Rough start for T.J. Shorts (0 points!) with Panathinaikos
Oct 1, 2025
Gabriel Pantel-Jouve
Kendrick Nunn starts strong: already MVP of EuroLeague’s 1st round
EuroLeague - Reigning EuroLeague MVP Kendrick Nunn perfectly launched his season with Panathinaikos. After a stellar performance against Bayern Munich, the American was named MVP of the competition's first round.
Photo Credit : Sébastien Grasset
Kendrick Nunn (1.95m, 30 years old) made a strong statement at the start of the 2025-2026 EuroLeague season. The American guard of Panathinaikos, reigning MVP of the competition, was named MVP of the first round after a complete performance against Bayern Munich.
A return to the court like a powerhouse MVP
In his season opener, Kendrick Nunn led Panathinaikos to victory (87-79) against Bayern Munich. Like a true leader, he compiled 21 points with remarkable percentages (9/11 on 2-pointers, 3/3 on free throws), 3 rebounds, 10 assists (matching his career record), and 3 steals. An XXL stat line that earned him a PIR of 29, the best among winning players in this first round.
The former NBA player compensated for the poor start of his new backcourt partner, T.J. Shorts, who finished with a -4 PIR in 10 minutes.
Moses Wright excellent for Monaco
While Will Clyburn (Barcelona) recorded the highest PIR of the round (30), it came in his team’s loss in Tel Aviv. Behind Nunn, Moses Wright (Kaunas) impressed with 8/8 shooting for 21 points and 28 PIR in the Lithuanians’ victory at Monaco. For Olympiacos, the duo Nikola Milutinov – Sasha Vezenkov also shined in their success in Spain against Baskonia, each accumulating 27 PIR.
Already sending a strong signal to the competition
With this first individual trophy of the season, his sixth in his EuroLeague career, Kendrick Nunn shows he’s ready to live up to his status as reigning MVP. This is the best possible start for Panathinaikos, a declared Final Four candidate, which will be played at home.
Gabriel Pantel-Jouve is the founder and editor-in-chief of BeBasket, which he has been running since 2010 (formerly known as Catch & Shoot). Having studied at the École Publique de Journalisme de Tours and two universities in North America, he has developed his expertise in French basketball, from the National League to amateur divisions, over the past 20 years. Alongside this, he is also involved in the development of clubs in the Montpellier area.
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