Panathinaikos breathed new life into their EuroLeague playoff campaign with a thrilling 88-95 victory over Maccabi in Game 4, ensuring a decisive Game 5 back at OAKA next week.
The battle of the six-time EuroLeague champions saw Kendrick Nunn leading the charge with 27 points, while Kostas Sloukas contributed 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists for the Greens.
Matthias Lessort also played a key role for the winners with 17 points and seven rebounds, while Konstantinos Mitoglou added 13 points.
Lorenzo Brown led the Israeli champions with 17 points and five assists. He received support from Bonzie Colson and Tamir Blatt, who contributed 14 points each. Blatt also had seven assists.
The game unfolded with Wade Baldwin returning to the Maccabi starting lineup after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Despite Maccabi’s efforts to maintain control, Baldwin’s departure due to injury dealt a blow to their momentum, allowing Panathinaikos to stay within striking distance. The first half ended with Maccabi holding a narrow 50-49 lead.
Colson’s sharpshooting kept Maccabi in the game, but Panathinaikos responded with timely three-pointers and clutch plays from Sloukas, maintaining a slim 69-74 lead heading into the final quarter.
Maccabi came out firing in the fourth quarter, opening with a 13-1 run to build an 82-75 advantage, putting Panathinaikos on the ropes.
However, the Greens rallied behind a barrage of three-pointers and resilient defense, clawing their way back into contention.
Sloukas and Lessort’s free throws put Panathinaikos ahead 88-91 with under 2 minutes remaining.
Sloukas delivered a pivotal jumper and Panathinaikos tightened their defense, sealing a hard-fought 88-95 victory and forcing a winner-takes-all Game 5.
