As EuroLeague teams gear up for the 2025/26 season, the first round of preseason games brought some surprising results. Major clubs like Panathinaikos, Anadolu Efes, and Žalgiris faced tough competition and ended up on the losing side, showing that the path to the regular season is full of challenges.
These early games are a crucial time for teams to test new players and strategies. Many top players were also absent due to national team duties for EuroBasket or minor injuries, which gave new faces a chance to shine. While the losses might seem concerning, they are a normal part of the preparation process as teams work on building chemistry and getting back into game shape.
🏀 Panathinaikos’ Close Contest
Panathinaikos played their first friendly match, narrowly losing to Peristeri 90-93. It was a good opportunity to see new players in action, with T.J. Shorts scoring an impressive 20 points and Richaun Holmes adding 13. Kendrick Nunn led the team with 22 points, but the Greens were playing without key players Juancho Hernangómez and Mattias Lessort.
🇹🇷 Tough Outings for Turkish and Lithuanian Teams
Anadolu Efes also had a difficult start, losing 70-84 to Bahçeşehir at the Gloria Cup. The team was missing many of its main players, but P.J. Dozier stepped up with 19 points, while Georgios Papagiannis contributed 14. Similarly, Žalgiris Kaunas was defeated by Tofaş Bursa 74-78. Despite the loss, Moses Wright had a great all-around game with 16 points and 12 rebounds.
✅ Victories for Valencia and Milan
It wasn’t all upsets, as some EuroLeague teams started their preseason with strong wins. Valencia Basket defeated Casademont Zaragoza 98-80, showcasing excellent teamwork with six different players scoring in double digits. Meanwhile, Milan secured a comfortable 81-70 victory over Derthona, with standout performances from Shavon Shields, who scored 15 points, and Lorenzo Brown, who added 13.
