Panathinaikos defeats Partizan in history-making night
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Close to 11,000 fans packed John Cain Arena as Panathinaikos edged Partizan in a high-quality Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament opener.
Superstar Kendrick Nunn starred during the Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament opener on Thursday night, guiding his Panathinaikos BC to a 91-82 win over KK Partizan.
The former NBA star scored a game-high 21 points at a sold-out John Cain Arena, to go with eight assists, two rebounds and one block.
NBL director Nikola Milivojevic was thrilled by the high-quality nature of the game and atmosphere produced by the fans.
“To have close to 11,000 people in the arena and a true split between Panathinaikos and Partizan supporters is something we have never seen before on Australian soil in basketball,” NBL director Nikola Milivojevic said.
“We will all get to witness and experience the passion and energy these clubs bring, and it sets the perfect stage for the Sydney games on Sunday where fans can expect the same intensity and spectacle.”
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In the nine-point win, Nunn was well supported by Omer Yurtseven (20 points and 13 rebounds) and Nikos Rogkavopoulos (10 points and four boards).
For Partizan, former NBA duo Duane Washington and Jabari Parker tallied 19 and 18 points, respectively.
“The success of this tournament is a testament of the legacy that Pavlos Giannakopoulos left behind,” Panathinaikos president Vassilis Parthenopoulos said.
“He was a visionary leader and the heart of Panathinaikos for decades.
“We are so proud to showcase our club in front of our passionate supporters in Melbourne tonight, and to do the same in Sydney on Sunday.”
The Serbian outfit started the clash strongly, winning the first period 27-20 - a margin which they held until the main break.
But a 54-38 second half by the Greek side secured them the historic Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament victory.
Both teams will now head to Sydney for Sunday’s games at Qudos Bank Arena, with Partizan playing the Sydney Kings at 4.30pm AEST and Panathinaikos taking on Adelaide from 7pm.
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PANATHINAIKOS BC AKTOR 91 (Nunn 21, Yurtseven 20)
KK PARTIZAN 82 (Washington 19, Parker 18)
