By Eurohoops Team / info@eurohoops.net
Panathinaikos edged Valencia in a dramatic battle that had everything — runs, clutch shots, and a buzzer-beater to decide it. In a game full of momentum swings, the Greens found a way to respond each time Valencia threatened, staying composed in the closing moments.
In the end, it was Nigel Hayes-Davis who sealed the win with a tough jumper over a defender at the buzzer, giving Panathinaikos a 107–105 overtime victory and a 2–0 lead in the best-of-five EuroLeague Playoff series.
Hayes-Davis was the hero for the Greens, finishing with 27 points, five rebounds, and three assists. Cedi Osman also had a strong performance with 16 points and eight rebounds, while Kendrick Nunn added 19. TJ Shorts contributed 10 points and six assists, once again providing valuable minutes in the absence of the injured Kostas Sloukas.
On the other side, Jean Montero led Valencia with 21 points and six assists, while Sergio De Larrea followed with 18. Brancou Badio had another solid all-around game with 15 points, six assists, and five rebounds, while Kameron Taylor chipped in 12 points and seven boards. Braxton Key also finished in double figures with 11 points.
Valencia looked in control late in the third, leading 69–62, but Panathinaikos turned it around before the break to go up 74–71. Cedi Osman then fueled an 18–2 run early in the fourth with two quick threes for an 80–71 lead.
Valencia responded with a 9–3 run, and the game turned into a shootout. Kendrick Nunn made it 92–86, but Jean Montero and Kameron Taylor answered to tie it at 92–92, with Taylor briefly giving Valencia the lead before Osman hit a tough triple to force overtime. Nunn had the last shot in regulation, but missed at the buzzer.
Overtime started slow, with no points in the first two minutes before Montero got Valencia going from the line. The teams traded baskets, Hayes-Davis tying it at 102–102 after a Reuvers three. Montero split free throws for 103–102, but Hayes-Davis hit a three to make it 105–103. Valencia tied again with 5.7 seconds left, setting up the final play — Hayes-Davis rising over a defender to hit the game-winner at the buzzer.
Panathinaikos now returns to OAKA Arena with a 2–0 advantage and a chance to close out the series and punch a ticket to the Final Four on home court.