Valencia’s coach, Pedro Martinez, anticipated a closely contested final game, much like the previous four in the series. His optimism was rewarded as Valencia, backed by thousands of passionate fans at the Roig Arena, delivered a decisive performance against Panathinaikos, winning 81-64 and securing their first-ever qualification for the Euroleague Final Four.
This is a remarkable accomplishment for a club that returned to Europe’s premier basketball competition this season, especially considering they were down 0-2 in the series. The heartbreak of Game 2, decided by a buzzer-beater from Nigel Hayes-Davis, made a comeback seem improbable.
A Heart Full of Courage!
Despite the odds, the young Spanish team fought with immense courage to secure two crucial victories in Athens, ultimately closing out the series. While Jean Montero was less prominent offensively than usual, he made his presence felt with crucial fouls drawn and three blocks despite his 1.88m height.
Stepping up in support was Brancou Badio, one of the standout revelations of the Euroleague season, who had a perfect outing with 20 points. French player Neal Sako, though also playing a more understated role, proved decisive in his typical fashion. Following an offensive rebound and a superb pass from the former Cholet player, Darrius Thompson extended the home team’s lead late in the game (66-55, 34th minute).
Indeed, despite the strong performance from Pedro Martinez’s squad, they faced moments of pressure. After a well-controlled first half (35-23 at halftime), Panathinaikos mounted a comeback in the third quarter (45-39, 25th minute), fueled by the duo of Hayes-Davis and Jerian Grant.
However, the efforts of these two Americans proved insufficient. Their leader, Kendrick Nunn, had an off night (9 points on 4/13 shooting and 6 turnovers), which seemed to affect many of his teammates. For Ergin Ataman’s disciples, the challenge was simply too great, as they were outplayed in terms of desire and intent, despite the opportunity to reach the Final Four on their home court in Athens.
Valencia will now face Real Madrid in an all-Spanish semi-final clash. The other semi-final will see Olympiacos take on Fenerbahçe. This year, following Mathias Lessort in 2024, a French player is guaranteed to win the Euroleague!
The box score for Valencia vs. Panathinaikos can be found [here](link_to_box_score – assuming this is where it would be if provided).
English Translation and Paraphrase:
Valencia Makes History: First Euroleague Final Four Berth
Valencia’s coach, Pedro Martinez, predicted a tight, down-to-the-wire Game 5, mirroring the previous four contests. To his delight, and that of the thousands of fans at the Roig Arena, the Spanish side dominated Panathinaikos 81-64, clinching their first-ever qualification for the Euroleague Final Four.
This is a monumental achievement for a club that rejoined Europe’s elite basketball league this season, especially after trailing 0-2 in the series. Given the heart-wrenching Game 2 loss, decided by Nigel Hayes-Davis’s buzzer-beater, it seemed almost impossible for Valencia to stage a comeback.
A Heart as Big as the Arena!
Yet, through sheer grit and determination, the young Spanish team secured two vital victories in Athens before sealing the deal. Despite Jean Montero being quieter than usual, he contributed significantly by drawing fouls and blocking three shots, even at 1.88m tall.
Taking the offensive reins was Brancou Badio, one of the season’s breakout stars in the Euroleague, who was exceptional with 20 points. French player Neal Sako, also playing a more reserved role, proved crucial with his usual contributions. Following an offensive rebound and a brilliant pass from the former Cholet player, Darrius Thompson pushed the home team further ahead late in the game (66-55, 34th minute).
Despite a stellar performance from Pedro Martinez’s players, they did face tense moments. After a dominant first half (35-23 at the break), Panathinaikos fought back in the third quarter (45-39, 25th minute) led by the duo of Hayes-Davis and Jerian Grant.
However, their efforts were in vain. Their key player, Kendrick Nunn, was not at his best (9 points on 4/13 shooting and 6 turnovers), which seemed to impact several of his teammates. The challenge was simply too great for Ergin Ataman’s squad, who were outmatched in terms of desire and intensity, especially considering they had the chance to reach the Final Four in their home city of Athens.
Valencia will now face Real Madrid in an all-Spanish showdown in the semi-finals. The other semi-final will pit Olympiacos against Fenerbahçe. This year, following Mathias Lessort in 2024, it’s guaranteed that a French player will win the Euroleague!
