Name: Kabengele’s crunching alley-oop slam! Motorola Magic Moment
Channel: Euroleague Basketball

Dwayne Bacon feeds Mfiondu Kabengele for the fierce alley-oop finish!

Kabengele’s crunching alley-oop slam! Motorola Magic Moment

Olympiacos Piraeus v Dubai Basketball (2025-10-10T18:15:00.000Z)

Ebuka Izundu with a monster dunk over two Fener defenders.

Izundu dunks over two Fenerbahce defenders! Motorola Magic Moment

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul v Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (2025-10-10T17:45:00.000Z)

Stay up to date with the latest information provided by the EuroLeague clubs ahead of Round 3 of the 2025-26 season.

Injury report: Round 3

Follow all the latest injury information for registered players in the 2025-26 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!

### Anadolu Efes Istanbul

PJ Dozier, Nick Weiler-Babb and Sehmus Hazer are all in the game-day roster for Efes's game at Partizan on Thursday, the club has confirmed. Vincent Poirier remains out long term.

- PJ Dozier missed the opening week of action and is questionable for Round 3.
- Vincent Poirier is out for [4-6 months after knee surgery](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/efes-timetable-for-poiriers-return-set-at-4-6-months/).

### AS Monaco

Yoan Makoundou is the only player out for Monaco's game at Milan on Thursday, the club has confirmed.

- Yoan Makoundou missed Monaco's first two games.
- Donatas Motiejunas was sent on loan to Crvena Zvezda

### Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz

Baskonia has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Panathinaikos on Thursday.

- Rodions Kurucs has missed Baskonia's two opening week games.

### Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade

Donatas Motiejunas and Yago dos Santos are both available for Crvena Zvezda's game at Fenerbahce on Friday, but Devonte' Graham, Ognjen Dobric, Jasiel Rivero, Isaiah Canaan and Uros Plavsic remain out, the club has confirmed.

- Jasiel Rivero hurt his foot in Round 1 and is expected to be sidelined several months.
- Isaiah Canaan [suffered an ACL injury](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/crvena-zvezda-loses-isaiah-canaan-to-acl-injury/) and is awaiting a surgery
- Devonte' Graham will be missing in action due to an ankle contusion.
- Uros Plavsic will be missing in action due to an ankle sprain.
- Ognjen Dobric is out with an injury suffered during the EuroBasket 2025
- Joel Bolomboy is out long term.

### Dubai Basketball

Dubai has not yet sent an injury report for its game at Olympiacos on Friday.

- Dzanan Musa suffered a knee injury in Monday's domestic league game.
- Aleksa Avramovic did not play last week, and will miss extended time with a leg injury.
- Nate Mason, Danilo Andjusic and Sertac Sanli missed Dubai's first two games of the season.
- Summer signing Mam Jaiteh suffered a long-term injury before the start of the season.

### EA7 Emporio Armani Milan

Josh Nebo, Vlatko Cancar and Leonardo Tote' are all out while Lorenzo Brown and Shavon Shields are both game-time decisions for Milan's game against Monaco on Thursday, the club has confirmed.

- [Josh Nebo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/milan-josh-nebo-out-for-three-weeks/) is out at least three weeks with a thigh injury.

- Shavon Shields, who felt discomfort in his leg late in Round 2, missed Milan's Italian League game over the weekend and is a game-time decision.

- Lorenzo Brown was unavailable for Milan's two games during the opening week of the season, and now is a game-time decision.

- Vlatko Cancar is out for Round 3.

- Leonardo Tote' was unavailable for Milan's two games during the opening week of the season, and remains out.

### FC Barcelona

Juan Nunez and Nico Laprovittola will miss Barcelona's game against Valencia on Friday, the club has confirmed.

- [Juan Nunez is out ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcelona-guard-juan-nunez-to-miss-6-months/)due to a knee injury. The estimated recovery time is around six months.
- [Nico Laprovittola is out for three weeks](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcelonas-nico-laprovittola-sidelined-with-a-thigh-injury/) due a left thigh adductor injury in Round 2 game against Panathinaikos.

### FC Bayern Munich

Wenyen Gabriel is doubtful while Rokas Jokubaitis, Johannes Voigtmann, Elias Harris and Justus Hollatz will miss Bayern’s game against Zalgiris on Friday, the club has confirmed. Aleksa Radanov is not in the game-day roster, either.

- [Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/bayerns-rokas-jokubaitis-suffers-knee-injury/) will be sidelined until the spring following knee surgery.
- Johannes Voigtmann will miss the start of the season after he suffered a knee injury during EuroBasket 2025 that required surgery.
- Elias Harris has yet to return to action following a knee injury suffered in June.
- Justus Hollatz (recovery) and Aleksa Radanov (coach's decision) did not suit up for in first two rounds.

### Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul

Brandon Boston, Armando Bacot and Arturs Zagars are all absent for Fenerbahce's game against Crvena Zvezda on Friday, the club has confirmed. Scottie Wilbekin is included in the game-day roster, but he is not expected to play.

- Scottie Wilbekin (recovery process) and Arturs Zagars (injury) missed Rounds 1 and Round 2.

### Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv

Yam Madar and Bruno Caboclo will not play in Hapoel's game against Maccabi on Wednesday, the club has confirmed.

- [Yam Madar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/hapoels-yam-madar-goes-under-the-knife/) did not play during the opening week of the season after undergoing an appendectomy, and is out again.
- Bruno Caboclo could miss the first month of the season.
- There was a report in Israel that Dan Oturu landed badly during Tuesday's practice.

### LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne

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

- Thomas Heurtel missed ASVEL's Round 1 and 2 clashes.
- Nando De Colo did not play in the French League game on Sunday.

### Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv

There are no injuries to report at Maccabi ahead of its game at Hapoel on Wednesday, the club has confirmed.

### Olympiacos Piraeus

Evan Fournier, Thomas Walkup, Keenan Evans and Shaquielle McKissic will not play in Olympiacos's game against Dubai on Friday, the club has confirmed.

- Thomas Walkup suffered a gluteal hematoma, and will miss 2-3 weeks according to coach Georgios Bartzokas.
- Evan Fournier is out, the club confirmed.
- Recently signed Frank Ntilikina did not play in the opening two rounds, but did play in the domestic action over the weekend.
- Shaquielle McKissic did not play in Rounds 1 and 2 and is out in Round 3, too.
- Keenan Evans will miss the start of the season with a knee injury.
- [Moustapha Fall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-center-moustapha-fall-suffers-knee-injury/) could miss the entire season after suffering a ruptured patellar tendon in his left knee during the Greek League finals in June.

### Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens

Mathias Lessort is the only player out for Panathinaikos's game at Baskonia on Thursday, the club has confirmed.

- Mathias Lessort is expected to be out until at least November, according to the statements by coach Ergin Ataman.

### Paris Basketball

Paris has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Virtus on Thursday.

- Daulton Hommes missed Round 2 game.
- [Lamar Stevens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/paris-duo-lamar-stevens-sebastian-herrera-out-for-weeks/) is out for 'several weeks', Paris confirmed on September 19.
- Enzo Shahrvin, like Stevens, missed the opening week of the season.

### Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade

Mario Nakic is the only injured player for Partizan's game against Efes on Thursday, the club has confirmed.

- Miika Muurinen made his team debut in the domestic league action on Monday.
- Mario Nakic missed Round 1 and 2 games due to a knee problem, and is expected to be sidelined for a while.

### Real Madrid

Real Madrid has not yet sent an injury report for its game against ASVEL on Thursday.

- Theo Maledon did not travel play in the opening week of the season.
- Gabriele Procida also did not play in Rounds 1 and 2.

### Valencia Basket

Valencia has not yet sent an injury report for its game at Barcelona on Friday.

- Jean Montero, Xabi Lopez Arostegui and Brancou Badio are out [with different injuries](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/valencia-loses-montero-badio-and-lopez-arostegui-to-injuries/).
- Yankuba Sima didn't play in Rounds 1 and 2, either.

### Virtus Bologna

Abramo Canka as the only player not available for Virtus's game at Paris on Thursday, the club has confirmed.

- Nicola Akele, who missed the first two rounds, is available for Round 3.
- Abramo Canka did not play in Rounds 1 and 2.

### Zalgiris Kaunas

Zalgiris has not yet sent an injury report for its game at Bayern on Friday.

- Dovydas Giedraitis is sidelined indefinitely [after a wrist surgery](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/dovydas-giedraitis-to-miss-start-of-2025-26-season/).

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

Injury report, Round 3: Fournier ruled out; Gabriel doubtful; Motiejunas, Yago available

Any time Zsombor Maronka was fighting through his difficult 2024-25 season, he just had to look at his wrist and the bracelet he wears. The gift from his family a decade ago reads: “Create what you want to be” and “Greatness is a choice”. And those words helped the young Hungarian talent get back on the court after 10 months out. 

Inspirational bracelet means even more for Zsombor Maronka after successful recovery

Any time [Zsombor Maronka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/zsombor-maronka/008103/) was fighting through his difficult 2024-25 season, he just had to look at his wrist and the bracelet he wears. The gift from his family a decade ago reads: “Create what you want to be” and “Greatness is a choice”. And those words helped the young Hungarian talent get back on the court after 10 months out. 

Maronka will remember September 24, 2025, for quite some time. It was the first time the 23-year-old got stepped on the parquet for a game since November 2024 after recovering from cartilage being removed from his foot. Hamburg lost 94-89 to Bamberg, but Maronka finally felt the rush of playing in front of fans again.

“Despite the loss, honestly, it was amazing and just uplifting to be back on the court. After such a long time of just watching the guys play and now finally being able to be on the court and help the team and do stuff, it was just amazing,” said Maronka, who totaled 8 points and 2 rebounds in 17 minutes in the game, told David Hein.

<center>
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border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; 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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DMgHE7ysurU/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Zsombor Maronka (@maronkazs)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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Maronka has been playing basketball since he was four years old and that was by far his longest stretch of being away from the game, having previously missed about two months with a sprained ankle. 

Back in November 2024, Maronka took a wrong step and said he heard a crack. An MRI could not really provide immediate clarity and surgery was needed to see exactly what had happened. 

Before the surgery, Maronka was told by doctors he could miss six weeks or six months. They wouldn’t know until they went into to examine the ankle. 

“When I woke up the doc told me: 'Everything went well, the surgery was successful and everything went according to plan. But there's going to be a longer recovery time.' So that's when the first moment of realization hit,” he remembered.

A large piece of cartilage at the front of his foot had broken off and had to be removed. Surgeons, he said, replaced the empty space with a matrix gel to help regrow the cartilage. Maronka was forced to wear a boot for six weeks to make sure the matrix stayed in place. 

He was on crutches for that time and it was a challenge for him to do every day tasks, including taking the stairs to his apartment on the fourth floor. 

Maronka initially was doing the math and thinking six months meant he could maybe get back in time for the end of the regular season or the playoffs in May. The progress turned out to be slower than he'd hoped and it was clear he would have to wait instead of risking it. 

“By the end, the most difficult part for me was knowing when you're at that point of almost coming back, but you still have to hold yourself back, be patient and not rush the end of the process,” said Maronka. 

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He did not go the rehab process alone. Beside family and friends, he also talked to Hamburg’s sports psychologist Renate Eichenberger throughout the entire rehab. Still, Maronka always tries to keep a positive mindset and believes things happen for a reason. And he said he used the rehab time to work on his body and his mental aspect of the game.

He worked out with the club’s strength coach on basketball-specific training. That and other work helped him eliminate previous lower back problems that had bothered him. Maronka joked that he worked out so much with the club’s assault bike – a stationary exercise bike for full-body, high-intensity workouts – that it became his best friend.

Right there with him also was that bracelet from his parents and brother, given to him when he left Hungary in 2016 to join Joventut Badalona. And the messages meant even more while he was rehabbing.

“There were a lot of moments last year where I felt like I could have accepted the mentality of I'm not playing, I cannot contribute to the team. But I feel like I attacked rehab even harder than I would do regular practices. I felt like this is a time that I can really create habits and a mentality that will help me even more moving forward once I'm back playing,” he said.

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border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; 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Maronka is still in the process of creating the Zsombor he wants to be.

“I feel like first of all even more of a team player, a team guy. I was able to see aspects of how important it is the standards you hold for yourself to around the team.”

He may still be one of the younger players, but he came into last season with 13 EuroCup games played over three seasons with Joventut, starting with his debut in November 2020.

“I'm one of the guys who played at a pretty high level already, so maybe bring some tips, some experience with that energy and intensity. So I just want to be a supportive guy to my teammates and be the best version of myself.”

This past summer also saw Maronka sign a two-year contract with Hamburg. He had been in Hamburg last season on loan from Joventut – the club that loaned him to Neptunas Klaipeda in 2023-24 as well.

“I made the decision because after coming off of a long injury, I would need a lot of playing time. And I felt like this was a better place for me to be able to play,” he said. “I felt like the coaches' expectations for me here are more suitable for my plans. That's why I made the decision.”

Maronka actually signed the new contract while he was in Badalona this past July, saying goodbye to the people in the Spanish club. 

Maronka still had two more years on his long-term deal with Joventut so it didn’t seem odd at all to pen a two-year contract with Hamburg. 

“Signing a two-year contract here also would give me more security. I don't have to rush things, and the club gave me that sign too. So I also really appreciate that."

Now things are in place for Maronka to create the best Zsombor Maronka he can be. 

More Hamburg News

The Hamburg forward wears a bracelet reading: “Create what you want to be” and “Greatness is a choice”

## Friday, October 10

### Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul vs. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (19:45 CEST)

**Sarunas Jasikevicius, Fenerbahce head coach**

"Well, it's very, we're expecting a very physical game. Zvezda is a physical team that always plays hard. They, for sure, are going to want to take the first win of the season. We need to match that ambition. We are coming out of the EuroLeague loss ourselves, and we want to win at home.

**Bonzie Colson, Fenerbahce forward**

"Preparations are going well. Obviously, we've got to bounce back after our loss against Zagoras. Respect them as their opponent, respect their ball pressure, and just play our game on both sides of the floor. And, you know, defend our home court as best as possible."

(A message to the fans): "You know we appreciate you guys, we love you guys, we love to see you know, a sold-out game against Red Star, a tough opponent. You know we need your support. We love your support, and it gives us motivation during the game." 

### Olympiacos Piraeus vs. Dubai Basketball (20:15 CEST)

**Georgios Bartzokas, Olympiacos head coach**

"Dubai is a team with great offensive talent but lacks the same level of commitment on defense. They are among the best in isolation plays and one-on-one situations in the half-court, and they play a different style of basketball than we do. We have to stay focused on our game plan and not get drawn into their up-and-down rhythm. Our approach must include solid defense, control of the tempo, and proper execution on both ends of the floor. It’s a tough game, especially since it’s our first at home. Unfortunately, we’re dealing with several issues. Walkup has suffered a gluteal hematoma and will be out for two to three weeks. McKissic and Evans are also unavailable, while Fournier will test himself today \[Thursday\], but it’s unlikely he’ll play. Donta Hall had a bout of food poisoning but will be available. Overall, we’re short-handed in the backcourt and will need to make up for it through team effort."

**Sasha Vezenkov, Olympiacos forward**

"It’s still very early in the season - it’s a marathon. No team is at 100% yet, but every win matters; it gives us confidence, momentum, and time to grow. Dubai is dangerous because they play without pressure. They have talent and personality, and they started the competition with a big win. With our fans behind us, we want to keep the Peace and Friendship Stadium unbeaten and stick to our plan to get the victory."

**Jurica Golemac, Dubai head coach**

"Of course, it is going to be very hard. Olympiacos is one of the best teams in Europe in the last five years, with the same coach and just a few changes to built it up even better. They have very good discipline and are a very physical team. We need to answer to this by matching that. We have to be smart, not turn the ball over, close the rebounding, try to push the ball and to contain, and believe that we can maybe surprise them. Learning is in every game, in every practice. We need to stay together and don't give up. There will be good and bad moments but we can never give up. We need to stick to the game plan, and have discipline and physicality. They have a system and are very patient and disciplined. They are always to find the best solution on offense and are very smart on defense, with clear principles of what they are doing. It is not about individuals, Olympiacos is more or less everything about the team."

**Klemen Prepelic, Dubai guard**

"It is just the beginning of the season. We had a lot of new faces who have to fit it, click everybody together. I believe that if we manage to stay together, fight as one and enjoy playing basketball, we have good chances to get this victory on the road. First of all, we have to change our game plan. We have to follow the game plan that our coaching staff is giving us and obviously stick together: start with our defense, grab rebounds and score as many points as we can in transition because we know they are a strong defensive team. They have a good system that has been around for many years and we have to look our opportunities, especially in early offenses. We have to stay together defensively and rebounding is going to be the key." 

### FC Bayern Munich vs. Zalgiris Kaunas (20:30 CEST)

**Gordon Herbert, Bayern head coach**

"Starting Friday, we’ll have four games in seven days, then comes the Cup game, and after that, another four games in seven days. That’s why I’m really pleased with how the team trains in the few sessions we can have, how professional they are and how mentally focused. But Zalgiris is a high-level team, they’re playing very well right now. Their guards are on another level, and their domestic players are also very strong. It will be a big challenge for us, but if we play as a team again, we can accomplish something."

**Xavier Rathan-Mayes, Bayern guard**

"Zalgiris beat Monaco on the road and the reigning champion at home. We’re facing a tough task, but we’re really happy to play in the SAP Garden again in front of our fans. Hopefully, we can give them a great game and get another win."

### FC Barcelona vs. Valencia Basket (20:30 CEST)

\--

## Thursday, October 9

### Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade vs. Anadolu Efes Istanbul (20:30 CEST)

**Zeljko Obradovic, Partizan head coach**

"Efes has a great quality. Igor Kokoskov has returned to European basketball, and his signature is immediately visible in the way the team plays. You can see it both in their style of play and in the way he tries to turn every situation to his team’s advantage. They have very useful players - both in their starting five and coming off the bench. They also have the most efficient scorer at the moment, Jordan Loyd, as well as two big men with very different playing styles. These are all things we have analyzed and prepared for. Once again, I want to emphasize that we must stay focused until the very last minute, because those are the keys to the game if we want to win."

**Sterling Brown, Partizan guard**

"I expect it to be a good game for all 40 minutes. They’re going to come out and run their sets, they have some good veteran players, and we’re going to do the same. We’ve had a couple of good days of practice, so I feel like we’re well prepared. The new floor we’re playing on is really nice. Our game plan is to apply pressure on the defensive end, make it tough for their good shooters, and do our job to contain them. We need to make them play defense. Rebounding will be important, and on offense we’ll look to dictate and control the rhythm. As I said, they have some good scorers, so we need to focus on that a little more."

**Igor Kokoskov, Efes head coach**<br>
"We are playing at one of the toughest places to play, it's obviously the Belgrade Arena. They have a great crowd, great fans, it’s really a difficult place to play. They have one of the best coaches in Europe. They have a deep roster, a lot of new names and they have some continuity, some guys stayed from last year. So we know it's going to be a very difficult game. But our main focus remains on ourselves. We’ve only played four games together so far, so we’re still a very new team. We’ll go through the reports, study the scouting, and of course talk about Partizan, but our priority is improving our own game. So we are gonna be focusing ourselves. At this point of the season, we are really mainly focusing on our own team."

**Jordan Loyd, Efes guard**

"Looking ahead to the game against Partizan, I think firstly, they’re a great, tough and a physical team. Playing in Belgrade, with the atmosphere their fans create, is something every hooper looks forward to. It’s always a fun atmosphere to be part of, and we’re really excited about that. They have great guards, strong wings and \[Tyrique\] Jones in the middle. They can show a lot of different schemes. So I think we just got to pay attention to our scouting, try to make their guards as uncomfortable as possible and take care of the rebounds. For us, the key is to go there with confidence. On the road, you have to believe in yourself if you want to get a big win. It’s a game everyone on our team looks forward to. My mindset is always the same, never too high, never too low. We just have to stay level headed in the atmosphere. And just no matter what happens in the game, just stay level. So we're excited and can't wait to get there."

### EA7 Emporio Armani Milan vs. AS Monaco (20:30 CEST)

**Ettore Messina, Milan head coach**

"The game is obviously tough against a Final Four team now featuring Nikola Mirotic: we will welcome him back with pleasure. Monaco is a team with enormous offensive potential. We will have to stay connected the entire game and stay organized on both ends of the floor. The first two games in Belgrade were both very good, but a step up and further growth is necessary to win our home opener."

**Bryant Dunston, Milan center**

"It is a good test for us against a Final Four team. They have been playing together, with the same core, for years and it shows on the court. They have a legendary player as a coach and the ability to score. It will be crucial for us to stop them from doing their things, so defense will be required. Our mentality is to keep everybody focused, never get excited after a win and never get too down after a loss. Whatever happens we need to move on, stay healthy and play together."

**Vassilis Spanoulis, Monaco head coach**

"The start of the season has been tougher since the SuperCup, with two losses for us, apart from what we managed to do against Dubai. Like all Euroleague teams, we need time. We need to review our approach and our mindset, and that will be reflected in more successful starts to games and in developing a more precise, more intense game. When we are the best version of Monaco, we are a dangerous team."

**Jaron Blossomgame, Monaco forward**

"It's still very early in the season, the pieces of the puzzle are still coming together. We played a great game against Dubai, but our approach wasn't right against Chalon in the French League. In Milan, we want to find our best basketball, raise our level to where it should be. Milan is a very well-coached team with dangerous scorers. We'll have to be ready, especially on defense."

### Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (20:30 CEST)

**Paolo Galbiati, Baskonia head coach**

"They are a great team, because of the roster. When they start, they have \[Kendrick\] Nunn, \[Jerian\] Grant, \[TJ\] Shorts, \[Kostas\] Sloukas, I can mention all the players of the roster. It's a great team. And for us, it's a great opportunity. We have to play our style, we have to try to impose our pace and our spacing. Spacing will be crucial tomorrow against their bigger bodies. And again, on defense, we want to grow. We want to be more physical, more smart, more tactical, and try to erase the bad moments."

**Nikos Rogkavopoulos, Panathinaikos forward**

"It is a special game for me. I am playing against the team that helped me make my name in the EuroLeague and gave me the opportunity to compete at this level, for which I am grateful. I am looking forward to seeing them again in person, but for 40 minutes we will be opponents. I hope we can secure the victory, as it is a very important and also a dangerous game."

### Paris Basketball vs. Virtus Bologna (20:45 CEST)

**Dusko Ivanovic, Virtus head coach**

"It will be a difficult game because Paris are playing aggressively, with a lot of intensity, just like last year. They play a lot in transition and are very good at offensive rebounding. First of all, we will have to control the pace of the game."

**Momo Diouf, Virtus center**

"It will be an intense match, both physically and mentally. Paris is a team that runs a lot and manages every possession with energy. We will need clarity and patience on our part to try to win the game."

### Real Madrid vs. LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (21:00 CEST)

**Sergio Scariolo, Real Madrid head coach**

"We are looking to a demanding game against an opponent that is playing with a lot of efficiency. They beat Baskonia and were close to beat Valencia, which right now is a reference in Europe due to its quality of playing and performance. ASVEL is a very athletic team with a lot of shooters from different spots, and with key, experienced players. Obviously, all EuroLeague games are difficult and demanding, and the moment you don't think like that, this is when you set the basis to get a loss that you may regret at the end of the regular season. That's the idea, and we know that our emergency situation, in terms of physical problems, is there. It is about how bad injuries are, but the number of players that will not be available to play, so that is another reason to be focused, locked in and with the right mentality to play a high-level game."

**Trey Lyles, Real Madrid forward**

"We will play another intense EuroLeague game against a team with a lot of energy that comes off a very important victory. It will be a tough matchup in which, fortunately, we will have our fans behind us. I think we are improving, going in the right direction and learning a lot. We are a new team, there are many new players who arrived this season, but we are all adjusting and gelling well."

## Wednesday, October 8

### Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv vs. Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv (20:05 CEST)

**Dimitris Itoudis, Hapoel head coach**

"It’s a derby and the importance of this game touches on multiple areas. We’re in a good place, we started the season well, but we know that every game carries great significance for us, especially as we’re new to the EuroLeague. We’re playing against a very athletic team and facing a dangerous opponent - a team with great skills, size, shooters, pick-and-roll threats, and big guys. Overall, it’s a team that can really hurt you if you’re not fully aware or well prepared."

**Elijah Bryant, Hapoel guard**

"We’re excited about this upcoming game. Every game brings a different test to our team, and it’s another opportunity to get better and improve as a team. We’re looking forward to the fight."

**Oded Kattash, Maccabi head coach**

"It’s a more historic day for Hapoel Tel Aviv than for us, and we will need to adapt ourselves to the event. We are coming after a loss that hurt us in terms of experience and aggressiveness. It is an important EuroLeague game, and so far we haven’t proven that we can play good basketball. We will need to come with more aggressiveness and commitment. We know how important this game is for the fans"

**John DiBartolomeo, Maccabi guard**

"We understand the meaning of this game, and the other players also understand the importance of the derby. It is hard to put into words how important it is, but we are ready and excited to be part of this history. We don’t need to let the pressure affect us, but rather let the excitement of this historic and important game lead us. We wanted to start the season better, but what’s important now is to win the derby, and that’s always our mindset in such a game."

**Roman Sorkin, Maccabi forward**

"They have a very good team, there’s no denying that. But in the end, the story is us. We want and do everything to come to every game and win. I think we are improving from game to game, people are fitting in, and even if it as not yet reflected in victories, it will come. This is not just another game for us. It doesn’t matter if it is the beginning, middle, or end of the season, we are coming to win."

Check out what the coaches and players are saying ahead of Round 3 of the 2025-26 EuroLeague season

Pregame quotes, Round 3: 'Zalgiris's guards are on another level'

Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv v Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv (2025-10-08T18:05:00.000Z)

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2025-10-09T18:30:00.000Z)

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan v AS Monaco (2025-10-09T18:30:00.000Z)

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade v Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2025-10-09T18:30:00.000Z)

Paris Basketball v Virtus Bologna (2025-10-09T18:45:00.000Z)

Real Madrid v LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (2025-10-09T19:00:00.000Z)

FC Barcelona v Valencia Basket (2025-10-10T18:30:00.000Z)

FC Bayern Munich v Zalgiris Kaunas (2025-10-10T18:30:00.000Z)

Dubai Basketball has announced the signing of Taran Armstrong, who joins on a one-year deal with an option for a further year.

Taran Armstrong signs for Dubai

[Dubai Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/dubai-basketball/dub/) has announced the signing of Taran Armstrong, who joins on a one-year deal with an option for a further year.

Armstrong (1.96 meters, 23 years old) most recently played for the Golden State Warriors' affiliate franchise, the Santa Cruz Warriors, in the G League. In 12 appearances to finish the 2024-25 season, he posted 11.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 7.9 assists and 1.3 steals.

The Australian guard spent the bulk of that 2024-25 campaign with the Cairns Taipans, where he starred with averages of 17.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 0.9 steals across 19 NBL games.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Welcome home, Taran🖤🤎🤍 <a href="https://t.co/nWGZOs5sVs">pic.twitter.com/nWGZOs5sVs</a></p>&mdash; Dubai Basketball (@dubaibasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/dubaibasket/status/1976573310545842338?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

When Armstrong makes his debut for Dubai, he will appear in the EuroLeague for the first time. 

He will also become the 18th Australian player to play in the EuroLeague, following in the footsteps of the likes of Joe Ingles, Dante Exum and Aron Baynes.

More Dubai Basketball News

The Australian guard arrives after shining in the NBL and G League

A meeting between Euroleague Basketball management, EuroLeague clubs, NBA management, and FIBA leadership took place on October 8, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland. This was the second meeting held between the parties in recent months, following the joint announcement by the NBA and FIBA to explore the potential creation of “NBA Europe,” a new international club competition. At the previous meeting, Euroleague Basketball presented a proposal for a collaboration framework that, to date, has not received any meaningful response. 

Update on recent NBA-FIBA-EuroLeague meetings

A meeting between Euroleague Basketball management, EuroLeague clubs, NBA management, and FIBA leadership took place on October 8, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland. This was the second meeting held between the parties in recent months, following the joint announcement by the NBA and FIBA to explore the potential creation of “NBA Europe,” a new international club competition. At the previous meeting, Euroleague Basketball presented a proposal for a collaboration framework that, to date, has not received any meaningful response. 

While the meeting concluded without any further details on the envisioned ‘NBA Europe’ project other than the publicly available information being shared, Euroleague Basketball extends its appreciation to the NBA for the constructive dialogue and to FIBA for promoting and hosting the meetings, as well as for its ongoing efforts to identify a collaborative framework that benefits all parties involved. 

Representing its clubs, which met earlier this week in Barcelona to discuss and share their views on this matter, Euroleague Basketball reaffirmed its commitment to continued engagement in these discussions, emphasizing that any potential framework for cooperation must respect the following core principles: 

1\. Shared Benefit: Any proposal must bring value to all stakeholders and to European basketball as a whole, without marginalizing the organizations and individuals who have built today’s elite club basketball structure. 

2\. Cultural Integrity: The traditions, fan bases, and unique identity of European basketball must be protected and preserved. 

3\. Competitive Excellence: Any initiative should aim to maintain and enhance the high competitive standards of European basketball. 

4\. European Governance: Decision-making authority must remain in Europe to ensure that the interests of European basketball take precedence. 

Euroleague Basketball and its clubs remain committed to engaging in constructive discussions with the NBA and FIBA, provided these fundamental principles are upheld throughout the process.

Look back at all the action in Round 2 of the 2025-26 BKT EuroCup season by checking out the best photos of the week! 

Top 10 photos from Round 2

Look back at all the action from Round 2 of the 2025-26 BKT EuroCup season by checking out the best photos of the week! 

Real Madrid-LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne | Round 3 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

Real Madrid and LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne came into their Round 3 showdown with significant absences. Los Blancos were without Gabriele Procida, Alberto Abalde, Usman Garuba and above all, Theo Maledon, who missed the chance to face his former team. ASVEL, however, was missing three of its most experienced players in Nando De Colo, Thomas Heurtel and Shaquille Harrison. Real adjusted better to its injury situation, which led to an 85-72 victory in which Sergio Scariolo's men led from start to finish.

Real Madrid's newcomers made their mark in comfortable win over ASVEL

[Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/real-madrid/mad/) and [LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne/asv/) came into their Round 3 showdown with significant absences. *Los Blancos* were without [Gabriele Procida](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/gabriele-procida/008384/), [Alberto Abalde](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/alberto-abalde/003733/), [Usman Garuba](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/usman-garuba/007630/) and above all, [Theo Maledon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/theo-maledon/007027/), who missed the chance to face his former team. ASVEL, however, was missing three of its most experienced players in [Nando De Colo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nando-de-colo/002100/), [Thomas Heurtel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/thomas-heurtel/klt/) and [Shaquille Harrison](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shaquille-harrison/013371/). Real adjusted better to its injury situation, which led to an 85-72 victory in which Sergio Scariolo's men led from start to finish.

[Andres Feliz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/andres-feliz/011247/) ignited Real's strong start with three assists in the opening 2 minutes. From the very beginning of the game, Real managed to stay away from the foul penalty, as ASVEL opted not to get close to the paint in order to avoid going one-on-one against [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/). The numbers said it all at the end of the first quarter: ASVEL scored its first two-pointer in the sixth minute of the game, hit 2-of-6 three-pointers and 5-of-10 three-pointers without going to the foul line. Real circulated the ball close to perfection in the first quarter, getting 10 assists and just one turnover.

ASVEL stuck to its game plan, opening the floor with three-point shots. On the other hand, Real attacked the rim as much as possible and its aggressiveness paid off, as the guests entered the foul penalty way too early in the two opening quarters. At halftime, Real had hit 14-of-18 free throws, and ASVEL had only been to the foul line once.

Three-point shots kept ASVEL in the game, as the guests were 8 of 21 from beyond the arc at the break. [Edwin Jackson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/edwin-jackson/000229/) had buried all of his three attempts from downtown in the first half. Adjusting its three-point defense was a priority for Real in the second half, as Coach Scariolo pointed out.

"We had some defensive slumps. We are not going to the ball on pull-ups, maybe overhelping in a couple of situations," Scariolo said at halftime. "We definitely have to improve on defense."

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Facu doing Facu things... <br><br>Dimes that only he can see 👀<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MotorolaMagicMoments?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MotorolaMagicMoments</a> I <a href="https://twitter.com/Moto?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Moto</a> <a href="https://t.co/8b7WjW8f17">pic.twitter.com/8b7WjW8f17</a></p>&mdash; EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1976368590988194280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Indeed, Real's adjustments worked, as ASVEL hit just 2-of-13 three-pointers (15.4%) after the break. Despite outrebounding *Los Blancos* 15-23 in the second half, including 11 offensive boards, ASVEL was not effective enough to challenge for the victory. Real ended up getting twice more assists (24) than turnovers (12). On the other hand, ASVEL had more turnovers (14) than assists (11).

A couple of newcomers gave Real an extra boost in this game, as [Chuma Okeke](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/chuma-okeke/014006/) and [Trey Lyles](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/trey-lyles/014117/) gave *Los Blancos* a great mix of effectiveness and intensity. Okeke finished the game with 17 points on perfect shooting, including 4-of-4 three-pointers, 5 rebounds and a PIR of 25. Lyles had an all-around effort with 12 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, a steal and a PIR of 19. Both Lyles and Okeke played around 18 minutes apiece. There were more good news for Real, as [Izan Almansa](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/izan-almansa/010105/) and [Gunars Grinvalds](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/gunars-grinvalds/013555/) made their EuroLeague debuts with the team.

"I am just going to try to hoop, play hard and get the win. Hopefully I will have plenty more of these," Okeke said after the game, pointing out that Real is gelling really quick. "That's just what happens when you play together, practice together and off the court, hanging together. We are just going to keep building that chemistry and hopefully get some more wins."

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">🔝 <a href="https://twitter.com/chuma_okeke?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@chuma_okeke</a> <br>👏 MVP del partido vs <a href="https://twitter.com/LDLCASVEL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LDLCASVEL</a> <a href="https://t.co/KWs27LvZiD">pic.twitter.com/KWs27LvZiD</a></p>&mdash; Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto/status/1976399211441848643?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"It is easy when you are in the team that shares the ball like we do. Coach has done a good job instilling confidence in us, especially me and Chuma, along with other guys. We are just picking our spots, making shots and making the most out of our opportunities," Lyles said. "We are a new team and still have a lot of guys out but being able to practice and learn one another on the court and off the court is definitely helping. I think it is showing in games like tonight."

Real will now look for a third consecutive victory [at home against Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2025-26/real-madrid-partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade/E2025/38/) on Wednesday before traveling to the Serbian capital [to face Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2025-26/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade-real-madrid/E2025/48/) on Friday.

Game News

Chuma Okeke and Trey Lyles gave Los Blancos an extra boost as the team moved to 2-1 on the season

Paris Basketball vs. Virtus Bologna | Round 3 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

Paris Basketball-Virtus Bologna | Round 3 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz-Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens | Round 3 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan-AS Monaco | Round 3 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

Paris Basketball went wave after wave after wave in beating Virtus Bologna 90-79 to make sure its emotional season home opener would go as planned. The game was Paris’s EuroLeague home opener this season but also the first game it had played at Adidas Arena in 2025-26. 

Going wave after wave, Paris rolls past Virtus in banner-raising home opener

[Paris Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/paris-basketball/prs/) went wave after wave after wave in beating [Virtus Bologna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/virtus-bologna/vir/) 90-79 to make sure its emotional season home opener would go as planned. The game was Paris’s EuroLeague home opener this season but also the first game it had played at Adidas Arena in 2025-26. 

And Francesco Tabellini’s team took care of business in a historic manner. 

“It was the first time we were playing at home in front of our home fans. It was very important to set the tone, show them our face, our identity,” said the Italian coach, who took over this past off-season from Tiago Splitter. “It’s a good starting point.”

[Nadir Hifi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nadir-hifi/012640/) led the way with 20 points and 6 assists, and last season’s EuroLeague Rising Star was excited to finally play at home.

“Every game is important but there is nothing like playing at home. We wanted to win this home opener after playing two games away last week. We couldn’t wait to play in front of our home crowd,” he said. 

Paris played its two EuroLeague games on the road last week at Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul and Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv, while it also started the French League with road games against Gravelines and Le Mans.

There was a major highlight even before the showdown against Virtus as the club raised the banners from winning the French League and Cup double last season.

The crowd in Paris also got the first chance to see Tabellini’s unusual style of play. The 42-year-old regularly substitutes out all five of the players at the same time in order to keep up the energy and intensity of the team’s game plan. 

“The thing I appreciated most was that we were really connected on the floor. We were pretty connected between the bench and on court players.  With the number of substitutions we make, everybody has to be connected and ready,” Tabellini said. “The five people have to be on the same page. The way we play, it’s non-negotiable for us. And I think that was there. This is a good starting point.”

All 12 players had gotten into the game in the first 6 minutes against Virtus and all of them scored in the opening 17 minutes of the game. Observers of Paris games should get used to it. All 12 players played and scored in both of the team’s French League games, and the full roster played in Paris’s first two EuroLeague games – 11 of them scoring in each of the contests. 

“It’s just the way we play,” said veteran [Amath M'Baye](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/amath-m-baye/007993/), who picked up 12 points against Virtus. “There are a lot of opportunities for a lot of people. The ways to score are out there and just up for grabs. And people did a great job at it today.”

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">FIRST HOME GAME FIRST HOME WIN 😍🫡<br><br>Grosse performance d’équipe ce soir, de très bon augure avant la réception de Monaco dimanche 😤<br><br>On vous attend nombreux ‼️ <a href="https://t.co/QVJM8v23nQ">pic.twitter.com/QVJM8v23nQ</a></p>&mdash; Paris Basketball (@ParisBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/ParisBasketball/status/1976391338724819123?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The main scorer for the team is Hifi, who had 10 points in the first 6 minutes of the game and then did not score for more than 20 minutes of game action, though he still helped with his playmaking. 

And his defense as it turns out, having been responsible for 4 of Paris’s 15 steals. 

The hosts' never-ending waves of defensive pressure wreaked havoc on Virtus, which committed a club-record 26 turnovers – eclipsing its previous mark of 23 from November 2001. Those miscues turned into 36 points off turnovers for Paris. 

Paris’s effort was also evident on the offensive glass, where the French team did whatever it wanted en route to 20 offensive rebounds. That set a club record, topping the 19 offensive boards the team grabbed last season against Maccabi in December 2024.

Now three games into the new EuroLeague season, the message should be clear for Paris opponents: be prepared for one wave after the next. 

The French side used all 12 players to devastating effect and caused plenty of misery for the visitors

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade-Anadolu Efes Istanbul | Round 3 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

Partizan head coach Zeljko Obradovic drew on his wealth of EuroLeague experience to notch a sweet win in his inaugural battle with compatriot Igor Kokoskov, as the Serbian side outmuscled Anadolu Efes Istanbul 93-87 in a titanic Round 3 clash. 

Partizan edges Efes as Obradovic beats compatriot Kokoskov in their first clash 

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade head coach Zeljko Obradovic drew on his wealth of EuroLeague experience to notch a sweet win in his inaugural battle with compatriot Igor Kokoskov, as the Serbian side outmuscled Anadolu Efes Istanbul [93-87](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2025-26/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade-anadolu-efes-istanbul/E2025/26/) in a titanic Round 3 clash.

Obradovic, who has won nine titles in Europe’s premier club competition with five different clubs, saw his team enact sweet revenge on Efes for last season’s debacle at the same venue – a 65-97 blowout which vanquished Partizan’s hopes of making the postseason.

Partizan relied on a trio of outstanding performers to prevail, led by [Sterling Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/sterling-brown/012720/), who poured 24 points while [Tyrique Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/tyrique-jones/011981/) racked up 18 to go with 8 rebounds against his former club. [Isaac Bonga](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/isaac-bonga/006760/) chipped in with 16 points in a flowing team effort.

Known for demanding perfection from his players, Obradovic refused to get carried away in his postgame comments after seeing Efes bounce back from a 12-point halftime deficit to nose ahead 75-76 early in the fourth quarter.

"We played much slower in the second half than we did in the first and we allowed them back into the game," he said. "It’s an important victory and I must thank my players for a very good effort. It’s still early days in the season and there’s a lot of things that need to be fixed.

"We were outstanding in the first half as we forced 10 turnovers from Efes and scored a barrage of fast break points while the fans gave us a lift after our rival had turned the game around,” Obradovic added at the press conference.

"We were up and down and we beat a team coached by Igor Kokoskov, who made a name for himself in the NBA and has a force to be reckoned with of a roster."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A BIG Win at home for <a href="https://twitter.com/PartizanBC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PartizanBC</a> who closed it out despite the <a href="https://twitter.com/AnadoluEfesSK?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AnadoluEfesSK</a> fight back<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EveryGameMatters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EveryGameMatters</a> <a href="https://t.co/SvDSMLJbYf">pic.twitter.com/SvDSMLJbYf</a></p>&mdash; EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1976388141490860045?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Jones, who dominated the paint at both ends throughout, echoed Obradovic’s words after a flying start and an equally strong finish to the game.

"It was a hard-fought win and |I am just happy we got it done,” Jones said in a flash postgame interview. We wanted to protect our home court at all costs. They are a good team, they made a run, but in the end, we came out on top."

Partizan benefited from selfless teamwork to cancel out lethal three-point shooting from the visitors, who sank 5 of 10 three-pointers in the first quarter, but finished on 12 of 32 from downtown as Partizan’s relentless hustle took its toll on Efes.

Kokoskov, who took over from Obradovic at Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul in 2020, having worked at a myriad of NBA franchises as an assistant before he was named the Phoenix Suns head coach in 2018, conceded that a poor first half cost his team.

"We didn’t exist in the first half; we gave them too much respect and they didn’t feel us at all," he said. "The reaction was there in the second half and it came down to a one-possession game, but it’s hard to keep up with Partizan when they are playing at home. We have to do a better job, though, as we committed some turnovers after timeouts at crunch time.” 

The winner of a record nine EuroLeague titles got the better of his fellow Serbian

The last time Panathinaikos BC had escaped with a victory from Baskonia was back in 2017, but Kendrick Nunn made sure to end the curse on Thursday night.

Nunn’s heroics break the curse as Panathinaikos grabs long-awaited win in Vitoria

[Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/pan/) was aware that it would not have it easy on the road at [Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/bas/). In fact, the last time the Greens had escaped with a victory from the Basque Country was back in 2017, when reigning MVP [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/) was still in college and three-time EuroLeague champion Ergin Ataman had just arrived at Anadolu Efes Istanbul.

Baskonia had recorded seven straight victories against the Greens, who struggled every time they visited Vitoria. In one of the most memorable games between the two sides over the last few years, Codi Miller-McIntyre pulled up from just inside the arc with the score at 73-73 and nailed a buzzer-beating jumper to stun the Greek side.

Less than two years later, Panathinaikos would give Baskonia a taste of its own medicine thanks to the hands of a red-hot Nunn. The 30-year-old guard netted 7 of the Greens' 20 points in the first quarter, with the visitors securing a 36-42 lead heading into the second half.

Baskonia hit the ground running in the third and took its first and only lead of the game (43-42) thanks to an early 7-0 run. Enter Nunn, who nailed 9 straight points at the other end to restore a 49-60 cushion.

When everything indicated that Panathinaikos would be able to see out the game, Baskonia brought back ghosts from the past in the closing stages. An 11-2 surge saw the hosts tie the game up at 84-84 with 4 seconds remaining. But when the going gets tough, the tough get going.

Unsurprisingly, it was Nunn who received the ball from [Jerian Grant](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jerian-grant/011204/)’s inbound pass. Aware that all he needed was a two-point bucket, the Panathinaikos star found his spot and pulled up from just inside the rainbow, released the ball with two Baskonia players hanging on him and beat the buzzer to clinch the dub for the guests.

“Four seconds left is a lot of time,” Nunn told EuroLeague TV after the game. “Just give me space and I’ll get a shot up.”

Baskonia may have headed into Thursday’s clash on the back of three straight victories across all competitions, but it showed fighting spirit until the very last buzzer, looking desperate to grab its first win this season. It took another extraordinary performance by Nunn, who demonstrated his never-say-die attitude to down the hosts. He made 12-of-20 field goals, ending the game with 30 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block and 1 assist. Now, that is how you break a curse.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ice. Cold. Just <a href="https://twitter.com/nunnbetter_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nunnbetter_</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/Club1908?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Club1908</a> <a href="https://t.co/y0MYKqKjQ7">pic.twitter.com/y0MYKqKjQ7</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@Paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/Paobcgr/status/1976400735765254285?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“It’s tough to win here,” [Juancho Hernangomez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/juancho-hernangomez/012712/) told EuroLeague TV in his post-game comments. “They are a great team. We hadn’t won \[here\] in a lot of years.”

The Panathinaikos forward rode his momentum by completing a double-double of 15 points and 10 boards, less than a week after scoring 27 against FC Barcelona. Nunn and Juancho were assisted by [Cedi Osman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/cedi-osman/004088/), who netted 20, meaning that the three men combined for 65 of Panathinaikos’s 86 points on the night.

Having scored in double digits in each of Panathinaikos’s first three games of the season, Nunn has hit the ground running as he aims to pull off another MVP season. After netting 21 and grabbing 10 boards to inspire his team to an 87-79 victory in the Greens' season opener against FC Bayern Munich, he delivered another clutch moment to seal their second victory of the campaign.

With the 2026 Final Four set to take place at Panathinaikos’s home arena in late May, Nunn proved on Thursday night that he’s locked in. Not even a long-standing curse can stand in his way.

The reigning EuroLeague MVP beat the buzzer with a game-winning jumper

It was a night that was supposed to be all about Nikola Mirotic, but instead it was Daniel Theis and later a combination of Elie Okobo and Alpha Diallo who stole the headlines as AS Monaco grabbed a 79-82 win at EA7 Emporio Armani Milan on Thursday night.

With Mirotic struggling, Monaco’s other superstars pull off the Italian Job

It was a night that was supposed to be all about [Nikola Mirotic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nikola-mirotic/000796/), but instead it was [Daniel Theis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/daniel-theis/004132/) and later a combination of [Elie Okobo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/elie-okobo/011212/) and [Alpha Diallo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/alpha-diallo/011226/) who stole the headlines as [AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/mco/) grabbed a 79-82 win at [EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/ea7-emporio-armani-milan/mil/) on Thursday night.

Theis, in particular, was at his dominant best in his first return to Unipol Forum since making his Monaco debut there at the end of February. This time, though, the Germany international was able to come out on the winning side.

In both the first and second quarters, Theis posted a PIR higher than anyone else as he went into the halftime break with 12 points, 8 rebounds and 1 block. He kept charging in the third, moving to 16 points and 10 boards, but foul trouble prevented him from putting his fingerprints on the final frame.

“I think Daniel grabbed all of our rebounds,” Okobo joked afterwards. “He was amazing, helping us sitting in the paint, fighting, grabbing rebounds, contesting layups. Overall it was a very good performance for him. Even when he was in foul trouble, he stayed locked in. That’s why we need Theis on this team.”

Instead, the fourth quarter was carried to a large extent by Okobo and Diallo. It took two and a half minutes for the first score by either team in the period, a [Jaron Blossomgame](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jaron-blossomgame/011231/) reverse layup that gave Monaco a 62-68 advantage, then Okobo dipped into his bag on offense to make things comfortable at 65-73. Diallo knocked down his first three-pointer of the night and [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) – like Mirotic and [Nemanja Nedovic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nemanja-nedovic/000848/), playing at his former home – scored a mid-range jumper to open the first double-digit lead of the game, 69-79.

All this occurred with Mirotic sitting on the bench. Although it seemed like coach Vassilis Spanoulis was keeping him fresh ahead of a tight finish to the game, the second and third quarters saw Milan purposefully go at its former star, who sat on 3 fouls after 30 minutes and had been limited to just 6 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists. It just wasn’t his night.

A shocking comeback appeared to be on the cards when [Marko Guduric](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/marko-guduric/004004/) became a one-man battering ram, reeling off 6 straight points to make it interesting at 75-79, so Spanoulis quickly turned to Mirotic to give Monaco something a little different on offense. Guduric’s personal run then extended to 8-0, making it 77-79, but that’s when Mirotic made one of the game’s most decisive plays, grabbing an offensive rebound off [Matthew Strazel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/matthew-strazel/008099/)’s missed three-point attempt and being fouled by [Bryant Dunston](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/bryant-dunston/003048/). Even though he split free throws, it was enough to give Monaco confidence (77-80).

That wasn’t the last big play of the game, however. After [Devin Booker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/devin-booker/007056/) knocked down a turnaround jumper at the end of the shot clock, [Shavon Shields](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/shavon-shields/007831/) raced up the floor looking to give Milan just its third lead of the contest and its first since the second quarter, but Diallo raced back to get effectively the game-winning block. Strazel then hit a couple of free throws (79-82) and that was that.

<center>
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From being up 10 points with 4 minutes to go, Monaco was so close to letting this win slip away. Instead, it moves to 2-1 and has now won back-to-back games after recovering from its Round 1 upset at home to Zalgiris Kaunas by defeating Dubai Basketball in Round 2 and now Milan in Round 3.

“The most important thing now is to find consistency,” Coach Spanoulis said in the post-game press conference. “We played badly against Zalgiris, we played good against Dubai, bad in the French League, better today. We need to find consistency.

“We have to improve on defense a lot and we have to improve our ball movement, how we share the ball, and our spacing. I think we will improve more during the season. We will see that this team, especially in the second half of the EuroLeague season, will go far.”

For all the excitement surrounding Mirotic’s return, which saw him awarded a framed Milan jersey bearing his name before tipoff, it was Monaco’s other superstars who pulled off the Italian Job on Thursday night. Last season’s EuroLeague finalist will be hoping to make it two wins from two in Italy when it takes on Virtus Bologna at the start of the double-round week next Wednesday night.

Vassilis Spanoulis's squad improved to 2-1 on the season while Milan dropped to 1-2