Valencia Basket secured a crucial 87-91 victory over Panathinaikos AKTOR in the third game of the 2025-26 EuroLeague quarterfinals, played at the OAKA in Athens. With this win, the taronjas avoid elimination and tie the series at 1-2 in favor of the Greek team. The match, marked by a hostile atmosphere, began with a strong start from Valencia, although missed free throws by Neal Sako kept the home team, led by Kendrick Nunn, close.
The narrow lead: when technical details decide an elite matchup 🏀
The game was decided within the margins of an offensive system that prioritized efficiency in the pick and roll. Valencia Basket executed 58% on two-point shots, taking advantage of their big men's mobility to punish Panathinaikos' static defense. However, Sako's 68% free throw shooting could have been a burden: two misses in the final quarter allowed Nunn to keep the pressure on. The defensive balance, with constant help on the Greek point guard, was key to containing his scoring in the final minutes.
Sako, Nunn's invisible friend at the free throw line 😅
Neal Sako decided it was a good time to emulate a high school basketball player at the free throw line. He missed two at the most critical moment, just as the OAKA roared and Kendrick Nunn was rubbing his hands together. Luckily for Valencia, the rest of the team picked up the slack and the errors didn't prove costly. If the series goes to a fifth game, Sako had better practice on his home court with an empty hoop and no crowd.