Matthias Lessort, Back in Action, Awakens Panathinaikos

Mathias Lessort (6’7″, 30 years old) has finally made his return! Absent from the court since a brief return to action in May 2025 during the EuroLeague Final Four in Abu Dhabi, the French center stepped back onto the floor this Thursday, March 12 in EuroLeague play. He notably helped Panathinaikos Athens bounce back after last weekend’s stumble in the Greek championship.

A Saving Return for the French Center

In his first game in nearly ten months, Lessort helped Panathinaikos Athens regain their rhythm and secure a hard-fought victory against Zalgiris Kaunas with a score of 92-88. The OAKA Arena erupted to celebrate this long-awaited success.

This victory could mark a turning point for the Athens side, which had lost some of its sharpness in recent weeks. The return of the French center in the paint appears to have restored confidence throughout the roster, helping the Greens rediscover their usual level.

His first bucket back, welcome BACK @ThiasLsf

Listen to that👏 pic.twitter.com/3NQAoCFYjz

— EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) March 12, 2026

A Breath of Fresh Air for the Greens

The matchup with Zalgiris was a crucial one for Panathinaikos’ morale after a stretch of disappointing performances. The long-awaited return of Mathias Lessort proved decisive in a tight contest where every possession mattered.

The 92–88 win over a Lithuanian team that is always dangerous on the road showed that Panathinaikos can still rely on its core players to shift the momentum. Lessort’s presence inside brought immediate impact, and his return could be the spark the Greens need to relaunch their EuroLeague campaign after this difficult stretch.

Enjoying himself tonight 😏 pic.twitter.com/Dlhcm9yCu2

— EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) March 12, 2026