Efes Fights Back: Series Heads to Game 5 in Athens

Anadolu Efes Istanbul showed pride and resilience in Game 4, holding off Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens 85-82 to force a decisive Game 5 in Athens. Coach Banchi’s squad relied on contributions from across the roster and navigated tense moments to claim a crucial victory.

The final quarter saw Efes fend off multiple Panathinaikos rallies. Shane Larkin led by example on both ends, while Yilmaz, Smits, Bryant and Dozier all delivered in the clutch. A late three from Nunn brought the Greek side within one, but Efes held firm—Bryant assisted Smits for a key bucket, then Dozier sealed it from the line after drawing an unsportsmanlike foul.

Efes had controlled much of the first half, entering the break up 38-33. Panathinaikos, led by Sloukas and Hernangomez, surged back in the third, briefly taking the lead before Osmani and Smits helped Efes close the quarter ahead by one.

Now, all eyes turn to Athens, where Game 5 will decide who moves on. Efes has momentum, Panathinaikos has home court—winner takes all.