Solid M.Grigonis did not help: Maccabi slapped Panathinaikos at the start of the quarter-finals

In the Euroleague, the first and very persistent quarter-final series started, which was started by Maccabi Tel Aviv, away from home 91:87 (26:25, 16:25, 21:20, 28:17) after defeating “Panathinaikos” of Athens with Marius Grigonis.

The second match of the best-of-three series will take place on Thursday again in Athens.

Kendrick Nunn looked to give PAO the lead, but Lorenzo Brown or Jake Cohen kept tying the game at 7-7. The latter put “Maccabi” ahead (12:9) after a good section, Josh Nebo helped to maintain the difference, but Marius Grigonis returned the tie – 14:14. Lietuvis and Kostas Sloukas repelled Maccabi’s attacks (20:21), soon M.Grigonis nailed his third three-pointer, and after the first half the visitors led minimally – 26:25.

Luca Vildoza opened his three-point streak and returned the advantage to Panathinaikos – 31:29. Jerian Grant and Mathias Lessort increased the difference (37:30), and L. Vildoza nailed two more three-pointers – 43:32. Bonzie Colson had his word (37:44), but Maccabi never got closer. After two quarters, PAO had a rather tangible advantage – 50:42.

Little by little, the Tel Aviv club got closer and fell behind 54:60 after L. Brown’s throw. Although K. Sloukas quickly restored the double-digit difference, it was cut in half by Jasiel Rivero – 59:64. At the end of the third quarter, Panathinaikos led 70:63.

B.Colson equalized the result (71:71), although Mathias Lessort responded to the visitors’ shots – 77:75. True, “Maccabi” regained the lead and it became a record (83:79), but Jerian Grant hit the points with a foul at an important time – 81:83. Bonzie Colson made penalties, K. Sloukas missed one, and J. Nebo scored an important two-pointer – 87:82. With one and a half minutes left, J. Grant nailed a three-pointer (85:87), and Kendrick Nunn tied the score after B. Colson’s mistake – 87:87.

With one minute left, L.Brown started to save his team (89:87), K.Sloukas made a mistake and followed with a foul, just 3 minutes left. J. Nebo stood to throw penalties – he hit them and “Maccabi” was very close to victory. It remained to be preserved.

Maccabi lost Wade Baldwin to injury in the fourth quarter.

In 24 minutes, M.Grigonis scored 11 points (3/8 triples, 2/2 penalties), rebounded 4 balls, made 2 passes, received a block, provoked 3 fouls, fouled 4 times and collected 10 utility points.

Panathinaikos: Mathias Lessortas 22 (6 rebounds, 10 assists, 26 rebounds), Kostas Sloukas 12 (13 assists), Jerian Grant and Marius Grigonis – 11 each, Luca Vildoza (3/4 treys) and Kostas Mitoglou – 9 each.

Maccabi: Bonzie Colson 18 (3/4 trg), Lorenzo Brown 16 (3/4 trg, 7 trg, 18 rpg), Wade Baldwin 15, Josh Nebo 12 (8 rpg), Jasiel Rivero 9.

“Long break”: Wolves lineup for next season – which players lived up to expectations and who disappointed, who is worth keeping, candidates to strengthen the squad in the summer, the question mark over Pacevičius’ future and the figure of Maksvytis