Our Parisians left high and dry in Athens

Published on September 24, 2026

Paris Basketball suffered a defeat on Thursday evening away to Panathinaïkos on the opening day of the 26/27 EuroLeague season (70–91)

The very first points of our EuroLeague season are down to Jared. First with a well-timed drive to the basket, then straight from the top of the key, the forward responds to Panathinaikos’s particularly effective attacks. Led by Lefteris Mantzoukas in the paint, the home side are showing their strength at both ends of the court. Initially rattled, our Parisians gradually found a way through the heart of this green wall. Allan and Alizé started with some powerful drives near the basket before TJ and Captain’Seba took over from long range. However, the Greeks’ dominance on the boards gave them extra shooting opportunities, which they converted on the scoreboard (17–31). The minutes ticked by, and neither Željko Obradović’s side nor the supporters at the Telekom Center Athens let up in intensity. Faced with an ultra-aggressive backcourt, our perimeter players had no easy passes. Although Nadir, TJ and Tyson found the net, Paris were, above all, much tighter at the back. This greatly limited the opposition’s firepower, which was reduced to fewer than 10 points for more than half of the second quarter. Paris Basketball won’t give up! Already in fine form since the tip-off, our Captain’Seba capitalised on a burst of energy towards the end of the half to sink two massive jumpers from the top of the key. From the same spot, the Prince of Paris followed suit, allowing us to narrow the gap at half-time (31–42).

As soon as they were back on the court, Pana launched a powerful fast break, only to be halted by a spectacular steal at the end of the transition by Jared. Long passes from both sides set the pace for a more open second half. The fast breaks intensified, as did the physical contact. Every time a player found space or attempted to drive to the basket, the ball-carrier was forced to weave his way through a forest of hands. Buoyed by a tremendous burst from Guershon Yabusele, the Greeks extended their lead, whilst Paris regained their shooting touch during the final possessions of the third quarter (44–69). This time, our players turned the tide! They were the ones who started the final quarter stronger, sinking two long-range shots in quick succession. Forced to call a time-out, the home side got back into the game thanks to our former Parisian player, Sylvain Francisco. Tyson, however, wasn’t about to let up and continued to rain down three-pointers. But after Sylvain, it was Mathias Lessort’s turn to come to life. With no prospect of a comeback, our team suffered defeat on Greek soil (70–91).

Despite an encouraging comeback towards the end of the first half, Paris Basketball never really had the chance to make a difference. Although they were outplayed by Panathinaikos’ French internationals, our Parisians still put in a creditable performance.

European nights are making a grand return to the adidas arena! Paris Basketball looks forward to seeing you next Tuesday against Partizan Belgrade. It’s set to be a spectacular show – you can be part of it by clicking right here.

Partizan Belgrade

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