By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Panathinaikos produced a dramatic comeback to defeat AEK 103–78, overturning a 17-point deficit in a game that swung dramatically after a furious reaction from head coach Ergin Ataman, who openly criticized the performance of center Richaun Holmes, remarking bluntly that his player appeared to be “asleep” on the court, and a scoring explosion from Kendrick Nunn.
The Greens, who were without Juancho Hernangómez and T.J. Shorts, looked out of rhythm early as AEK dominated the opening minutes. The visitors executed their offense with precision in the first quarter, knocking down four three-pointers—three of them late in the period—and repeatedly finding space near the basket. Panathinaikos, meanwhile, struggled to respond, drawing loud boos from the stands and an angry outburst from Ataman on the sideline.
AEK extended their advantage to 17 points early in the second quarter, taking a 42–25 lead after a layup by Dimitris Katsivelis. At that moment, however, the momentum of the game began to shift.
Scoreless in the opening quarter, Kendrick Nunn erupted in the second period, pouring in 19 points in fewer than seven minutes. His scoring run sparked a stunning turnaround for Panathinaikos. The Greens first produced an 11–0 run to close the gap and then continued their surge, eventually taking the lead at 49–48 after a dominant 24–6 stretch.
The spark provided by Nunn proved decisive. Although he slowed down later in the game, his burst of scoring energized his teammates and transformed the contest. Panathinaikos flipped the early 17-point deficit into a 17-point lead of their own by the end of the third quarter (79–62).
AEK briefly reacted and trimmed the margin to 12 points entering the final period, but the comeback had already taken its toll. The visitors struggled to regain their early rhythm and seemed increasingly focused on their upcoming Basketball Champions League final against Alba Berlin.
Earlier today, Olympiacos defeated Panionios in a game where Evan Fournier was ejected after an altercation with a local fan. After that game, Sasha Vezenkov, who returned to action scoring 24 points, spoke about the cancellation of the game between PAOK and Aris due to the murder of a PAOK fan, calling for an end in fans’ violence.
GBL Round 21
Kolossos Rhodes – Iraklis 98-85
Panionios – Olympiacos 71-79
Panathinaikos – AEK Athens 103-78
Maroussi – Peristeri 61-84
Mykonos – Promitheas 89-99
PAOK – Aris SUSPENDED
STANDINGS: Olympiacos (20-0), Panathinaikos (16-4), AEK Athens (14-5)…