Olympiacos leads Zalgiris 16-13 in their meetings this century. In Round 2, Olympiacos beat Zalgiris 90-80 behind 23 points plus a career-high 14 rebounds from Sasha Vezenkov, who earned MVP of the Round honor for that performance.

Last season Olympiacos swept Zalgiris, including a 73-84 win in Kaunas behind 18 points from Kostas Papanikolaou.

Zalgiris's last win over Olympiacos was an 81-79 decision in January 2021 in Kaunas when Thomas Walkup, now with Olympiacos, scored with 1 second remaining to cap a 9-0 run in the last 2 minutes and win the game for Zalgiris.

Zalgiris ousted Olympiacos from the 2018 EuroLeague Playoffs with a 3-1 series win without the home-court advantage.

Zalgiris forward Edgaras Ulanovas earned MVP of the Round honors against Olympiacos in Game 4 of the 2018 EuroLeague Playoffs. He had 20 points, 9 rebounds and a performance index rating of 27.

Zalgiris and Olympiacos faced each other in the 1999 Final Four in Munich, Germany. It was the first-ever official clash between these two sides. Zalgiris downed Olympiacos 87-71 in the semifinals behind 19 points from Anthony Bowie and went on to lift its first – and to date only – EuroLeague trophy.

Thomas Walkup joined Olympiacos from Zalgiris in the summer of 2021. He spent three years in Kaunas, never missing a EuroLeague game and appearing in all 96 games Zalgiris played over that span.

Olympiacos forward Alec Peters was also a teammate of Zalgiris forward Achille Polonara at Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz during the 2020-21 season.

Olympiacos guard Kostas Sloukas delivered a career-high 11 assists playing for Fenerbahce Istanbul in an 82-68 win over Zalgiris in October 2016.

Sloukas collected a career-best 4 steals playing for Fenerbahce against Zalgiris in April 2019.

Olympiacos center Moustapha Fall posted his career-high in offensive rebounds with 7 playing for LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne against Zalgiris in October 2020.

Game Videos

Game News

Red-hot league leader Olympiacos (20-8) can become the first team to secure a place in the playoffs by winning at Zalgiris (15-13), but the host will have very different ideas as it continues a run of five home games out of six. The first of those saw a dominant victory over ASVEL last week, with in-form guard Ignas Bradzeikis reaching double digits in scoring (19 points) for the sixth game out of seven. But the main challenge for Zalgiris is finding a way to stop a rampant Olympiacos offense which kept on rolling with 102 points against Bayern last time out on the back of a club-record 19 three-pointers.

Game Notes: Zalgiris vs. Olympiacos

Zalgiris Kaunas v Olympiacos Piraeus (2023-03-16T18:00:00.000Z)

After originally postponing them due to the tragic earthquake that struck Turkiye and neighboring countries, the One Team Games will take place during every Round 29 game in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and every Round 16 game in the 7DAYS EuroCup this week to shine a light on the work that all 38 Euroleague Basketball clubs have done and continue to do through their community-based One Team programs.

The One Team Games are here!

After originally postponing them due to the tragic earthquake that struck Turkiye and neighboring countries, the One Team Games will take place during every Round 29 game in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and every Round 16 game in the 7DAYS EuroCup this week to shine a light on the work that all 38 Euroleague Basketball clubs have done and continue to do through their community-based One Team programs.

From Tuesday through Friday, the entire One Team family will come together as ambassadors, coaches, players, legends and staff members to raise the visibility of programs that, thanks to the clubs, support thousands across the continent who are at risk of social exclusion.

Moreover, this week also marks the long-awaited return of the One Team participants themselves to the courts for a week of celebrations after their absence from the last two editions of One Team Games due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prior to all Round 29 EuroLeague and Round 16 EuroCup tipoffs, a One Team participant will present the game ball. At halftime, more One Team participants will take part in on-court activities and have the opportunity to be recognized by the local crowds. Then, before the second half starts, they will be joined by the One Team Ambassadors from both teams for a picture together at midcourt.

"To have our entire family of participants, clubs, ambassadors and partners finally back together for One Team Games this week is something to be very proud of because each one of them deserves our heartfelt recognition," Roser Queralto, Chief Business Officer of Euroleague Basketball, said. "The clubs’ efforts deliver important gains to at-risk members of our communities and bring long-lasting smiles to countless participants, season after season."

Fans in the arenas and viewers at home will also see special #WeAreAllOneTeam stickers on all courts. Turkish Airlines and 7DAYS, the naming partners of the EuroLeague and the EuroCup, respectively, actively support the One Team Games and have worked with the One Team program to place the #WeAreAllOneTeam logo on the court for this special occasion. 

"As a One Team Ambassador, I am proud to stand alongside the participants of One Team and the dedicated program managers who are making special things happen in cities all across Europe," Olympiacos Piraeus player Sasha Vezenkov said. "I share the court with a lot of stars, but these are the stars I will love seeing back in the spotlight where they belong this week."

The same hashtag, #WeAreAllOneTeam, will be getting plenty of support on digital platforms this week, too, as ambassadors, players, clubs and fans are all encouraged to participate in the One Team Games through digital activations and to show support and raise awareness about the program by [using a special filter](https://euroleagueoneteam.com/) created for their accounts.

"Spending quality time with the participants is something I cherish about my experience as a One Team Ambassador," Petar Popovic of Buducnost VOLI Podgorica said. "I can't wait to see so many of them around the continent get recognition during the One Team Games. They show us through their enthusiasm how sports can change lives for the better."

Fans everywhere can get involved in supporting One Team by playing two digital mini-games developed for the occasion and available from Tuesday through Friday. The first, a quiz, tests your knowledge about One Team, while the second offers a different online One Team memory game daily throughout the week and includes One Team Ambassadors from each of the 38 teams. Participation in the games comes with the chance to win an official jersey from a EuroLeague or EuroCup team. Be sure to play!

Those looking to show support for One Team from home can purchase #WeAreAllOneTeam T-shirts from the [EuroLeague Store](https://euroleaguestore.net/), with all royalties going towards future One Team endeavors. 

One Team, supported by Turkish Airlines as the One Team Founding Patron and with the collaboration of Special Olympics as Proud Partner, uses basketball to achieve real social impact in our communities. With an innovative model of interconnectedness across an entire continent, Euroleague Basketball and its clubs have developed a complete CSR program that brings together activities from each team in an integrated, impactful way, working under the theme of "community integration" that actively addresses targets of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10 on Reduced Inequalities.

Valencia Basket v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2023-03-16T19:30:00.000Z)

FC Bayern Munich v ALBA Berlin (2023-03-17T19:30:00.000Z)

FC Barcelona v Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (2023-03-17T19:30:00.000Z)

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne v Panathinaikos Athens (2023-03-16T20:00:00.000Z)

Real Madrid v EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (2023-03-16T19:45:00.000Z)

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv v Cazoo Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (2023-03-16T19:05:00.000Z)

AS Monaco v Virtus Segafredo Bologna (2023-03-16T18:00:00.000Z)

Anadolu Efes Istanbul v Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (2023-03-16T17:30:00.000Z)

Anadolu Efes Istanbul v Real Madrid (2023-03-14T17:30:00.000Z)

London Lions v Promitheas Patras (2023-03-15T19:30:00.000Z)

Paris Basketball v Slask Wroclaw (2023-03-14T19:30:00.000Z)

Hapoel Vegan Friendly Tel Aviv v Veolia Towers Hamburg (2023-03-14T18:00:00.000Z)

Dolomiti Energia Trento v Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (2023-03-14T19:00:00.000Z)

Gran Canaria v Turk Telekom Ankara (2023-03-15T20:00:00.000Z)

Germani Brescia v 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys (2023-03-15T19:30:00.000Z)

Frutti Extra Bursaspor v Umana Reyer Venice (2023-03-15T17:00:00.000Z)

Joventut Badalona v U-BT Cluj-Napoca (2023-03-14T19:15:00.000Z)

Prometey Slobozhanske v Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse (2023-03-15T17:00:00.000Z)

ratiopharm Ulm v Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (2023-03-15T18:30:00.000Z)

Round 28 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague saw three teams score important road wins. Virtus Segafredo Bologna notched 27 assists on just 36 made shots in a road victory over ALBA Berlin, doing a very impressive job moving the ball in the half court. That is not especially surprising as a second-ranked 70% of their field goals made have been assisted this season—a fraction less than Olympiacos Piraeus.

The pass masters dropping dimes

While a lot of different things play into a team's offensive efficiency, having a player who can simplify the game for others is very valuable. Virtus has a player like that in [Milos Teodosic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/milos-teodosic/jdr/), who finds cutters in their offense at a remarkable rate.

The table above breaks down this season's assist leaders by where their assists go. Teodosic, notably, dishes a huge volume of his assists to scorers inside the arc. That is reflected vividly both here and in his pick-and-roll passing numbers. His dishes out of ball-screens this season have had a Synergy Shot Quality of 1.25 points per-shot – easily the highest in the EuroLeague this season as no other player generating more than five possessions per game for teammates with his passes eclipses the 1.16 mark.

While Teodosic has a knack for threading the needle, [Nick Calathes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nick-calathes/001932/) and [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) have both found shooters more frequently than their peers. James's vision finding shooters has been particularly important to AS Monaco as they have not shot three-pointers especially well. Many of his assists represen the best looks Monaco's shooters get on the perimeter.

While the differences between these passers is interesting, its hard to ignore the raw volume [Darius Thompson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/darius-thompson/011078/) has posted this season. That has been especially true recently as he's delivered 37 assists over his last three appearances. Casually throwing darts to shooters or weaving bounce passes through traffic in transition, Thompson has been on a very impressive run in recent weeks.

Having one elite passer is a luxury and having two is a big reason why Olympiacos sits at the top of the standings and has been the league's most efficient offensive team much of the year. [Kostas Sloukas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kostas-sloukas/001926/) and [Thomas Walkup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/thomas-walkup/008855/) have both been productive and have similar passing profiles.

While that situation is unique, [Luke Sikma](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/luke-sikma/006589/) is the true outlier on this last. The strong power forward was always a good passer but has grown into a great one over the course of his international career. Making some very crafty passes with his back to the basket and in traffic, Sikma brings a very unique dimension to ALBA's offense.

[Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/lorenzo-brown/009622/), [Vasilije Micic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/vasilije-micic/002580/), and [Nicolas Laprovittola](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nicolas-laprovittola/006435/) have all been very productive this season creating for others and warrant mention. In between highlight reels dimes, the precision and consistency of what this group accomplishes is very impressive.

 EuroLeague week on social media 

**EUROLEAGUE INTENSITY**: Intensity of any Turkish Airlines EuroLeague game is unmatched. Just ask Wade Baldwin, the latest in line of players who spoke about it.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Take that clip and multiply it for 38 minutes out of 40………. That’s Euroleague basketball. <a href="https://t.co/rqzEXf7NXm">https://t.co/rqzEXf7NXm</a></p>&mdash; Wade Baldwin IV (@The_Fourth_Wade) <a href="https://twitter.com/The_Fourth_Wade/status/1633197154083766273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

**ZELJKO B-DAY**: During their double-week trip to Italy, Partizan players and staff had a bit of joy and fun for coach Zeljko Obradovic's birthday.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Happy birthday coach!🖤🤍<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKPartizan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKPartizan</a> <a href="https://t.co/3oEm6eBdd4">pic.twitter.com/3oEm6eBdd4</a></p>&mdash; KK Partizan Mozzart Bet (@PartizanBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/PartizanBC/status/1633781027502997504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

**SPECIAL WELCOMES**: There were special warm welcomes all around the EuroLeague this past week.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tl" dir="ltr">Sasha Danilovic come back to Bologna 🔙🤍🖤<a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmoreInfinito?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmoreInfinito</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EveryGameMatters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EveryGameMatters</a> <a href="https://t.co/gAq3YEXKBL">pic.twitter.com/gAq3YEXKBL</a></p>&mdash; Virtus Segafredo Bologna (@VirtusSegafredo) <a href="https://twitter.com/VirtusSegafredo/status/1633371240437096451?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 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">Warm welcome for the Wilbekins 💛💙<a href="https://twitter.com/scottiew_5?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@scottiew_5</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/AMYQNudicI">pic.twitter.com/AMYQNudicI</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC (@MaccabitlvBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabitlvBC/status/1633535624308314112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 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 will remember this night for the rest of my life! Thank you again <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabitlvBC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MaccabitlvBC</a> and all the maccabi fans who embraced me in Tel Aviv. I love y’all. 💙💛 <a href="https://t.co/sWfBwrR1Aw">https://t.co/sWfBwrR1Aw</a></p>&mdash; Scottie Wilbekin (@scottiew_5) <a href="https://twitter.com/scottiew_5/status/1634511454668726273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Sarı mirasımızın değerli isimlerinin Fenerbahçe Basketbol Müzesi’ni ziyaretinden görüntüler! 💛💙👀<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YellowLegacy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YellowLegacy</a> <a href="https://t.co/FNHME46OLv">pic.twitter.com/FNHME46OLv</a></p>&mdash; Fenerbahçe Beko (@FBBasketbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol/status/1634165606520872962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 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">No words can describe the feeling. It will always feel like home. Thanks to all the fans, teammates and thanks to the office and the staff for this unforgettable emotion. 💛💙<a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FBBasketbol</a> <a href="https://t.co/YVlStXNlCD">pic.twitter.com/YVlStXNlCD</a></p>&mdash; Jan Vesely (@JanVesely24) <a href="https://twitter.com/JanVesely24/status/1634307845792382977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 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">It’s really perfect to see you at home. Thanks again for everything! <a href="https://twitter.com/JanVesely24?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JanVesely24</a> <a href="https://t.co/69hO6maTUQ">pic.twitter.com/69hO6maTUQ</a></p>&mdash; Melih Mahmutoğlu (@melihmahmutoglu) <a href="https://twitter.com/melihmahmutoglu/status/1634299319955124225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 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">Welcome Back, Guys! ⚪️🔴<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/insieme?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#insieme</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroLeague</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EA7PAR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EA7PAR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LeDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LeDay</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Punter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Punter</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WelcomeBack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WelcomeBack</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/ZachLeDay32?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZachLeDay32</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/KPJunior_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KPJunior_</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/PartizanBC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PartizanBC</a> <a href="https://t.co/QnkPv4NQuh">pic.twitter.com/QnkPv4NQuh</a></p>&mdash; Olimpia Milano (@OlimpiaMI1936) <a href="https://twitter.com/OlimpiaMI1936/status/1633916908851298306?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


**EUROLEAGUE CAMARADERIE**: They are rivals on the floor, but before and after the games, EuroLeague players love to catch up, especially with some former teammates.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sharing thoughts <a href="https://twitter.com/DHilliard6X?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DHilliard6X</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Zo_Brown?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Zo_Brown</a> <a href="https://t.co/4SI38KcCOX">pic.twitter.com/4SI38KcCOX</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC (@MaccabitlvBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabitlvBC/status/1634163387901833216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="cs" dir="ltr">Rendezvous <a href="https://t.co/rreIl1urjv">pic.twitter.com/rreIl1urjv</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC (@MaccabitlvBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabitlvBC/status/1634163024268328960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 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">A quick chat with the ASVEL guys before our practice in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZalgirioArena?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ZalgirioArena</a>. 🤝 <a href="https://t.co/fHPeQbF8aC">pic.twitter.com/fHPeQbF8aC</a></p>&mdash; BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) <a href="https://twitter.com/bczalgiris/status/1633790915255971840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 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/hashtag/paobc?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#paobc</a> <a href="https://t.co/PxC1VU50Wr">pic.twitter.com/PxC1VU50Wr</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/paobcgr/status/1633546292231020546?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 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">𝑶𝒍𝒅 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔 <a href="https://t.co/nFOGaXw8qE">pic.twitter.com/nFOGaXw8qE</a></p>&mdash; Barça Basket (@FCBbasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBbasket/status/1634238212817207311?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is why we play! 🤍🙌🏽 <a href="https://t.co/nrkFn9LcWG">pic.twitter.com/nrkFn9LcWG</a></p>&mdash; Sergio Llull (@23Llull) <a href="https://twitter.com/23Llull/status/1634161908503683074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

**MILESTONE MAN**: Nando De Colo moved into second place on the EuroLeague all-time scoring list. Only Vassilis Spanoulis scored more points in EuroLeague history than De Colo.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">𝟮𝗡𝗗 𝗔𝗟𝗟-𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘 𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗢𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗦 I <a href="https://twitter.com/NandoDeColo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NandoDeColo</a> 🇫🇷<br><br>De Colo has now surpassed Juan Carlos Navarro in all-time scoring with <a href="https://twitter.com/LDLCASVEL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LDLCASVEL</a> ⭐️ <a href="https://t.co/sqg7BWdDtW">pic.twitter.com/sqg7BWdDtW</a></p>&mdash; Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1633921601002516481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Plus qu’un point pour Nando pour devenir le seul deuxième meilleur scoreur de l’histoire de l’EuroLeague ! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LDLCASVEL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LDLCASVEL</a> <a href="https://t.co/T40KU509c5">pic.twitter.com/T40KU509c5</a></p>&mdash; LDLC ASVEL (@LDLCASVEL) <a href="https://twitter.com/LDLCASVEL/status/1633901189271044097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


WINNERS' CORNER: Milan, Monaco, Maccabi, Zalgiris and Olympiacos all won twice this past week.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">DE LOCOS!!! 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/vqaQ1G3Hg6">https://t.co/vqaQ1G3Hg6</a></p>&mdash; Daulton Hommes (@dchommes) <a href="https://twitter.com/dchommes/status/1633238951099002881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 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">BIIIIIIG WIIIN! 1/2 ✅🖤🤍 <a href="https://t.co/WAevTXnqII">https://t.co/WAevTXnqII</a></p>&mdash; Danilo Andjusic (@Djusa33) <a href="https://twitter.com/Djusa33/status/1633234104677171200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 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">H.U.S.T.L.E <br><br>😬✊🏿✊🏿 <a href="https://t.co/cP3HJlWVrk">pic.twitter.com/cP3HJlWVrk</a></p>&mdash; Mouhammadou Jaiteh (@mamjaiteh14) <a href="https://twitter.com/mamjaiteh14/status/1633936434880040961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 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">Be yourself. Big win on the road 💯 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/forzavirtus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#forzavirtus</a> <a href="https://t.co/JxQ55Y2kXW">pic.twitter.com/JxQ55Y2kXW</a></p>&mdash; Gabriel Iffe Lundberg (@IffeLundberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/IffeLundberg/status/1633924767106359297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fi" dir="ltr">The Sixth! 🖐🏼👆🏼➡️ <a href="https://t.co/G0fBanzzKB">https://t.co/G0fBanzzKB</a><br><br>✅ Olimpia-Baskonia<br>✅ Olimpia-Stella Rossa <br>✅ Olimpia-Panathinaikos<br>✅ Olimpia-Olympiacos<br>✅ Valencia-Olimpia<br>✅ Olimpia-Partizan<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/insieme?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#insieme</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroLeague</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EA7PAR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EA7PAR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ForzaOlimpia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ForzaOlimpia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZrqHC6en4q">pic.twitter.com/ZrqHC6en4q</a></p>&mdash; Olimpia Milano (@OlimpiaMI1936) <a href="https://twitter.com/OlimpiaMI1936/status/1634120955726381056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 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">Gran victoria chicos, seguimos!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HalaMadrid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HalaMadrid</a> <a href="https://t.co/paf5WZgnlE">pic.twitter.com/paf5WZgnlE</a></p>&mdash; Dzanan Musa (@DzMusa) <a href="https://twitter.com/DzMusa/status/1633951799504715776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 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">Amazing support! Thank you! 👏 <a href="https://t.co/r0l1huWFmf">pic.twitter.com/r0l1huWFmf</a></p>&mdash; BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) <a href="https://twitter.com/bczalgiris/status/1633923035152498692?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 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">Road Warriors Man 😤 Hell of a team win for the boys 💯 <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ASMonaco_Basket</a> On to the next.</p>&mdash; Jordan Loyd (@mrjloyd) <a href="https://twitter.com/mrjloyd/status/1634318482748604417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Une de plus au compteur, après une bataille de tous les instants à l’extérieur. Toujours y croire, toujours! Et ne jamais rien lâcher 💪 Daghe!! <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ASMonaco_Basket</a> 🔴⚪️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/peTEFbYUAa">pic.twitter.com/peTEFbYUAa</a></p>&mdash; Elie Okobo (@ElieOkobo_0) <a href="https://twitter.com/ElieOkobo_0/status/1634311575287767040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


EuroLeague week on social media

With a near-perfect first half that established team records, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv boosted its playoffs chances considerably on Friday by defeating host Anadolu Efes Istanbul by a resounding 64-86. What's more, Maccabi is also slowly flipping the script of its relative futility on the road earlier this season.

 Maccabi is flipping its road script at the right time 

With a near-perfect first half that established team records, [Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/roster/tel/?season=2022-23) boosted its playoffs chances considerably on Friday by defeating host Anadolu Efes Istanbul by a resounding [64-86](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2022-23/anadolu-efes-istanbul-maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/E2022/248/).

The victory was more evidence that Maccabi is also slowly flipping the script of its relative futility on the road earlier this season.

Coming into the game with a 3-11 away record, the worst of the first 14 teams in the [standings](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/standings/), Maccabi put  the two-time defending champions on their heels with sizzling shooting, making 10 of 13 three-pointers on the way to a 20-45 lead after less than 14 minutes. When Wade Baldwin soon made it 11 triples, [a new Maccabi club record ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/maccabi-record-breaking-first-half-against-efes)for any half this century was established. Just as importantly, Maccabi never let Efes back in the game.

"It is our fourth \[road\] win of the year. It doesn't come around too often, but we are happy to get this win," Baldwin said.

For Maccabi fans, the takeaway from Round 28 is that their team suddenly looks capable of winning away from home. That may not be necessary to actually make the playoffs, given that four of the team's last six games are at home, where Maccabi boasts a league-best 11-2 mark.

But getting home-court advantage in the playoffs is still a long shot for Maccabi, so winning away could well become a necessity to reaching the Final Four for the first time since winning the title in 2014.

Anadolu Efes Istanbul - Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv | Round 28 | Highlights

After waiting until mid-December, in its sixth road game, to succeed away from Tel Aviv, Maccabi has since gone 4-5 in foreign arenas. The 22-point win over Efes was not only Maccabi's best road result of the season, but its highest margin of victory of any kind.

All of this was far from a given even up to the halfway point of the season, in Round 17, when Maccabi suffered its third-worst defeat this century on the court of Real Madrid, losing by 33. Earlier in the season, it had fallen by 29 on the court of its next home opponent, Cazoo Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz. The were two of the six worst defeats by any EuroLeague team this season. All told, Maccabi has lost four road games by 15 points or more.

Time will tell if sweeping a double-round week with its biggest winning margin this season on the court of the defending champs will help assure Maccabi a playoffs spot. But if so, the blueprint of Friday's coup in Istanbul will be just what the doctor ordered for Maccabi in the postseason.

Maccabi is flipping its road script at the right time

 The Top 10 photos of the week, Round 28 

 Tomas Dimsa of Zalgiris defens ASVEL's Johan Mathews.

Joel Bolomboy of Olympiacos posterizes Bayern's Niels Giffey.

Kevin Punter of Partizan tries to keep up with Milan's Shabazz Napier.

Walter Tavares of Real Madrid and Jasiel Rivero of Valencia fight for the ball.

Josh Nebo of Maccabi soards above the Efes defense.

Johnathan Motley of Fenerbahce drops the hammer on Barcelona.

James Webb of Valencia gets a hand on the shot of Real Madrid's Mario Hezonja.

Marco Belinelli of Virtus passes through ALBA defenders Gabriele Procida and Tamir Blatt.

Rokas Giedraitis of Baskonia skied for a rebound against John Brown of Monaco.

Amath M'Baye of Efes dunks on Josh Nebo of Maccabi.

Look back at all the action from Round 28 of the regular season by checking out the best photos of the week!

The Top 10 photos of the week, Round 28

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul may face most of the remaining playoff race without one of its key contributors this season as Dyshawn Pierre will miss three or four weeks with a calf injury, the club announced on Sunday. He suffered the injury during Fenerbahce's home win against FC Barcelona on Friday, when he was limited to under 12 minutes of action.

 Fenerbahce's Pierre out up to a month 

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul may face most of the remaining playoff race without one of its key contributors this season as [Dyshawn Pierre](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dyshawn-pierre/010560/) will miss three or four weeks with a calf injury, the club announced on Sunday. He suffered the injury during Fenerbahce's home win against FC Barcelona on Friday, when he was limited to under 12 minutes of action.

A heralded defender, Pierre averaged 6.3 points and 3.4 rebounds per  game this season, but more than doubled his scoring to 13.6 points as Fenerbahce won four of its last five games to solidify fifth place with a record of 16-10. He made a career-high 5 three-pointers twice in that stretch. If he comes back by the beginning of the recuperation estimate, Pierre might see action before the regular season ends on April 14. If not, Fenerbahce will hope to have him in the playoffs, should the team reach them.  

Fenerbahce's Pierre out up to a month

 Round 27-28 roll call: Heroics and repeat performances 

### Costello's heroics in Madrid

[Matthew Costello](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/matthew-costello/010444/) and Cazoo Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz had a night to remember on Tuesday in Madrid. Costello hit a last-second triple while drawing a foul by Rudy Fernandez to lift Baskonia to a dramatic [81-85](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2022-23/real-madrid-cazoo-baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/E2022/240/) win over Real. The last-season heroics were just icing on the cake for Costello, who spent first half of the fourth quarter on the bench with 3 fouls, then got his fourth with 4:06 to go in and Real up 78-71. In the remaining time, however, Costello scored 12 of his 20 points to lift Baskonia to victory. Costello played just 15 minutes and 29 seconds, but that did not stop him of tying his career high with 5 triples on 8 attempts. In a four-point win, Costello had a plus/minus of +15, a testament to the difference he made while on the floor in a huge Baskonia win.

Costello's heroics in Madrid

### The Reds' fourth-quarter king

Olympiacos Piraeus picked up a pair of victories to become the first team to 20 wins and all but mathematically qualify for the playoffs. [Giannoulis Larentzakis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/giannoulis-larentzakis/010392/) shined in both games – in the fourth quarter. Larentzakis entered the last 10 minutes of both games this week with 5 points, having shot 1-for-1 from three-point range. In each of the games – first in a [77-70](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2022-23/olympiacos-piraeus-fc-barcelona/E2022/236/) win over FC Barcelona, then a [102-74](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2022-23/olympiacos-piraeus-fc-bayern-munich/E2022/245/) drubbing of FC Bayern Munich – he finished the game with 14 points on 4-for-5 three-point efficiency. Against Bayern, he helped the Reds set a new club record with 19 three-pointers while tying his career high in index rating with 17. Quite a week of fourth-quarter performances for the veteran guard.

The Reds' fourth-quarter king

### Pangos returned in fine form

[Kevin Pangos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kevin-pangos/006433/) returned to floor this week after missing 15 games and immediately made an impact for EA7 Emporio Armani Milan. Pangos first posted 13 points and 6 rebounds in an [84-88](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2022-23/valencia-basket-ea7-emporio-armani-milan/E2022/238/) road triumph over Valencia Basket, his first game since November. He then shined with 10 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds in [76-62](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2022-23/ea7-emporio-armani-milan-partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/E2022/246/) victor over Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade. Pangos hit some clutch shots and magical passes in both games, too, helping Milan extend its winning streak to six games to stay in the chase for the playoffs.

Pangos returned in fine form against Valencia and Partizan to help Milan extend win-streak to 6 games

Pangos returned in fine form

### Nunnally sparked Partizan offense in Italy

Partizan split wins on its Giro di Italia. Before losing in Milan, Partizan registered a big [79-88](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2022-23/virtus-segafredo-bologna-partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/E2022/239/) win over Virtus Segafredo Bologna in which veteran swingman [James Nunnally](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/james-nunnally/007400/) played a key part. Nunnally made a career high 7 two-point shots on 8 attempts en route to scoring 18 points. Two days later, Nunnally had 10 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals in a loss against Milan, but showed up on a crucial road trip after combining for a total of 2 points in Partizan's previous two games.

James Nunnally highlights vs. Virtus Segafredo Bologna

Nunnally sets career-high in two-pointers made

### All-around Polonara boosted Zalgiris

In his first nine games for Zalgiris Kaunas since arriving in early January from Anadolu Efes Istanbul, [Achille Polonara](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/achille-polonara/002084/) reached 10 points just once and scored a total of 20 over the last six. In this double-round week, Polonara was everywhere for Zalgiris in two massive wins that improved the team’s record to 15-13. First, in a [63-66](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2022-23/alba-berlin-zalgiris-kaunas/E2022/235/) road win against ALBA Berlin, Polonara had 9 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals. Next, he collected 11 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 block in an [85-67](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2022-23/zalgiris-kaunas-ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne/E2022/244/) drubbing of LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne in front of a sellout crowd at the Zalgirio Arena, site of this year’s Final Four.

Achille Polonara top plays from penultimate double-week of the season

All-round Polonara boosted Zalgiris to wins

### Thompson kept hot streak going

Although Cazoo Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz lost at home to AS Monaco in Round 28, [93-102](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2022-23/cazoo-baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz-as-monaco/E2022/252/), [Darius Thompson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/darius-thompson/011078/) was able to keep his impressive personal run going. The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague rookie scored a season-high 20 points against Monaco and dished 12 assists, as he recorded a double-double for the third game in a row. His double-double streak started with a 16-point, 11-assist performance against Valencia Basket in Round 26, Thompson then paired 18 points with 14 assists in Baskonia's Round 27 win at Real, before Friday's showing of 20 points and 12 assists. As such, he ended the double-round week with 38 points and 26 assists, which has helped him become the EuroLeague's assists leader with an average of 6.5 per game, just ahead of the 6.4 averaged by Olympiacos Pireaus's Kostas Sloukas.

Thompson kept hot streak going

### Papagiannis demonstrated his leadership

[Panathinaikos Athens trailed Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2022-23/panathinaikos-athens-crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/E2022/251/) 29-42 at halftime of their Round 28 at OAKA Altion on Friday night, with team captain Georgios Papagiannis sitting on 9 points, 4 rebounds and 1 assist. Yet, while Papagiannis did not exactly explode in the second half, scoring 8 points, grabbing 3 rebounds, dishing 1 assist and making 1 block, he lit the fuse for what was to come. With the Greens down by 16 points, 37-53, in the third quarter, the 25-year-old scored a two-pointer before adding an alley-oop dunk not long after, getting the fans off their seats. Panathinaikos carried those 4 straight points into a 22-2 run that changed the complexion of the game for good, 59-55, as it continued that momentum into the final buzzer, winning 75-66.

Georgios Papagiannis' highlights vs Crvena Zvezda, 03/10/2023

Georgios Papagiannis' highlights vs Crvena Zvezda

Round 27-28 roll call: Heroics and repeat performances

Cazoo Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz v AS Monaco (2023-03-10T19:30:00.000Z)

Panathinaikos Athens v Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (2023-03-10T19:00:00.000Z)

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan v Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (2023-03-09T19:30:00.000Z)

Olympiacos Piraeus v FC Bayern Munich (2023-03-09T19:00:00.000Z)

Zalgiris Kaunas v LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (2023-03-09T18:00:00.000Z)

Real Madrid v Cazoo Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (2023-03-07T19:45:00.000Z)

Virtus Segafredo Bologna v Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (2023-03-07T19:30:00.000Z)

Valencia Basket v EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (2023-03-07T19:30:00.000Z)

ALBA Berlin v Zalgiris Kaunas (2023-03-07T19:00:00.000Z)

Olympiacos Piraeus v FC Barcelona (2023-03-07T19:00:00.000Z)

Friday night’s remarkable 75-66 comeback victory over Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade won’t be enough to rescue realistic chances of making the playoffs, but it could provide a pathway towards a brighter future for Panathinaikos Athens.

Midway through the third quarter, Zvezda led 37-53 and it looked like becoming yet another dispiriting night for the Greens, who were on a six-game losing run and were still waiting for their first victory under recently appointed head coach Christos Serelis. But then something changed, and Panathinaikos will hope that it has changed for good.

The turning point was a determined demonstration of power from one player who is already established as a team leader, and another who could become the next one. First, it was the experienced Georgios Papagiannis, who battled for a bucket close to the basket before throwing down a fierce alley-oop. Then, it was the turn of the 19-year-old Eleftherios Mantzoukas, who scored under the rim with a foul and converted the resulting free throw to complete a three-point play.

After, there was a barrage of three-point shooting which represented a total turnaround for a Panathinaikos side that had only made 1 of its 14 attempts from beyond the arc in the first half. New signing Matt Thomas started the blitz, signaling that he will be capable of delivering the long-range shooting ability he was signed for. Soon after, Derrick Williams, Nate Wolters and Marius Grigonis followed up with triples of their own, helping complete a stunning 22-2 run in the space of seven minutes that saw a 16-point deficit turn into a 4-point lead.

Down 39-53 to Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade, Panathinaikos Athens turned the game on its head to win 75-66.

Panathinaikos pulls away from Zvezda

Along with the offensive fireworks, of course, that run was also only possible because of a similarly improved effort at the other end. Whereas the first half had seen Zvezda comfortably move the ball and find open looks, now Panathinaikos was playing with energy, determination and a ‘we will not be moved’ spirit on defense that was again typified by Papagiannis and the youngster Mantzoukas.

Zvezda had been totally knocked out of their stride and never recovered, as the Greens thrilled a far-from-full OAKA Altion with a comeback that gave Coach Serelis his first win and, more importantly, provided hope for the future.

Interestingly, the victory was achieved without leading scorer Dwayne Bacon, who was left out of the roster as a technical decision by Serelis. Without referring directly to Bacon, the coach later said: “We are working, we are a team and we have to understand that the team wins, not individuals. I want to congratulate my players because they played very hard in the second half. They played the way we want to play, and the way we asked from them since the first day I came here. We started with bad defense and bad decisions on offense. We discussed it in the locker room and said we had to fight and win the game with our defense.”

Those views were echoed by do-it-all forward Mateusz Ponitka, who provided a typically versatile performance as he recorded 8 points, 3 assists and 5 rebounds in a game-high 33:39 minutes on the court. “We played as a team,” stated Ponitka. “When we play smart, share the ball and play together, good things are happening the whole season. That’s another point for us to focus on, that’s how we want to play.”

Panathinaikos will be eliminated from the possibility of qualifying for the playoffs with just one more loss, or one more win by various other teams, so it has come too late to rescue this season. But if the performance from the last 15 minutes can be repeated on a regular basis from now on, the Greens could start to climb back towards their former glories.

Game Notes: Zalgiris vs. Olympiacos

The One Team Games are here!

The pass masters dropping dimes

EuroLeague week on social media

Maccabi is flipping its road script at the right time

The Top 10 photos of the week, Round 28

Fenerbahce's Pierre out up to a month

Round 27-28 roll call: Heroics and repeat performances

Panathinaikos finds a path to the future