Name: Mario Hezonja: 'Every time there is a challenge, we respond'
Channel: Euroleague Basketball

All the latest injury news surrounding all registered players ahead of Round 33 of the 2024-25 EuroLeague season.

EuroLeague injury report: Round 33

Follow all the latest injury information for registered players in the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season, as reported by the clubs, and get your [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/home?_ga=2.101462721.1199459303.1696273873-903329349.1669636775) teams up to date!

### ALBA Berlin

All of ALBA's players are available for its game against Olympiacos on Friday, the club has confirmed.

- ALBA had its entire roster available in Round 32.

### Anadolu Efes Istanbul

Shane Larkin is dealing with a respiratory infection and is a game-time decision for Efes's game at Crvena Zvezda on Friday, [the club confirmed on Twitter](https://x.com/AnadoluEfesSK/status/1908091256003027136). The rest of Efes's players are available.

- Ridvan Oncel last played in Round 14.
- Dogus Ozdemiroglu last played in Round 25.

### AS Monaco

Jordan Loyd and Vitto Brown are available as Vassilis Spanoulis can choose from his entire roster for Monaco's game against Panathinaikos on Thursday, according to the club's website.

- Jordan Loyd has missed two games last week.
- Vitto Brown has last played in Round 22.

### Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz

Baskonia has not yet sent an injury report for its game against ASVEL on Friday.

- Kamar Baldwin suffered a hand fracture and will undergo surgery, [the club announced on March 17](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/kamar-baldwin-to-undergo-surgery-for-hand-fracture/).
- Ousmane Ndiaye has been loaned out to Granada, [the club announced on February 27](https://x.com/Baskonia/status/1895050149593764178).

### Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade

Joel Bolomboy, Luka Mitrovic and Mike Daum are ruled out for Crvena Zvezda's game against Efes on Friday, according to the club's website.

- Joel Bolomboy is out for 3-6 weeks after spraining his ankle, [the club announced on March 14](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/joel-bolomboy-out-3-6-weeks-with-ankle-sprain/).
- Luka Mitrovic, who last played in Round 26 due to a knee problem, and underwent an arthroscopic knee surgery on March 19 and is expected to return to practicing in two weeks' time.
- Mike Daum, who last played in Round 18, has undergone knee surgery, the club announced on January 9.

### EA7 Emporio Armani Milan

Neno Dimitrijevic, Leandro Bolmaro, Fabien Causeur and Josh Nebo are all ruled out for Milan's game at Virtus on Friday, the club has confirmed.

- [Josh Nebo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/josh-nebo-to-be-reevaluated-in-3-4-weeks/) suffered another injury in Round 17 and is expected to miss extended time, according to coach Ettore Messina.

### FC Barcelona

Chimezie Metu, Juan Nunez, Jan Vesely and Nico Laprovittola are all ruled out for Barcelona's game at Fenerbahce on Wednesday, the club has confirmed.

- [Chimezie Metu suffered an Achilles tendon rupture](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcelona-loses-metu-to-achilles-tendon-rupture/) in Round 31.
- Juan Nunez is out for the rest of the season [after undergoing knee surgery](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcelona-juan-nunez-done-for-season-after-knee-surgery/).
- [Jan Vesely is expected to be sidelined for 8-10 weeks](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcelona-jan-vesely-out-8-10-weeks/) due to a knee injury, the club announced in early February.
- [Nico Laprovittola](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/nico-laprovittola-to-undergo-knee-surgery/) was ruled out for the season due to an ACL and meniscus injury.

### FC Bayern Munich

Devin Booker travelled with the team but, according to the club, it is uncertain if Booker will play in the game at Maccabi on Thursday.

- Devin Booker last played in Round 24 as he has been out with a minor knee injury, but he has rejoined team practices.
- Oscar da Silva last played in Round 27, is out for 'the coming weeks', the club announced on March 6.

### Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul

Jilson Bango and Khem Birch are fit to play in Round 33 while Errick McCollum and Scottie Wilbekin are ruled out for Fenerbahce's game against Barcelona on Wednesday, the club has confirmed.

- Errick McCollum left the game in Round 32, and is out due to a "muscle strain in his waist".
- Khem Birch last played in Round 29 due to injury.
- Jilson Bango missed Round 32 due to injury.
- [Scottie Wilbekin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-confirms-the-worst-scottie-wilbekin-has-torn-his-acl/) tore his ACL in Round 1 and is out long term.

### LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne

ASVEL has not yet sent an injury report for its game at Baskonia on Friday.

- Charles Kahudi last played in Round 27.
- [Mbaye Ndiaye ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/mbaye-ndiaye-ldlc-asvel-out-for-several-months-with-knee-injury/)has ruptured the cruciate ligaments in his right knee and is likely out for the season.
- Joffrey Lauvergne last played in Round 30.

### Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv

Maccabi has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Bayern on Thursday.

- Marial Shayok will be out until mid-April with a shoulder injury, [the club announced on March 25](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/maccabi-loses-marial-shayok-to-shoulder-injury/).
- Jasiel Rivero has suffered a broken ankle, [Maccabi announced on March 11](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/maccabi-loses-jasiel-rivero-to-broken-ankle/).
- Jaylen Hoard has been out with a hamstring injury since [the club announced it on January 29](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/maccabis-jaylen-hoard-suffers-another-torn-hamstring/).

### Olympiacos Piraeus

Keenan Evans is available while Olympiacos will be without Moustapha Fall, Evan Fournier, Luca Vildoza, Nikola Milutinov, Thomas Walkup and Nathan Mensah for its game at ALBA on Friday, the club has confirmed.

- Keenan Evans is not listed among Olympiacos's injuries. Evans has not played this season after undergoing knee surgery last May.
- Luca Vildoza and Nikola Milutinov are out for the next two weeks, [according to the club's website](https://www.olympiacosbc.gr/en/news-en/game-news-en/11144-a-thundering-olympiacos-despite-the-absences.html).
- Thomas Walkup (back) last played in Round 20.
- Nathan Mensah has been deregistered.

### Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens

Panathinaikos has not yet sent an injury report for its game at Monaco on Thursday.

- [Omer Yurtseven](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/panathinaikos-loses-center-yurtseven/), who suffered a leg injury on January 20, returned to action in Round 32.
- [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/all-euroleague-center-mathias-lessort-leaves-game-with-leg-injury/) suffered a broken fibula in Round 17 and will miss several months.
- Marius Grigonis (lower back surgery) has not played since Round 4.

### Paris Basketball

Paris has not yet sent an injury report for its game at Real Madrid on Thursday.

- Collin Malcolm is out for 'several weeks' with a hamstring injury, [according to the club's website](https://parisbasketball.com/en/2025/03/medical-statement-from-paris-basketball/).
- Maodo Lo is out for 'several weeks' with a hamstring injury, [according to the club's website](https://parisbasketball.com/en/2025/03/medical-statement-from-paris-basketball/).
- Daulton Hommes is out for 'several months' with a hand injury, [according to the club's website](https://parisbasketball.com/en/2025/03/medical-statement-from-paris-basketball/).
- Leon Kratzer is out for an 'indefinite period' due to personal reasons, [according to the club's website](https://parisbasketball.com/en/2025/03/medical-statement-from-paris-basketball/).
- Enzo Shahrvin has been deregistered.

### Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade

All of Partizan's available for its game at Zalgiris on Thursday, the club has confirmed.

- Frank Ntilikina missed Round 32 due to illness.
- Mitar Bosnjakovic last appeared in Round 16, and did not travel with the team.

### Real Madrid

Real Madrid has not yet sent an injury report for its game vs. Paris on Thursday.

- Xavier Rathan-Mayes last played in Round 27.

### Virtus Segafredo Bologna

Virtus has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Milan on Friday.

- Momo Diouf last played in Round 29.
- Virtus sent Andrejs Grazulis on loan to Joventut Badalona until the end of the season.
- Virtus parted ways with Riccardo Visconti and Rayon Tucker.

### Zalgiris Kaunas

Zalgiris has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Partizan on Thursday.

- Lukas Lekavicius (groin) last played in Round 26.

Stay up to date with the latest information provided by the EuroLeague clubs

Injury report, Round 33: Keenan Evans available, Shane Larkin a game-time decision

Virtus Segafredo Bologna v EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (2025-04-04T18:30:00.000Z)

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz v LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (2025-04-04T18:30:00.000Z)

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade v Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2025-04-04T18:00:00.000Z)

ALBA Berlin v Olympiacos Piraeus (2025-04-04T18:00:00.000Z)

Real Madrid v Paris Basketball (2025-04-03T19:00:00.000Z)

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv v FC Bayern Munich (2025-04-03T18:30:00.000Z)

Zalgiris Kaunas v Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (2025-04-03T17:00:00.000Z)

AS Monaco v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2025-04-03T17:00:00.000Z)

This is the second time the Spaniard has won this award

BKT EuroCup Coach of the Year, 2024-25: Pedro Martinez, Valencia Basket

Having constructed the best offense in club history and the second best all-time in the BKT EuroCup, Valencia Basket play-caller Pedro Martinez has been named the 2024-25 EuroCup Coach of the Year. This marks the second time that Coach Martinez has won the award. 

 

Valencia was a locomotive that could not be stopped during the EuroCup Regular Season, scoring 96.4 points per game – the second-highest average in history, only behind Paris Basketball from last season (97.0 ppg.). Including the Spanish side’s four postseason games, Valencia’s season average in scoring stands at 95.8 ppg., just ahead of the 2023-24 Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (95.7 ppg.) and behind the 2023-24 Paris (97.0 ppg.).

 

Coach Martinez finished first overall in voting for the Coach of the Year award, followed by Bahcesehir College Istanbul’s Dejan Radonjic and Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana’s Zvezdan Mitrovic in second and third, respectively.

 

The Coach of the Year award is among several trophies handed out to recognize the outstanding work achieved by EuroCup participants during the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season. The Rising Star Trophy, also voted by the head coaches, was won by Valencia guard Jean Montero. The All-EuroCup Teams and the 2024-25 MVP – for whom coaches, team captains, fans and media all vote – will be announced before the EuroCup Finals begin.

Having been appointed last summer, Coach Martinez knew that expectations were high entering the 2024-25 campaign and his team delivered in style, winning the first 11 games of the season to create a sizeable gap at the top of Group A. Across those 11 games, Valencia poured in 100 or more points seven times, including in four straight contests between Round 2 and Round 5. It would finish the 18-game regular season having netted 100-plus points on 11 occasions.

 

Despite back-to-back defeats – at home to 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys and on the road at Umana Reyer Venice – Valencia won its last five games of the regular season to finish with a competition-best 16-2 record. Having secured a bye in the last 16, Valencia comfortably eliminated U-BT Cluj-Napoca in the quarterfinals to set up a semifinal series with Hapoel Tel Aviv. After winning 91-82 in Game 1, Valencia fell 96-91 in Bulgaria in Game 2 before losing 92-94 in Game 3.

 

Such was the impressiveness of Coach Martinez’s troops that they posted a team PIR of 114.3, the best mark ever seen in the EuroCup. One of the main keys to Valencia’s offense was its three-pointers, with the team making 264 triples to tie the all-time record, which the Valencia team of 2013-14 previously set. Its average of three-pointers made, however, ranks first in competition history (12.8 threes made per game).

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pedro Martinez is the 2024-25 EuroCup Coach of the Year🧠<br><br>Leading <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@valenciabasket</a> to be the best offense in club history and the second best all-time in the BKT EuroCup (96.4 points per game)👏 <a href="https://t.co/HppeEiFFZ4">pic.twitter.com/HppeEiFFZ4</a></p>&mdash; BKT EuroCup (@EuroCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup/status/1908146363470123341?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

That's not all. Valencia also led the EuroCup in assists (23.0 per game), total rebounds (40.6 per game) and defensive rebounds (27.4 per game), making the 63-year-old Martinez a worthy winner of his second EuroCup Coach of the Year award. He first took home this honor in 2016-17 after taking Valencia to the EuroCup Finals, and he’s done so again this season by guiding Valencia to the EuroCup Semifinals.

 

The previous winners of the award were Oktay Mahmuti of Benetton Treviso in 2009, Ilias Zouros of Panellinios in 2010, Aleksandar Petrovic of Cedevita Zagreb in 2011, Jure Zdovc of Spartak St. Petersburg in 2012, Fotis Katsikaris of Uxue Bilbao Basket in 2013, Andrea Trinchieri of UNICS Kazan in 2014, Maurizio Buscaglia of Dolomiti Energia Trento in 2016, Sasa Obradovic of Lokomotiv Kuban in 2018, Zvezdan Mitrovic of AS Monaco in 2021, Dusan Alimpijevic of Frutti Extra Bursaspor in 2022, Erdem Can of Turk Telekom Ankara in 2023, and Tuomas Iisalo of Paris Basketball in 2024.

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens was dominant from the off against AS Monaco. The Greens hit the ground running and took a 21-32 lead into the second quarter.

Panathinaikos gains momentum with statement win ahead of postseason

[Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-bc-athens/roster/pan/?season=2024-25)’s main objective in the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season was clinching a top-four spot. Being aware that in Oaka Altion the Greens boast one of the most-feared arenas in the competition, where losing is more of a rarity for the hosts, the reigning champion made securing home-court advantage for the postseason their main goal.

The team’s latest concerning performances against [Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-holds-off-panathinaikos-to-claim-the-greek-derby-76-74/), [ALBA Berlin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/panathinaikos-comes-back-to-beat-alba-91-81/) and [Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/panathinaikos-produces-epic-comeback-to-beat-maccabi-92-99/) came to a head with [98-101 home loss](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/paris-stuns-panathinaikos-in-thriller-98-101/) to [Paris Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/paris-basketball/roster/prs/?season=2024-25) last week. After the game, a displeased Ergin Ataman didn’t hesitate to call out his players in his bid to provide his team with a wake-up call ahead of the playoffs.

"We are not playing good basketball, we play like veteran teams,” he said in the post-game press conference after the loss to Paris. “I talk like this now and in the locker room. It's also my responsibility, but we are not working well. Basketball is fighting, basketball is making defense. We're just making that when we are down. We only show effort in the last quarters; it was the same against ALBA, Maccabi and Olympiacos.”

And it worked. Ataman had previously slammed Panathinaikos’s poor starts to their games during the season, but this time, away at [AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/roster/mco/?season=2024-25), his team was dominant from the off. The Greens hit the ground running and took a 21-32 lead into the second quarter.

The first quarter saw the visitors go an eye-popping 13-for-15 from the field and 3-for-3 from the charity stripe. Ataman’s side shared the ball well, finding open looks and recording 8 of their 18 assists in the first 10 minutes.

“Our first quarter was the key to the game, because we were perfect on defense and offense, \[where\] we found good shot selection,” Ataman said in the post-game press conference. “Starting the game like we did in the first quarter gave us confidence.”

Monaco went on a 16-0 run across the second and third quarter, cutting the difference to 48-49, but [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/) came to the fore with 9 points and an assist in a 0-11 charge to regain a double-digit cushion. Panathinaikos never looked back.

“We came here with one job,” a locked-in Nunn, who netted 37, told EuroLeague TV. “To get the win on the road. It was a tough one, but we came out aggressive from the beginning and maintained it throughout the game. It’s definitely an advantage as we all know. And we need that. Like I said a few games before, treating every game like a playoff game from now on and for the rest of the season.”

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">“Call K when you need a bucket”: <a href="https://twitter.com/juanchiviris41?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@juanchiviris41</a> 🗣️☘️<br><br>Full video exclusively on CLUB 1908 📱<br><br>👉 <a href="https://t.co/O0jvBD37wn">https://t.co/O0jvBD37wn</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeTheGreens?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeTheGreens</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/paobcaktor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#paobcaktor</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LiveTheGreenMagic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LiveTheGreenMagic</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Club1908?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Club1908</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OneClubOneApp?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OneClubOneApp</a> <a href="https://t.co/wq9mluUKmj">pic.twitter.com/wq9mluUKmj</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@Paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/Paobcgr/status/1907894946763280748?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

There is no better way to bounce back from adversity in basketball than by grabbing a statement victory away at a fellow title contender. Panathinaikos’s performance at Monaco could serve as a springboard for the remainder of the season. Having gained momentum, the Greens are aware that clinching a top-four spot is a huge step towards their next objective: securing a Final Four spot.

And Ataman didn’t hesitate to remind opponents that Panathinaikos is one of the best home-court teams in the competition.

“Our first goal of the season was to keep home-court advantage in the playoffs,” Ataman told EuroLeague TV. “Now, we have one more game. We will try to finish the regular season in second or third position. We have the home-court advantage, so in OAKA it will be very difficult for all opponents to win in the playoffs. Playing this basketball, in this kind of a game, will give us a lot of positive things for the playoffs and the Final Four.”

With its victory on Thursday evening, Panathinaikos sent a clear message to the rest of the title aspirants: to win the trophy you first need to overcome the reigning champion.

Game News

The Greens have clinched home-court advantage heading into the playoffs

Check out what the coaches and players are saying ahead of Round 33 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Pregame quotes hub: Round 33

## Friday, April 4

### Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade vs. Anadolu Efes Istanbul (20:00 CET)

**Ioannis Sfairopoulos, Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade head coach**

"Everyone knows the importance of the game. Everyone in the team is ready to fight for the win. We are playing against a very talented team, with experienced players who have already won the EuroLeague. They have been playing very well lately, they have six consecutive wins. We have to disorganize their offense. On the other side of the court, we have to be patient, keep the ball moving and find the best shot option. I expect the fans to support us for 40 minutes, no matter how the game goes, to be with us. We are all fighting together for the victory we want so much."

**Ognjen Dobric, Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade forward**

"After the unexpected and unplanned defeat in the ABA League, we had a day off to clear our heads for the most important game of the season, because it brings us a direct place in the play-in. We had time, tomorrow we are preparing for shooting practice, I think the team is ready. Everyone is acting positively, I hope we will go out on the court properly. All opponents are difficult, there are no easy games. We only had such a victory once, Virtus two rounds ago. Every game is difficult, there is no easy opponent. The standings mean nothing. Efes was struggling, now they are playing well, a talented team... That's it, we need that, we have to win."

**Rokas Giedraitis, Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade forward**

"I expect us to fight. Everything is in our hands. We know what kind of atmosphere our fans can create. We have to fight, first of all, to win 50-50 balls, jumps, steal balls. We have to want to win more than them. We have to believe, to fight. As the coach always says, everything starts with defense."

**Luca Banchi, Anadolu Efes Istanbul head coach**

"The schedule is becoming more and more demanding as expected, only two games left before the end of the regular season. This game is one more time a very challenging contest. We face a great team with amazing talent who proved what type of potential they have, especially on their home court with such a crowd in their back. That's why I really wish the team will be prepared technically and mentally for such a difficult game. We need to control the peaks of the game. Technically, emotionally, because this game represents a very important step for the future for both teams. I really wish that we will offer our best basketball, playing collectively in terms of sharing the ball, but also in terms of desire, because we cannot have the proper performance without a great effort, especially in these kind of games."

**Erkan Yilmaz, Anadolu Efes Istanbul forward**

"We are going to play a tough road game in this final stretch of the season. With the wind behind us in the last games, we want to reflect our own basketball on court in accordance with our goals and get the victory. We know that it will be a difficult game but we aim to win so we get one step closer to our goal. We also want to get one more victory next week, with the support of our fans, and that way secure ourselves a place in the playoffs."

### ALBA Berlin vs. Olympiacos Piraeus (20:00 CET)

**Pedro Calles, ALBA Berlin head coach**

"The roster of Olympiacos was built to win the EuroLeague. They consistently play at an incredibly high level and are one of the favorites to win the title. With the battle for first place in the standings still undecided, they will approach the remaining games with full strength and concentration. We've been practicing really hard, but we just haven't been able to put that performance on the floor yet. Playing against a team like Olympiacos on Friday is obviously a big challenge for us, but we'll give it our all."

**Martin Hermannsson, ALBA Berlin guard**

"We play our last EuroLeague home game of the season on Friday. We'll give it everything we've got - especially because we disappointed our fans so much in our last game against Virtus. Of course, that's still in our heads. That's why we're working as hard as we can every day in practice to get better and get our rhythm back. The fans can expect one hundred and ten percent commitment from us on Friday."

**Georgios Bartzokas, Olympiacos Piraeus head coach**

"We miss a lot of players and that affects even our practices. We can’t prepare properly for the game. But despite that, we will give our best to get the win against ALBA, which is a good team. Even though they have no chances to qualify, they always fight for the win. Although we miss many tall players, we must control the rebounds. We are really motivated because we want to finish at the first place."

**Alec Peters, Olympiacos Piraeus forward**

"We must get back in shape and do what we did before, that brought us to the top of the standings. I think that the key will be the pace of the game. We must play hard from minute one, with energy and toughness."

### Virtus Segafredo Bologna vs. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (20:30 CET)

**Dusko Ivanovic, Virtus Segafredo Bologna head coach**

"We have played against Milan so many times during this season, but every game is important, and tomorrow's must count as a final. We will have to take the court with the same aggressiveness shown in the last two games."

**Nicola Akele, Virtus Segafredo Bologna forward**

"Right now every game is important to get to the season finale with high morale, both in these last EuroLeague games and to better prepare for the LBA playoffs. We want to continue to grow as a team and regain that chemistry we've been having in recent games."

**Ettore Messina, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan head coach**

"The fact that we are missing several players must not affect our attitude. We will have to play a careful, physical game with the absolute will to try to win, in Bologna and the following game, to give ourselves a chance to keep the hope of reaching the play-in tournament alive. We spoke among ourselves and each of us will produce the best possible game against an excellent opponent."

### Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (20:30 CET)

\--

## Thursday, April 3

### Zalgiris Kaunas vs. Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade (19:00 CET)

**Andrea Trinchieri, Zalgiris Kaunas head coach**

"It's our last home game this season. We want to honor this game in front of our fans, we want to play the best possible game. It's a special for me, also, because I meet Partizan, which is always a pleasure, always something that I like. It will be the same when, in the future, I meet Zalgiris. I know that we don't have postseason chances, but I'm not very interested about that. This is not something that is in my mind. It's the last game we play at home after a long journey and, as I said, we want to honor it at our best."

**Zeljko Obradovic, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade head coach**

"The expectations are to play a good game in a very good environment for basketball. Regardless of the fact that they are not currently in the best position in the standings, they had a lot of good games, and lost in some close finishes. I have a lot of respect for my colleague Andrea Trinchieri, he is doing a good job at Zalgiris, and they were close to entering the fight for the playoffs. As far as we are concerned, we should play as we did for most of the match against Bayern."

**Brandon Davies, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade center**

"In this game we need to go in with a mindset ready to fight and keep our hopes alive by getting this win. There is a great atmosphere at Zalgiris, I played there for many years, and it's always fun for me to return. However, I will go there with only one goal: to get the win."

### AS Monaco vs. Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (19:00 CET)

**Vassilis Spanoulis, AS Monaco head coach**

"We need to maintain our high standards and fighting spirit. Panathinaikos is one of the best teams in Europe, with a lot of talent, so we'll have to be very focused on our basketball to go out and win. Top three, top four, top six... there's no point talking about all that too much. The most important thing is to get to the playoffs and show up in top form. \[Kendrick Nunn is a\] very talented player, a great scorer, a great leader who needs a lot of attention. We've got some great players on our side, too."

**Matthew Strazel, AS Monaco guard**

"The aim is to secure the top four, no matter what. It's an important objective. The coach insisted as soon as he arrived that the important thing is to be strong in April... I hope we're getting closer to our highest potential and that we'll continue like this. One of the keys is to always defend solidly, even when the teams in front are making runs. Pana will want to respond to our win at home, in every respect. We're expecting a final and it's going to be a big game."

**Ergin Ataman, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens head coach**

"The situation is very serious. The reality is, we have two games and we need to win one. But we are just focused to try to win this first game in Monaco. For sure, Monaco is a very good team, it is a same-level team like us. We have great players, we are one of the candidates for the Final Four and for the title, but Monaco is the same. If we are a good team, we have to go and win the game. It is a game in which you need to put hustle, energy and play good basketball. Only in that case, we have a chance to win this game.

"Unfortunately, in the last three or four weeks, with additional injuries some players started playing more minutes, in the EuroLeague and in the Greek League. After that, we lost the intensity in the practices, some players started to be tired. We lost mentality to be ready in the beginning of the games. This week we worked well. Now it is not time to think about injuries, it's time to win. We are going to Monaco to play good basketball and to win. But it is not just enough to play good basketball. I am trying to get the team that mentality back. Even if you score 99 points, but allow 100 points, you lose the game. People are expecting us to go to the playoffs, go to the Final Four and to win the title. For this, it is not enough to be a star player, or a good offensive player. It is important to be a complete player, to fight for every ball, and to manage to win in difficult situations."

**Kendrick Nunn, Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens guard**

"We are ready. We had a good week of practice. We just have to finish strong these last two games. We got the one on the road at Monaco, it will be a tough game. They are a great team, and then they got a great addition with Daniel Theis, which gives them a different dynamic. Since we played them last, obviously Mathias \[Lessort\] is not playing this game; everyone else just has to pick it up a little bit and give a little bit extra. It will be a team effort. I think we are in a good spot. This is the last stretch, so being tired is not a factor. I'm extremely excited \[to have renewed at Panathinaikos\] and I'm happy and I'm honored to be in this position. I'm just happy to be back here in Greece for the next three years."

### Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs. FC Bayern Munich (20:30 CET)

**Oded Kattash, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv head coach**

"We wish we would still be fighting at this stage like we did the previous two seasons. It's been a crazy season. Despite the past losses, we manage to do beautiful things in the EuroLeague. We will try to do the same against Bayern, a good team that plays high tempo."

**Jake Cohen, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv forward**

"It's tough, Bayern is playing really good and have a lot of talented players. Last week we made a couple steps forward despite the losses. I feel we did a good job as a team considering we were short-handed, so I feel confidence we can get the win."

**Gordon Herbert, FC Bayern Munich head coach**

"It’s just the next game. We just try to win the next game and then see what happens. We need to create our own atmosphere and generate even more energy from within the team. They have recently won four games in a row and are now playing at their highest level. That deserves the utmost respect because they have nothing left to play for, yet they never gave up."

**Andreas Obst, FC Bayern Munich guard**

"Of course, we keep an eye on the standings, but we’re not doing any big calculations - we’re just focusing on the next step. Maccabi is a very talented team, extremely dangerous with their energy and passion. Their situation with the venue isn’t ideal, but it seems to have brought them even closer together. They’ve won several games recently and looked really strong. This will be a serious game because they want to win, and so do we. The unusual circumstances are secondary - we’re focusing on the game itself."

### Real Madrid vs. Paris Basketball (21:00 CET)

**Chus Mateo, Real Madrid head coach**

"If I said TJ Shorts is just another member of the team, I'd be saying something that isn't true. He's an absolutely decisive player in the EuroLeague. However, if I only focused on TJ Shorts, I'd be making a rookie mistake, and I hope I don't. TJ Shorts is very important, but so are Nadir Hifi, Collin Malcolm, Tyson Ward, Kevarrius Hayes, Mikael Jantunen… They all are because they're proving themselves capable of playing as a team. Plus, there's something that Tiago Splitter has been able to convey: the enthusiasm of a rookie team, one that has nothing to lose and plays as a team, regardless of having very good players. That's something to appreciate about the opposing coach. I think Splitter has done a great job so far, and hopefully tomorrow we can beat a team that truly plays as a team."

**Walter Tavares, Real Madrid center**

"We have to keep fighting for the top spots, and we're playing against Paris Basketball, a team that has played very well all season. It will be a tough game, but we'll have our fans there, supporting us in the tough moments, and that will give us the strength to fight until the end. Paris is coming off a win at the OAKA, and that shows they played well, that they had a good game plan, that they were very successful, and that everything went well for them. I just hope we can put on a good defensive performance tomorrow to reduce their success. When the moment of truth arrives, everyone steps up; everyone wants to show they're useful in those moments, and that's what we're doing. We're playing well right now, but we can't get complacent, and we have to keep insisting on the basics to win the game."

## Wednesday, April 2

### Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul vs. FC Barcelona (19:45 CET)

**Sarunas Jasikevicius, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul head coach**

"Barcelona is in great shape, averaging 95 points a game. Obviously, now they are a team with a lot of losses, but much more clear roles for the players, and the players feel very comfortable in what they do. Kevin Punter is playing at an incredibly high level together with Dario Brizuela. The big men in the middle are doing their job as well."

**Tarik Biberovic, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul forward**

"There are two games left in the EuroLeague regular season, and we aim to finish this phase in the best possible way while also increasing our form before the playoffs. Barcelona is a very strong team. Led by Kevin Punter, they are particularly effective on offense. We played one of our worst games of the season against them on the road and lost. Tomorrow, keeping that game in mind, we must deliver a much better performance. With the support of our fans, we want to fight for the victory."

**Youssoupha Fall, FC Barcelona center**

"We feel great. The last few games we have played better. It wasn't easy with Chemezie Metu's injury. It was tough for all of us. We stayed together, we tried to help each other. It was not easy, but that's life. I have to be ready for the team every time. Every time coach calls me off the bench, I will be ready to help the team like I can."

Pregame quotes hub: 'Everyone knows the importance of the game'

The dynamic guard led the EuroCup's top offense in scoring, assists, steals and PIR

Jean Montero of Valencia is the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup Rising Star 

Euroleague Basketball is pleased to announce that [Jean Montero](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jean-montero/010042/) of [Valencia Basket](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/valencia-basket/pam/?season=2024-25) has been voted as the BKT EuroCup Rising Star for the 2024-25 season. Among a group of talented young players who all made major contributions throughout the 2024-25 campaign, Montero was chosen as this season's Rising Star after the votes from the competition's head coaches were tallied. The EuroCup Rising Star Trophy recognizes the most outstanding player in the competition who was younger than 22 years of age on July 1 of the summer before the season started.

Montero, 21, was selected ahead of [Joan Beringer](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/joan-beringer/012996/) of Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana, who came in second, followed by the ratiopharm Ulm duo of [Ben Saraf](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ben-saraf/011437/) and [Noa Essengue](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/noa-essengue/011391/), in third and fourth place, respectively.

The Rising Star Trophy is the first of the awards given in recognition of the EuroCup's finest each season for their efforts on the basketball court. The EuroCup Coach of the Year will be announced later in the day. The BKT All-EuroCup teams – all of whom fans, head coaches, team captains and media also voted - will be named on Saturday and the identity of this season's MVP will be revealed on Monday, April 7, one day before Game 1 of the 2024 BKT EuroCup Finals between Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv and Dreamland Gran Canaria.

Montero shined throughout the season, leading a dominant Valencia team that won 18 of its first 20 games of the season before bowing out against Hapoel in a dramatic fashion on Wednesday night in the deciding game of the best-of-three semifinals. Montero appeared uncatchable at times using his quickness and ball handling, pacing Valencia’s high-scoring offense, while leading the team in scoring (13.2 ppg.), assists (5.3 apg.) and steals (1.7 spg.). 

He ranked fourth in the competition in steals and was tied for fifth in assists. Montero also posted 2.9 rebounds and had an average PIR of 15.9, which was the best on the team, too. The young point guard started in 10 of his 17 appearances and scored in double figures in 15 of those games. His best performances of the season came in a road win at Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse, when he collected 19 points, 9 assists and 4 rebounds, and in Game 1 of the semifinals when he scored a career-high 24 points, along with 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals.

Montero began his youth-team career in his native Dominican Republic with Club Mauricio Baez, before moving to Spain in the summer of 2019 when he signed for Gran Canaria. After a season spent impressing with youth teams and Gran Canaria's B team in the Spanish third division, he made his debut with the first team in the 2020-21 and made four appearances in the EuroCup. Montero took another step up in his career when he moved for the 2022-23 season to Real Betis Baloncesto, and a year later to MoraBanc Andorra. He was named the Spanish League's Best Young Player in both of those seasons, before joining Valencia last summer.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">He shined throughout the season💫<br><br>Jean Montero of <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@valenciabasket</a> named the BKT EuroCup Rising Star for the 2024-25 season👏 <a href="https://t.co/SJk91GTvwY">pic.twitter.com/SJk91GTvwY</a></p>&mdash; BKT EuroCup (@EuroCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup/status/1908068408895156645?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Montero is the first player coming from the American continents to become the EuroCup Rising Star.

The list of Rising Star trophy winners includes two players who won it twice: [Aleksander Balcerowski](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/2022-23-rising-star-aleksander-balcerowski-gran-canaria/) (with Gran Canaria in 2021 and 2023) and [Bojan Dubljevic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/dubljevic-bojan/002742/) (with Valencia in 2013 and 2014). The other winners are [Milan Macvan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/milan-macvan/jea/) of Hemofarm Vrsac in 2009, [Victor Claver](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/victor-claver/000556/) of Power Electronics Valencia in 2010, [Donatas Motiejunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/donatas-motiejunas/lcz/) of Benetton Treviso in 2011, [Jonas Valanciunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jonas-valanciunas/000898/) of Lietuvos Rytas in 2012, [Kristaps Porzingis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/kristaps-porzingis/003695/) of Baloncesto Sevilla in 2015, [Mateusz Ponitka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mateusz-ponitka/004172/) of Stelmet Zielona Gora in 2016, [Rolands Smits](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/rolands-smits/007109/) of Montakit Fuenlabrada in 2017, [Dzanan Musa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/dzanan-musa/006540/) of Cedevita Zagreb in 2018, [Martynas Echodas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/rytas-vilnius/roster/lie/?season=2018-19) of Rytas Vilnius in 2019, [Khalifa Diop](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/7days-eurocup-rising-star-trophy-khalifa-diop-gran-canaria/) of Gran Canaria in 2022 and [Zaccharie Risacher](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/bkt-eurocup-rising-star-winner-zaccharie-risacher-bourg/) of Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse last season.

Look back at all the action in Semifinals of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season by checking out the best photos of the week! 

Top 10 photos from Semifinals

Look back at all the action from Semifinals of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season by checking out the best photos of the week! 

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens has moved a step closer towards its ultimate goal of repeating as Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champion by booking its place in the EuroLeague Playoffs, becoming the third team to do so after Olympiacos Piraeus and Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul.

Coach Ergin Ataman’s squad rubber-stamped their spot in the playoffs with a 76-88 road win at AS Monaco in Round 33 to improve to 21-12 on the season.

### Responding well to adversity

Injuries have been the story of the season for Panathinaikos, particularly at the center position. Marius Grigonis was the first to go down with a long-term injury, last playing in Round 4. All-EuroLeague center Mathias Lessort has been sidelined since Round 17 and Omer Yurtseven went down in Round 22 and only returned against Monaco. 

More Panathinaikos News

The reigning champion is the third team to confirm that it will be playing playoff basketball in April

Panathinaikos books its place in the EuroLeague Playoffs

Mario Hezonja loves to watch Paris Basketball. The All-EuroLeague forward led Real Madrid past Paris in Round 33.


Mario Hezonja shined against Paris with the style of play he loves

The stage was set for a big-time showdown as [Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/real-madrid/mad/?season=2024-25) and [Paris Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/paris-basketball/prs/?season=2024-25) came in with 18-14 records. The winner was a guaranteed a postseason berth.

It developed into a back-and-forth, fun-to-watch battle, which is exactly the type of game Real forward [Mario Hezonja](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mario-hezonja/003108/) enjoys watching - and playing in. Hezonja  made sure Real punched its postseason ticket with a strong all-around performance and a critical play in the final minute.

Hezonja came off the bench and immediately made things happen with 5 quick points. He soon added a reverse two-handed slam but despite Hezonja providing instant offense, Paris held on to lead 23-28 at the end of the first quarter. He barely returned to the bench in the last three quarters and that allowed him to showcase his offensive skills, especially from beyond the arc. The fact that Hezonja made at least one three-pointer in each quarter speaks wonders about his consistency.

Paris stayed in the game until the final minutes when [Tyson Ward](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tyson-ward/012610/) buried a three-pointer to bring his team within 98-96. Hezonja grabbed the ball outside the three-point line, Euro-stepped in the paint, drew a foul and buried an off-balance jumper plus the and-one free throw that sealed the outcome with 38.0 seconds left. Paris only got closer once [Nadir Hifi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nadir-hifi/012640/) buried a three-pointer at the buzzer to fix the final score at 105-104.

Mario Hezonja led Real Madrid to a 105-104 home win over Paris Basketball in Round 33 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.

Hezonja has season-high 26 points against Paris

Hezonja finished the game with a season-high 26 points on 4-of-4 two-point shooting, 5-of-9 on three-pointers and 3-of-3 on free throws, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals and 4 fouls drawn.

After the game, Hezonja compared Paris to one of his former teams, praised the opponent and made sure once again that everyone knows what his favorite style of basketball is: run and gun.

"Yeah, that's the game. I know a lot of people \[that think\] defense, defense, defense, but they probably weren't able too much to put the ball in the basket, so that's why they say that. But I'm telling you, this is a wild team. We are wilder, definitely," Hezonja said. "They remind me a lot of my [UNICS Kazan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/unics-kazan/games/unk/) team, so I know how it is, and I respect them a lot. I love to watch them. I watched them a lot this year, and I wish them the best going forward.

"I think now things are starting to work. We understand where we are and know how to play these type of games. We understand in which moment and where we are in the season. Every time there is a challenge, we respond. We have to shut up, focus, and keep going like this."

With the win, Real has a chance to finish the regular season in a top-six spot, which would send it directly into the playoffs. That will depend on other results and necessitate a win over [Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/par/?season=2024-25) in the Serbian capital in Round 34 next week.

Game Videos

The All-EuroLeague forward led Real Madrid past the debutants with 26 points

Real Madrid forward Mario Hezonja spoke to EuroLeague TV after his team beat Paris Basketball in Round 33 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.  

Mario Hezonja: 'Every time there is a challenge, we respond'

FC Bayern Munich suffered a major setback in its hopes of grabbing home-court advantage in the playoffs in wasting a 16-point fourth-quarter lead as well as a night for the ages by star guard Carsen Edwards in losing at Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv. 

Edwards's record night, strong third quarter not enough as Bayern slip up 

[FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-bayern-munich/roster/mun/?season=2024-25) suffered a major setback in its hopes of grabbing home-court advantage in the playoffs in wasting a 16-point fourth-quarter lead as well as a night for the ages by star guard [Carsen Edwards](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/carsen-edwards/011987/) in losing at [Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/roster/tel/?season=2024-25).

Bayern was trailing at halftime before Edwards drained 8 three-pointers and scored 26 points in the third quarter. Both marks established EuroLeague records for a single quarter. Still Maccabi fought back to record [a 93-90 victory](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/maccabi-survives-historic-edwards-explosion-rallies-to-upset-bayern-93-90/). 

Bayern came into the game in fifth place and could have secured a playoff spot (top 6) with a victory if [Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/roster/red/?season=2024-25) beats [Anadolu Efes Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/anadolu-efes-istanbul/roster/ist/?season=2024-25) on Friday. But Bayern could not finish the deal in falling to 19-14.

All of Carsen Edwards's record 26 points in the third quarter

The most deflating aspects of the loss were that Bayern had last week pulled off a big double round sweep [at FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/bayern-rallies-for-101-102-victory-in-barcelona/) and against [Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/bayern-beats-partizan-89-74-books-postseason-berth/), and that Maccabi has already been eliminated from contention for the post-season.

“We had a good third quarter and fought our way back. Then we had some turnovers at the offensive end and they hit some threes and they got back into the game. They made some big plays,” said Bayern head coach Gordon Herbert, who watched his team commit 7 turnovers in the final 10 minutes.

Bayern had been feeling good after three quarters, especially after watching Edwards put in an otherworldly performance in the third stanza. He had just 2 points in the first half but hit first first three-point attempt after the break. He added 2 more threes and Bayern was starting to roll - up 50-57.

Edwards finally missed from long range, but Maccabi couldn’t breathe a sigh of relief because he knocked down 5 triples in a span of 76 seconds and added a layup as Bayern went up 57-71. Edwards added triple No. 8 to make it 59-74 for 26 of his 33 points in the game.

Edwards broke the record of [7 three-pointers in a single quarter](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/kendrick-nunn-enjoyed-record-night-at-oaka/), set by [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/) for [Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-bc-athens/roster/pan/?season=2024-25) in [December 2024](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/nunns-39-points-leads-panathinaikos-past-milan-103-74/) against [EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/ea7-emporio-armani-milan/roster/mil/?season=2024-25). And the Bayern star’s 26 points in the frame set a mark for most points in a quarter, besting the 21 points by Nunn against Milan and by [Toney Douglas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/toney-douglas/008152/) for [Anadolu Efes Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/anadolu-efes-istanbul/roster/ist/?season=2024-25) in [January 2018](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2017-18/anadolu-efes-istanbul-fenerbahce-dogus-istanbul/E2017/149/#boxscore) against [Fenebahce Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/roster/ulk/?season=2024-25).

The Bayern star drew the praise of Maccabi head coach Oded Kattash, who said: “Carsen Edwards hit some crazy shots. It was a great performance by him. He had a crazy 5-6 minutes. He couldn’t miss a shot.”

But in the end, Bayern failed to come up with the win, putting itself behind the eight ball in terms of home-court advantage. Herbert’s team will finish the regular season at home against Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul. And in the end, the German side might be left wondering what if.

Bayern was unable to take advantage of a historic night by Carsen Edwards 

Real Madrid-Paris Basketball | RS Round 33 Highlights | 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv forward Levi Randolph spoke to EuroLeague TV after his team beat FC Bayern Munich in Round 33 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.  

Levi Randolph: 'This shows the character of our team'

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv-FC Bayern Munich | RS Round 33 Highlights | 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague


Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade failed to keep alive its hopes of reaching the postseason after Alen Smailagic put his former club to the sword with an inspired performance that helped Zalgiris Kaunas to a 70-66 home win in Round 33 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Zalgiris prodigy Alen Smailagic came back to haunt inconsistent Partizan 

[Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/partizan-nis-belgrade/roster/par/?season=2024-25) failed to keep alive its hopes of reaching the postseason after [Alen Smailagic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/alen-smailagic/011051/) put his former club to the sword with an inspired performance that helped [Zalgiris Kaunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/zalgiris-kaunas/roster/zal/?season=2024-25) to [a 70-66 home win](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/partizan-out-of-postseason-after-70-66-loss-at-zalgiris/) over the Serbian outfit in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.

Having already lost any chance of making the Play-In Showdown, Zalgiris gave its fans a fitting farewell in its last home game of the season, but more importantly, the hosts ended Partizan’s bid to earn a stay of execution.

Written off at the end of last term much like the rest of the roster after Partizan missed out on the play-in games, Smailagic came back with a vengeance and tormented the Serbian team with a rock solid performance.

The big man, who donned Partizan’s jersey for three years before moving to Zalgiris last summer, finished on 14 points and 4 boards, shooting 5 of 6 from the floor and 3 of 4 from the line while also putting in an impressive defensive shift.

The 24-year-old revealed that his heart was still very much in Belgrade but made it clear in no uncertain terms where his loyalty was after his monumental all-round effort lifted Zalgiris.  

“I feel bad about it, but I play for my team and for the colors I wear now,” Smailagic said in his postgame comments. “I love Partizan and even if they had won it would have been a win-win situation for me, but we won so we’re going home to relax and prepare for the next EuroLeague game. We were down by 5 at halftime, but we stayed together, kept our concentration and came out on top.”

Alen Smailagic came back to haunt Partizan 

The victory was just as bittersweet for Zalgiris head coach Andrea Trinchieri, who coached Partizan 2018-2020, winning two Serbian Cups with the team before he made way for the club’s incumbent coach Zeljko Obradovic, the winner of a record nine EuroLeague titles. In fact, this was Trinchieri's first head-to-head win over Obradovic after eight consecutive defeats. 

The Italian tactician offered some interesting analogies to describe his dismay with a disjointed first half from Zalgiris, which trailed 35-40 at the interval before stifling Partizan out with physical second-half defense.

Partizan still looked the more likely winner when it nosed ahead 59-62 in the fourth quarter but the visitors went ice cold from the floor in the home stretch as Zalgiris closed shop, while [Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sylvain-francisco/007975/) and Smailagic did the damage at the other end.

“The first half was like a hot dog without mustard but we were good in the second,” Trinchieri said. “We played without the right intensity in the first half against a good team and it was a must-win game for them. It’s like you miss one penny to be a millionaire on every play and in the second half we found that penny. The thing that I liked the most was that despite struggling on offense, we never gave up on defense.”

Francisco, who paced Zalgiris on 15 points despite shooting 1 of 9 from downtown, added: “We managed to make a lot of stops in the second half. We put more pressure on [Carlik Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/carlik-jones/013369/) to wear him down, he had a good game as he finished on 23 points and 16 of them in the first half. The collective effort on defense in the second was crucial though.”

Obradovic tried to put on a brave face after a tough loss, which made Partizan’s final regular season game at home to Real Madrid next week competitively meaningless for the Serbian team. However, Obradovic admitted that he had expected more from his team, which paid the price for a dreadful start and an equally poor finish to this term’s campaign.

Having opened its account with a 2-8 start, Partizan recovered superbly and appeared to be cruising into the postseason after a 13-4 streak lifted the club into eighth place on a 15-12 record, with a top-six finish and an automatic playoff berth beckoning.

Partizan then faded away when the chips were down, losing five of its last six games and will be reduced to being mere spectators when the business end of Europe’s premier club competition commences.

“We were very slow in the second half. Slow decision making, we failed to adjust when they switched on defense,” Obradovic said at the postgame press conference. 

“Congratulations to Zalgiris, small details decided the game and their offensive rebounding was crucial in the second half. I am disappointed because I believed this team was going to make the top eight or at least the top 10, but we didn’t find a way. Especially not in the last few games when we needed to most and there are no excuses.” 

The big man shined against his former club to help the Lithuanian side eke out a gratifying home win

Hezonja's reverse dunk! Motorola Magic Moment of the Night

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv survived a historic outburst by Carsen Edwards to rally and shock FC Bayern Munich 93-90 to continue its strong close to the season. Edwards broke the records for most three-pointers and points in a quarter - 8 and 26 respectively in the third quarter 

Maccabi survives historic Edwards explosion, rallies to upset Bayern 93-90

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv survived a historic outburst by Carsen Edwards to rally and shock FC Bayern Munich 93-90 to continue its strong close to the season. Edwards broke the records for most three-pointers and points in a quarter - 8 and 26 respectively in the third quarter - and helped Bayern lead by 16 points early in the final frame. But Maccabi surged back to win the game, the Israeli champ’s fifth victory in the last seven games for an 11-22 record.

In the team’s final home game of the season, Jimmy Clark paced six Maccabi scorers in double figures with 20 points while Levi Randolph scored 17 points - including 4 free throws in the waning seconds, Rokas Jokubaitis had 12 points, Omer Mayer 11 and Rafi Menco and Roman Sorkin both chipped in 10 points. Bayern suffered a tough loss in its fight for home-court advantage in the playoffs in falling to 19-14 after sweeping the double-round last week. Edwards finished with 9 triples and 33 points in the loss and Shabazz Napier tallied 17 points.

Bayern started the game with Devin Booker in the first five, a welcome return for the big man who had not played since Round 24 due to a knee problem. And the big man hit a triple to open the scoring. Bayern’s defense held Maccabi to one score in the first 3 minutes and led 2-6. The hosts played a good stretch of defense in their own right with a 12-3 run in nearly 7 minutes to lead 14-9. Bayern showed its explosiveness though with 10 points in 71 seconds - 8 of them by Napier - and led 17-22 after the opening quarter.

Randolph had 5 points as Maccabi opened the second stanza with a 7-0 spurt to reclaim the lead 24-22 in holding Bayern scoreless for more than 2 minutes. The cushion grew to 29-24 thanks to a triple from Maccabi’s young talent Mayer. Bayern was back in front 33-34 after three-pointers by Andi Obst, who drained another long ball to make it 38-39. Clark was the main man at the other end with back-to-back triples and a big dunk to give him 14 points in the second quarter and give Maccabi a 48-44 cushion at the break.

Bayern came out of the locker room with better defense, forcing four turnovers in the first 4 minutes. Then started the Carsen Edwards show! He drained 2 three-pointers in a 0-10 start to the third quarter to lead 48-54. Five more Edwards triples extended the Bayern cushion to 57-71. And Edwards was not done yet with his record-breaking eighth three-pointer of the quarter for a 59-74 advantage, which was 61-74 after 30 minutes.

Three Niels Giffey free throws extended the lead to 61-77 to start the final frame. Rafi Menco exploded for his first 7 points for the hosts. Bayern still seemed in control after 2 three-pointers to remain up 70-83. But Maccabi was not ready to give up with 11 straight points to pull within 81-83 with 4 minutes to go. The hosts kept charging and Clark converted 2 free throws with 61 seconds left to tie the game 87-87. After an Edwards turnover, Trevion Williams scored inside with 26 seconds remaining. And Randolph sandwiched 4 free throws in the final 5.7 seconds around another Edwards triple to give Maccabi the win.

Maccabi grabs its fifth win in the last seven games

Mario Hezonja and Dzanan Musa combined for 46 points in Real's 19th win.


Real gets go-ahead win against Paris, 105-104! 

Real Madrid qualified for the postseason by topping Paris Basketball 105-104 at Movistar Arena in Round 33 on Thursday. Real improved to 19-14 in the standings, locking up a top-10 finish at the end of the regular season. Paris dropped to 18-15 and could also qualify to the postseason at the end of this round if other results go its way.

Mario Hezonja led the winners with 26 points. Dzanan Musa added 20, Andres Feliz and Walter Tavares each scored 15 while Serge Ibaka posted 11 for Real. TJ Shorts paced Paris with 24 points and 10 assists. Nadir Hifi added 23 points, Tyson Ward had 18 and Mikael Jantunen 13.

Shorts got Paris going with a floater. Tavares matched it with a layup and Gabriel Deck's corner triple gave Real its first lead, 5-2. After Sebastian Herrera answered from downtown, Usman Garuba and Bandja Sy traded layups. Deck insisted from beyond the arc for a 10-7 Real lead. Ward joined the three-point shootout and Hifi bettered Deck's layup with a triple for a 12-13 Paris edge. Hezonja stepped up with 5 quick points. Collin Malcolm struck from downtown before Musa'a driving layup set a 19-16 Real edge. Hifi scored in penetration and Sy added a three-pointer in a 0-7 run that Leopold Cavaliere capped with a layup. Hezonja ignited the crowd with a reverse slam and Ibaka added a put-back basket, but Jantunen singlehandedly kept Paris ahead, 23-28, after 10 minutes.

 

Shorts buried a jumper and erased Feliz's off-balance basket by hitting another mid-range shot. Hezonja tried to change things with a triple, but Ward banked in a close shot and matched Musa's layup with a jump hook. Ibaka scored in the paint before Musa's three-pointer got Real within 35-36. Ward stayed hot for Paris, though Hezonja and an outstanding Ibaka helped Los Blancos to a 42-40 lead. After Hifi and Feliz traded three-pointers, Tavares added a put-back layup. Hezonja's backdoor basket boosted Real's lead to 49-43. Shorts struck from beyond the arc and Malcolm followed with a driving layup. Shorts improved on Tavares's jump hook with a triple that tied it again, 51-51. Musa scored off the baseline but Jantunen's buzzer-beating jumper fixed the halftime score at 53-53.

Shorts scored in penetration soon after the break and improved on Garuba's dunk with 3 free throws. Jantunen struck from downtown to give Paris a 55-61 lead. Tavares stepped up with a jump hook that Yakuba Ouattara improved on with a bomb from beyond the arc. Hezonja and Hifi each buried a triple and so did Musa to make it 63-67. Malcolm joined the three-point shootout, getting help from Cavaliere to boost Paris's margin to double digits, 65-75. Feliz rescued Real with a driving layup that Musa bettered with a three-pointer. Shorts took over with an acrobatic layup that Hezonja bettered with a triple in transition. Shorts answered from beyond the arc for a 74-80 Paris lead after three quarters.  

 

Hezonja sank a three-pointer early in the fourth quarter. Feliz added a driving layup before Ibaka completed Real's comeback, 81-80. Musa took over with a three-point play that capped a 10-0 run. Ward dunked and Hifi erased Facu Campazzo's layup with an off-balance jumper. Hifi soon tied the game at 86-86 with a driving layup. Campazzo rescued Los Blancos with a bomb from beyond the arc, which Feliz followed with a fastbreak layup to make Paris stop the game at 89-84. Tavares dunked and made 3 free throws to cap a 10-0 run, giving Real a 96-86 lead with less than 3 minutes left. Shorts stepped up with a driving layup and Jantunen added a three-pointer before Hifi gave Paris hope at 98-93. Ward struck from downtown, but Hezonja's three-point play sealed the outcome with time to spare, as Paris only got within striking distance right at the buzzer.

Mario Hezonja and Dzanan Musa combined for 46 points in pivotal victory


Real gets go-ahead win against Paris, 105-104

Zalgiris Kaunas guard Sylvain Francisco spoke to EuroLeague TV after his team beat Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade in Round 33 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.  

Mario Hezonja: 'Every time there is a challenge, we respond'

Real Madrid-Paris Basketball | RS Round 33 Highlights | 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Levi Randolph: 'This shows the character of our team'

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv-FC Bayern Munich | RS Round 33 Highlights | 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

Hezonja's reverse dunk! Motorola Magic Moment of the Night

Sylvain Francisco: 'I just can't wait for next season'