Sasha Vezenkov made 45 points for Olympiakos with 18/20 field goals. [Intime]
Olympiakos and Panathinaikos are increasingly strong favorites for a top-four finish in the regular season of the Euroleague after their easy home wins this week that have consolidated them as the two table-toppers. In Sasha Vezenkov and Kendrick Nunn they also have the two most breathtaking players in Europe this season.
First up on Thursday Panathinaikos beat Partizan Belgrade comprehensively at home with a 96-84 score, on yet another night of the Greens’ fans welcoming Partizan coach Zeljko Obradovic to his second home, where he won five Euroleague trophies.
Despite missing five players due to injury, including Kostas Sloukas and Mathias Lessort, Panathinaikos imposed its game after the first three minutes and led by up to 23 points (94-71), before slowing down at the end.
Kendrick Nunn had another remarkable game with 25 points, Cedi Osman added 18 and Omer Yurtseven made 17, but it was Jerian Grant who was the game’s MVP with 14 points (not missing a single shot), eight assists and seven rebounds.
Then on Friday Olympiakos dismissed Bayern Munich 112-69, with the result speaking volumes.
The German team stood no chance against the offensive avalanche of the Reds at the Peace and Friendship Stadium that swept them away.
Unstoppable Sasha Vezenkov paced the Reds with 45 points, the third highest ever in Euroleague history. This was achieved with 10/10 two-pointers, 8/10 triples and 1/1 free throw.
The table now reads: Olympiakos first on 14-6 and Panathinaikos second on 13-7. Of course, there is still a long way to go till the end of the regular season, with another 14 rounds of games, but this is the first time the two Greek giants sit at the top of the Euroleague table. Of course their trips to Spain next week will prove whether they can hold on to their positions.