Valencia Basket's Dominant Offensive Display Crushes Panathinaikos (102-84), Secures Home-Court Advantage in Playoffs

Already qualified directly for the EuroLeague playoffs, Valencia Basket hosted Panathinaikos at the Roig Arena for the first time, facing the Greek side coached by legendary coach Ergin Ataman. With much at stake in these final two EuroLeague regular season games, Panathinaikos came to the city of Valencia seeking an upset.

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Valencia Basket, with a record of 23-13 and their playoff spot secured, faced the green-clad squad that brought a 21-15 record to the court.

Head coach Pedro Martínez's roster decisions for this game included: Xabi López-Arostegui and Sergio De Larrea out due to injury, and Yankuba Sima unavailable by coaching decision.

• Valencia Basket Starting Lineup: Brancou Badio, Darius Thompson, Kameron Taylor, Jaime Pradilla, and Neak Sako.
• Panathinaikos Starting Lineup: Nunn, Grant, Osman, Hernangómez, and Lessort.

Lessort, the Greek team's center, scored the game's opening basket (0-2), and on the next possession, Brancou Badio connected on the first three-pointer of the night (2-3).

Turkish coach Ataman called the game's first timeout with 4:44 remaining in the first quarter at (13-8). The home team was off to a strong start.

Kostas Sloukas added a 2+1 to close out the quarter for the Greek squad (27-23). Later, Valencia Basket had the final possession with 21 seconds on the clock, but Jean Montero missed the shot, turned the ball over himself, and ended up launching too late. Nate Reuvers led the game with 7 points at that point. (27-23)

A strong stretch from Valencia Basket, featuring a notable performance from Jean Montero, forced Panathinaikos to call another timeout. The home team led by 11 with 5:20 left in the half (45-34).

Coming out of the timeout, Dominican guard Jean Montero hit a three-pointer for a +14 advantage (48-34). Valencia Basket closed out the second quarter well despite the Greeks cutting into the lead slightly. Darius Thompson had a chance for the final shot of the half but a poor attempt prevented the home team from extending their lead. Nate Reuvers led all scorers with 12 points at halftime. (56-47)

Cedi Osman opened the second half with a three-pointer, answered immediately by Badio with another three (59-50). Minutes passed on the Roig Arena floor and the home team maintained a lead hovering around 10 points. Omari Moore hit a crucial basket to restore a 9-point advantage for Valencia (66-57).

With 1:26 remaining in the third quarter, Ataman received a technical foul for protesting, which Jean Montero converted into a free throw (74-63). It would take a dramatic shift in momentum for Valencia to lose the advantage they had built over the first 30 minutes.

The third quarter closed with Hayes-Davis leading Panathinaikos with 15 points, while Jean Montero paced Valencia Basket with 16 points. (82-69)

The fourth quarter began with Valencia holding a +13 lead, and the home team never let up, keeping their sights locked on the opposing basket to prevent Panathinaikos from closing the gap.

Pedro Martínez's squad closed out the game decisively, with the Greeks never threatening a comeback. Jean Montero led Valencia Basket with 22 points in a dominant performance. Historic blowout victory for Valencia Basket. (102-84). VALENCIA BASKET SECURES HOME-COURT ADVANTAGE FOR THE PLAYOFFS.

Chants of "Valencia Basket" echoed throughout the Roig Arena as the orange-clad fans celebrated their team's impressive effort.

Valencia Basket's next game comes Sunday at 12:30 p.m. at Martín Carpena against Unicaja Málaga in ACB League Matchday 26. The following Friday at 8:00 p.m., Pedro Martínez's squad will conclude a dream regular season in Europe's top competition in Dubai (Zetra Stadium) in Matchday 38.