Lesort makes the difference with 26 points and eight dunks at Real Madrid

Panathinaikos beat Real Madrid 97-86 at the Movistar Arena in Week 27 of the Euroleague. Real Madrid had not lost at the venue in 13 games up to that day. Panathinaikos, meanwhile, had not won in the Spanish capital since March 23, 2013. That streak ended on February 29, 2024, after 3,997 days.

The star of the game was Matias Lesort. The Martinique native scored 26 points in 29 minutes and 24 seconds, making 12 two-pointers and both of his two free throws. He also had 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals, and committed only 2 turnovers. He was named both the game's best player and the round's MVP.

Lesort's career-best performance also featured eight dunks, which stood out. Many of the dunks were posterizers. Joe Arlauckas even had trouble keeping count of the dunks.

This win marked the start of Panathinaikos's dominance in the rivalry between the two teams. The Greek side kept the upper hand over Madrid after this game and went on to reach the Euroleague Final in Berlin at the end of the season.

The teams' next meeting will be played at the Movistar Arena on Wednesday, November 4. The arena will be closed for the match because of concerts by Pitbull and Duran Duran on November 5 and 6.