Some MVPs are earned through minutes played, others through sheer efficiency. Mathias Lessort's Matchday 4 award falls into the latter category. The Panathinaikos center played just 23 minutes against Fenerbahce—less than a big game typically demands—and in that time scored 19 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and drew six fouls. He posted a 30 efficiency rating, enough to claim the prize in a game Panathinaikos controlled from the second quarter onward.
The award carries significance beyond the numbers. It's the fourth Matchday MVP of his career, all with Athens, but the first since the fibula injury that sidelined him. The previous three came during the 2023-24 season—the one that brought the European title—when he was one of the team's most reliable pieces. Seeing him dominate the paint once again is probably the best news Panathinaikos could have received in their perfect 4-0 start.
Read also:
- EuroLeague Matchday 4 recap: Valencia keeps pace with Panathinaikos
- Wilbekin punishes three-point-less Kosner Baskonia (84-92)
- 49 rebounds and Montero: Olympiacos crushes Laso's Efes (89-66)
The Spanish standout of the matchday is Chris Duarte. He finished with a 31 efficiency rating, even surpassing Lessort, but in a loss. His performance against Besiktas perfectly encapsulates what happened to Kosner Baskonia. On a team that made just three three-pointers, Duarte focused on attacking the rim and drawing contact. He drew seven fouls and made all fifteen free throws he attempted, good for 23 points.
Moses Wright of Olimpia Milano posted the matchday's highest efficiency rating (32), but it wasn't enough to secure a win either.