By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
What a game at Roig Arena — and in the end, the first road win of the 2025–26 EuroLeague Playoffs.
Panathinaikos edged Valencia in the closing seconds thanks to Kendrick Nunn’s go-ahead free throw and a strong defensive stand, sealing a 68-67 victory and a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five series.
Nunn led the Greens with 21 points, despite shooting 3/10 from beyond the arc, and delivered the decisive moment at the line. He had support from Mathias Lessort, who added 12 points and seven rebounds, as well as TJ Shorts with 12 points.
On the other side, Jean Montero paced Valencia with 15 points, four rebounds, and four assists. He tied the game from the free-throw line with 24 seconds remaining, but was denied a shot attempt on the final play. Braxton Key followed with 12 points, Cameron Taylor added 11, while Brancou Badio contributed seven points, five assists, and three rebounds.
A fight until the final buzzer
Panathinaikos led for most of the game, even without injured Kostas Sloukas, but Valencia once again showed its resilience, staying within reach throughout. The outcome was decided with 2.1 seconds remaining, when Nunn split a pair of free throws for a one-point edge (68-67).
After a timeout, Valencia looked to put the ball in Montero’s hands, but Panathinaikos’ defense executed perfectly, preventing even a shot attempt and securing the road win.