PAO with a narrow win over BC Dubai in a high-scoring game
The most spectacular and high-scoring game of yesterday’s EuroLeague Round 33 action was played between Dubai and Panathinaikos. The game was played in the Zetra Arena in Sarajevo, Bosnia, as the situation in the Middle East currently prevents Dubai from hosting its home games in its Coca-Cola Arena. Despite this, the attendance was still very good, over 6000 people filled the stands and created a nice atmosphere.
It was also a hugely important game for both sides as they are in a direct fight for a playoff, or at least a play-in spot. In the second quarter, Dubai had a great run, and they led by 12 points. Panathinaikos got back in the game, and the game was very balanced until the end. Kendrick Nunn and Nigel Hayes-Davis made two crucial three-point shots in the last minute that sealed the win for the Greek side, 107-104.
Cedi Osman finished as the leading scorer for the winning team, scoring 23 points with an amazing shooting percentage: 5/5 2-point field goals, 3/4 three-pointers and 4/4 free throws. He was followed by Nigel Hayes-Davis with 22 points and Kendrick Nunn with 21 points and 5 assists in just 20 minutes on the floor. Dzanan Musa was the leading scorer for the losing side (also the leading scorer of the game) with 31 points, and he also had a great shooting percentage and a PIR of 32. Dwayne Bacon also had a good game, finishing with 23 points, but it was not enough to defeat PAO.
With this win, Panathinaikos improved its record to 19-14, and they are tied with Zalgiris, Monaco and Barcelona for the 6th place, the last one direct qualification spot for the playoffs (Crvena Zvezda can also get to 19-14 with a win today against Baskonia). Meanwhile, Dubai fell to 17-16 and is currently 11th in the standings. While they can still get in the play-in, they might need to win all 5 of their 5 remaining games to get there.
Imre Halasz
Photo: PAO BC Facebook
