In a gripping showdown that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Maccabi Tel Aviv emerged victorious against Panathinaikos with a final score of 87-91, seizing an early lead in their best-of-five playoffs series.
Led by Bonzie Colson’s 18 points, Maccabi showcased resilience and determination, overcoming a fierce challenge from Panathinaikos in a nail-biting encounter.
Despite Wade Baldwin’s departure due to injury, Maccabi’s depth shone through with Lorenzo Brown contributing 16 points and Josh Nebo delivering a crucial 12 points along with 8 rebounds.
Meanwhile, Mathias Lessort led Panathinaikos with 22 points, supported by Kostas Sloukas’s double-double performance of 12 points and a career-high 13 assists.
The game was a back-and-forth battle from the start, with both teams trading baskets and momentum swings throughout the four quarters.
Panathinaikos took the lead early on, but Maccabi’s tenacity and execution enabled them to stay within striking distance.
A pivotal moment came in the fourth quarter when Maccabi orchestrated a comeback, erasing a double-digit deficit to take control of the game.
