Fenerbahce dominates Game 1 against Zalgiris with explosive 3-point shooting in EuroLeague playoffs

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul made a statement in their EuroLeague playoff opener, defeating Zalgiris Kaunas 89-78 on Tuesday, April 28, at home. The Turkish powerhouse reversed their recent struggles against the Lithuanian side, having lost both regular-season meetings, including a painful 10-point home defeat during a disappointing 2-7 stretch to close the campaign.

The difference in this crucial Game 1 came from beyond the arc, where Fenerbahce’s precision proved overwhelming. The hosts connected on 10-of-24 attempts from 3-points range, while Zalgiris managed just 5-of-22, a gap that ultimately shaped the entire contest.

Biberovic’s masterclass shifts momentum

Tarik Biberovic delivered a career-defining performance, matching his career high with 26 points on exceptional shooting. The forward was virtually unstoppable from distance, connecting on 6-of-8 from 3-points while adding 4-of-5 inside the arc. His impact extended beyond the numbers, providing the spark that transformed the game’s trajectory.

After Zalgiris jumped to an early 15-9 lead, Biberovic answered with a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to close the first quarter, making it 22-20. That sequence proved pivotal, as Fenerbahce used the momentum to build a commanding 47-29 halftime advantage. The hosts shot an incredible 7-of-10 from beyond the arc in the first half while limiting their opponents to just 1-of-9.

Wade Baldwin provided crucial support with 17 points and five rebounds, while Nicolo Melli contributed 13 points and five boards, offering the interior balance and defensive stability that complemented the perimeter explosion.

Zalgiris fights back but falls short

The Lithuanian champions showed their playoff experience in the third quarter, mounting a 12-0 run that cut the deficit to 51-45. Nigel Williams-Goss orchestrated the comeback, finishing with a career-high 24 points, while Moses Wright added 19 points and five rebounds to keep Zalgiris within striking distance.

However, Fenerbahce had an answer for every Zalgiris surge. Another Biberovic 3-pointer restored the double-digit cushion, effectively halting the visitors’ momentum when it mattered most. Sylvain Francisco contributed 15 points for Zalgiris but struggled with efficiency, shooting just 3-of-12 from the field in a performance that reflected his team’s inconsistent perimeter execution.

Fenerbahce sealed the victory by maintaining control in the final quarter, limiting turnovers to just nine while converting efficiently inside with 26-of-41 shooting on 2-point attempts. The 1-0 series lead puts the Turkish side in the driver’s seat, with Game 2 remaining in Istanbul as they look to protect home court advantage in this best-of-five playoff series.