayed throughout the game. Veteran plays. And OGs coming through in the clutch. Congrats <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RMBaloncesto</a>. Hala Madrid!!!</p>&mdash; K.C. Rivers (@kcriv3rs) <a href="https://twitter.com/kcriv3rs/status/1660359157369946112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 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">Dang…. What a game from <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RMBaloncesto</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/olympiacosbc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@olympiacosbc</a>. That was a great <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/final4?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#final4</a> game period.</p>&mdash; Othello hunter (@O_hunter5) <a href="https://twitter.com/O_hunter5/status/1660358470942457856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 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">I can’t wait to see what next year looks like. The Euroleague is just getting better and better. <a href="https://twitter.com/olympiacosbc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@olympiacosbc</a> you guys played great basketball all year long keep your heads up and get back next year. Much love.</p>&mdash; Othello hunter (@O_hunter5) <a href="https://twitter.com/O_hunter5/status/1660360746876776450?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


**ABOUT THE SHOT**: Sergio Llull's title-winning shot that fell with 3.2 seconds to go immediately became one of the most memorable in EuroLeague history.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Yo yo yo yo yo yo my blood pressure is up right now. <a href="https://twitter.com/23Llull?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@23Llull</a> big shot</p>&mdash; Othello hunter (@O_hunter5) <a href="https://twitter.com/O_hunter5/status/1660357764546445313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="art" dir="ltr">🍊🍊🍊🪄🪄🪄 <a href="https://t.co/mYASHsVEwd">https://t.co/mYASHsVEwd</a></p>&mdash; Luka Doncic (@luka7doncic) <a href="https://twitter.com/luka7doncic/status/1660364117192978432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 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">Tough <a href="https://t.co/KdGa5YEQmA">https://t.co/KdGa5YEQmA</a></p>&mdash; Jordan Loyd (@mrjloyd) <a href="https://twitter.com/mrjloyd/status/1660375913245159427?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 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">Llull is 🥶 and been for over a decade now.</p>&mdash; Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) <a href="https://twitter.com/patbev21/status/1660359388274790401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 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">For the last 10 years, my man been hitting shots going right for game. Just add this one to the list. <a href="https://t.co/F7zoYGJ7ii">https://t.co/F7zoYGJ7ii</a></p>&mdash; Rese (@ReseRice4) <a href="https://twitter.com/ReseRice4/status/1660362931773505543?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 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">Who else 🤷♂️ <a href="https://t.co/Bz3Y6GKffo">pic.twitter.com/Bz3Y6GKffo</a></p>&mdash; Petteri Koponen (@KoponenPetteri) <a href="https://twitter.com/KoponenPetteri/status/1660380191196102656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


**CONGRATULATIONS**: Former two-time champions Nando De Colo and Shane Larkin, as well as Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade, the team that Real Madrid eliminated in the playoffs, were among the first to congratulate Los Blancos on their 11th title.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Congrats <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RMBaloncesto</a> on winning the <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a> .. amazing game. Veteran presence is so valuable in Europe n that showed today. <a href="https://twitter.com/23Llull?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@23Llull</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/SergioRodriguez?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SergioRodriguez</a> .. legendary!</p>&mdash; Shane Larkin (@shanelarkin) <a href="https://twitter.com/shanelarkin/status/1660385018022166536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 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">Congratulations on winning the <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a>!<br><br>You showed amazing character and gave an example to all of us of how far the team can go if they believe until the end! 🤝<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F4GLORY?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F4GLORY</a> <a href="https://t.co/5UYYXw5ZQ3">https://t.co/5UYYXw5ZQ3</a></p>&mdash; KK Partizan Mozzart Bet (@PartizanBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/PartizanBC/status/1660361356430770176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 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">Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RMBaloncesto</a> on becoming EuroLeague CHAMPIONS! 🥇 <a href="https://t.co/OoJTKB27tQ">pic.twitter.com/OoJTKB27tQ</a></p>&mdash; BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) <a href="https://twitter.com/bczalgiris/status/1660364554642112516?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">El <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RMBaloncesto</a> se ha proclamado campeón de la <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a>. Enhorabuena!</p>&mdash; Pau Gasol (@paugasol) <a href="https://twitter.com/paugasol/status/1660378346092474370?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Cómo me alegra!!! Los viejitos locos siempre presente. <a href="https://twitter.com/23Llull?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@23Llull</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SergioRodriguez?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SergioRodriguez</a> <a href="https://t.co/TfAZi8SjkV">pic.twitter.com/TfAZi8SjkV</a></p>&mdash; Andrés Nocioni (@SoyElChapu) <a href="https://twitter.com/SoyElChapu/status/1660358299437473798?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Grande Chacho 👏🏻 <a href="https://twitter.com/SergioRodriguez?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SergioRodriguez</a></p>&mdash; Nando De Colo (@NandoDeColo) <a href="https://twitter.com/NandoDeColo/status/1660369949540380673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Enhorabuena <br><br>CAMPEONES.<br><br>⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RMBaloncesto</a>⁩ <a href="https://t.co/ZdzIV9imOe">pic.twitter.com/ZdzIV9imOe</a></p>&mdash; Pablo Laso (@pablolaso) <a href="https://twitter.com/pablolaso/status/1660385121537605632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Enhorabuena a <a href="https://twitter.com/MateoChus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MateoChus</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/rudy5fernandez?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rudy5fernandez</a>,<a href="https://twitter.com/SergioRodriguez?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SergioRodriguez</a>,<a href="https://twitter.com/23Llull?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@23Llull</a>, y a todo el <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RMBaloncesto</a> por esta autentica gesta!!! Nunca hay que subestimar el corazòn de unos campeones….👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻</p>&mdash; Sergio Scariolo (@sergioscariolo) <a href="https://twitter.com/sergioscariolo/status/1660403363408748544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


**GREAT RESPECT**: Olympiacos was left one shot away from the title. Coach Georgios Bartzokas gave a proud and emotional speech in the locker room, and Walter Tavares had nothing but praise for Olympiacos after battling it out in the championship game.

<center><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CsifXMouQwp/?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/reel/CsifXMouQwp/?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; 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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CsifXMouQwp/?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 Olympiacos B.C. (@olympiacosbc)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Unstoppable😅 your time will come. Respect 🫡 <a href="https://t.co/cCsSlTqPte">https://t.co/cCsSlTqPte</a></p>&mdash; Edy Tavares (@waltertavares22) <a href="https://twitter.com/waltertavares22/status/1660651953150361601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

**CHAMPIONS' CORNER**: For Sergio Llull, Sergio Rodriguez and Rudy Fernandez, this was their third EuroLeague title. Fabien Causeur, Anthony Randolph and Walter Tavares have each won two now, while the rest of Real Madrid's players experienced the championship feeling for the first time.

**GAME BALL & CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY**: Mario Hezonja kept the game ball and found a place for it on the flight back to Madrid.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/LbHLz7YFO1">pic.twitter.com/LbHLz7YFO1</a></p>&mdash; Mario Hezonja (@mariohezonja) <a href="https://twitter.com/mariohezonja/status/1660408929455849472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

**TROPHY CABINET**: Back in Madrid, Sergio Llull easily found space for the latest addition to his trophy cabinet.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Todo en su sitio 🏆🏆🏆 <a href="https://t.co/Qz41w1SriY">pic.twitter.com/Qz41w1SriY</a></p>&mdash; Sergio Llull (@23Llull) <a href="https://twitter.com/23Llull/status/1660659034318417921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

EuroLeague on social media: Championship edition

The Lotus watch brand, Official Timekeeper of the 2023 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four, has gifted an exclusive watch to Real Madrid center Walter Tavares, the Final Four MVP.

 Lotus awards exclusive Final Four MVP watch 


The Lotus watch brand, Official Timekeeper of the 2023 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four, has gifted an exclusive watch to Real Madrid center Walter Tavares, the Final Four MVP.

Tavares received his specially crafted watch soon after Real Madrid defeated Olympiacos Piraeus 78-79 in the thrilling, down-to-the-wire Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Championship Game on Sunday in Kaunas, Lithuania.

Lotus, which joined the Euroleague Basketball family of partners before the Final Four, enjoyed exposure as the competition's official timekeeper with a presence on all the 24-second shot clocks around the baskets at Zalgirio Arena.

Lotus watches are known for their contemporary urban and trendy styles, which are befitting of EuroLeague athletes. Just as the EuroLeague stands out on the sporting scene, so too will young consumers seeking a timepiece that marries innovative technology, quality materials and cutting edge design find Lotus unique.

Lotus awards exclusive Final Four MVP watch

Olympiacos Piraeus v Real Madrid (2023-05-21T17:00:00.000Z)

 Real Madrid's on-court celebration in photos! 

By edging Olympiacos Piraeus in the dying seconds of an epic Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season, Real Madrid lifted its 11th trophy as European club champion since the dawn of continental competitions in 1958. No team other team has won more than eight. After winning the crown just once between 1981 and 2014, Real has now emerged victorious in three of the last eight editions of the Final Four.

Real Madrid's on-court celebration in photos!

Fans who are attending the Final Four in Kaunas, Lithuania, have a special opportunity this weekend to [find themselves in panoramic photos from Zalgirio Arena](https://gigapanoramic-final4.euroleague.net/) for the two semifinals and the championship game.

Fans can have fun playing and zooming in and out to see themselves and the other fans around them, cut pictures of themselves and their friends, and then tag themselves to share far and wide on Facebook and Twitter.

The first photos are already available from Friday's semifinals.

#### Championship Game: Olympiacos Piraeus vs. Real Madrid

#### Semifinal A: Olympiacos Piraeus vs. AS Monaco

#### Semifinal B: FC Barcelona vs. Real Madrid

Rolands Smits signs contract extension at Zalgiris until 2026

Champion facts: Ndiaye youngest, Rudy third-oldest this century

Put your finger on the pulse of the Final Four in Kaunas!

Championship Game photography

Madrid opened its arms to the EuroLeague champions!

EuroLeague on social media: Championship edition

Lotus awards exclusive Final Four MVP watch

Real Madrid's on-court celebration in photos!

Tag yourself in Zalgirio Arena panoramic photos!