The step was high, almost dizzying. Traveling to the boiling lair of the OAKA in Athens, the Roca Team fell to Panathinaikos BC (87-79) in this EuroLeague play-in match. A logical defeat considering the Greek intensity and the control displayed by Ergin Ataman’s men, but it still leaves an open door for the Monégasques.
Because nothing is over for AS Monaco Basket. Defeated in this first win-or-go-home game, the players from the Rock will have a second chance to secure their ticket to the playoffs. But for that, they will need to bounce back quickly.
A difficult start in an unbearable atmosphere
From the outset, the tone is set. Carried by more than 19,000 heated supporters, Panathinaikos imposes an infernal rhythm. The defensive intensity, a trademark of the Greeks, significantly disrupts Monaco, which struggles to find offensive solutions.
The first quarter quickly turns to the advantage of the home team (23-14), with an already incisive Kendrick Nunn. The 2025 EuroLeague MVP dictates the tempo and puts constant pressure on the Monégasque defense.
The Roca Team tries to react in the second quarter. Driven by Mike James, a former member of the green establishment, the Roca Team slightly closes the gap. But Panathinaikos remains solid, disciplined, and maintains its lead at halftime (49-34).
The Roca Team comes back, but Pana controls
Upon returning from the locker room, Manuchar Markoishvili’s men show a different face. More aggressive, more accurate in their choices, they manage to reduce the gap. The third quarter is won by The Roca Team (23-17), proof of a prideful resurgence expected in this type of meeting.
But against a European giant like Panathinaikos, every mistake is costly. And in the last quarter, the Greeks regain control. Led by their experienced core players like Kostas Sloukas and Juancho Hernangómez, they perfectly handle the key moments.
Despite Monégasque efforts, the gap remains stable and Pana ultimately wins 87-79.
An undermanned but combative roster
As announced before the match, The Roca Team had to cope with several major absences. Nikola Mirotić, Nemanja Nedović, and Terry Tarpey were missing. These absences weighed heavily, especially in rotation and the ability to respond to the Greek physical intensity.
However, the Roca Team did not lose heart. Accustomed to playing with a reduced roster in recent weeks, they once again showed character. But against a team built for the Final Four, it wasn’t enough.
Panathinaikos, a serious contender
With this victory, Panathinaikos confirms its status. A mythical club in European basketball, boasting 7 EuroLeague titles, it clearly aims for a new triumph… at home.
The team is impressive: with the offensive talent of Kendrick Nunn, the experience of Sloukas and the physical impact of players like Nigel Hayes-Davis, recently arrived, the Greek squad is complete.
And above all, it is propelled by unique fervor. OAKA remains one of the most formidable arenas in Europe, as Monaco experienced firsthand.
A second chance to seize
Despite the defeat, everything remains possible for Monaco. This play-in format offers a second chance, and the Roca Team will have to seize it at home, at Gaston Médecin.
The opponent will come from the duel between Barça and Crvena zvezda, another major challenge. But the Monégasques have already proven this season that they can compete with the best European teams, even as underdogs.
It’s now a survival match looming. A final before its time.
A season still at stake
This match in Athens perfectly illustrates Monaco’s season: courageous, sometimes inconsistent, but always ambitious. Securing a playoff spot after this setback would be a real exploit.
The Roca Team has no choice. It will need to rely on its leaders, its collective strength, and its mental fortitude to continue its EuroLeague adventure.
In such a demanding competition, it is often the teams capable of bouncing back that make their mark. Monaco still has the opportunity.
