Efes edges Panathinaikos 85-82 in – Game 5 at OAKA (updated)

The series will be decided in Game 5 at OAKA after Anadolu Efes narrowly defeated Panathinaikos 85-82, tying the series at 2-2. Just like last year, Panathinaikos AKTOR will battle for a spot in the EuroLeague Final Four during the critical Game 5 at the OAKA indoor arena. Although the Greens came close to securing two wins in Istanbul, they could not clinch a “full house” at the Basketball Development Center. However, they successfully regained home-court advantage. The decisive matchup on Tuesday (5/6) promises to be an all-or-nothing showdown. The game was tightly contested, highlighted by Bryant’s impressive clutch three-pointer with just 38 seconds left. Smith’s free throw with 16 seconds remaining ultimately secured the win for Efes, leveling the series. Both teams fought hard, showcasing key plays from Bryant and Smith as the game finished 85-82.

With 4:16 left in a gripping match, PAO held possession. After a thrilling three-pointer from Bryant put PAO ahead 69-66, Slouka responded with two free throws, tying the game at 66. Slouka earned those free throws through a steal and an offensive foul, while Mitoglou incurred his fourth foul and Nan missed a close-range shot, causing further tension as Pouarie fouled out. The last minutes of the game were more nail-biting than ever.

The final quarter was fiercely competitive, with Osman scoring to push his team ahead 60-59. Smith’s three-pointer shifted momentum back as he gave his team a 66-64 lead with 6:10 remaining. Earlier in the game, Nan’s critical three and a series of fouls and free throws—including Osman’s successful attempts—kept the intensity high. With 8:40 left, Coach Ataman was lively on the sidelines, urging his players as the match hung in suspense.

The third quarter concluded with a tight score of 60-59 after Osman reduced the deficit. With just 26 seconds left, the contest remained intense, as Osman outperformed Pouarie, securing a vital advantage for his team. Earlier in the game, Osman had also made a two-point basket when the halftime score stood at 38-33. The fierce exchanges and nail-biting scores fueled excitement right to the end.

As the match progressed to a critical juncture, the score was an exhilarating 36-33. Bryant converted a free throw following a technical foul just before a timeout was called with only 3.2 seconds on the clock. Tensions rose when Nan received a technical foul for protesting, compounded by another foul he contested. Panathinaikos led 35-33 after Pouarie made a free throw and blocked Nan’s shot, shifting momentum. Throughout the game, both teams grappled with accuracy while focusing on scoring and exerting pressure on each other. A tied score of 32-32 followed Osman’s free throws, and the high-stakes action continued until the final seconds, filled with critical free throws, turnovers, and aggressive maneuvers. The game reached a thrilling conclusion accentuated by pivotal moments reflecting the fierce rivalry.