ESAKE Playoffs: Olympiacos Takes 2-1 Series Lead Over Panathinaikos in Dominant Game 3 Victory

Olympiacos Piraeus moved one win away from the Esake championship title after a commanding 102-92 victory over Panathinaikos Athens in Game 3 of the Greek top division final. Played on June 8, 2026, at home in Piraeus, the game highlighted the Reds’ ability to spread the scoring load — a clear contrast to a Panathinaikos side that struggled to find consistent support for its American-led offense.

Fournier and Vezenkov Lead a Four-Man Scoring Assault

Evan Fournier was the primary engine for Olympiacos, finishing with 28 points and 8 assists in 37 minutes. The veteran French guard, long seasoned by his NBA career, controlled the game’s tempo and created opportunities for teammates throughout. Aleksandar Vezenkov was equally sharp, contributing 24 points in 35 minutes to give Olympiacos a devastating one-two punch from the perimeter.

Sasha Vezenkov vs Evan Fournier — comparaison

Nikola Milutinov added 17 points and 6 rebounds in 28 minutes, providing a physical presence in the paint that Panathinaikos had no answer for. The American duo of Tyson Ward and Thomas Walkup played complementary roles, combining for 23 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds. Their ability to contribute without dominating possessions gave Olympiacos a depth and versatility that proved decisive.

Panathinaikos Lacked the Supporting Cast Around Grant

Panathinaikos leaned heavily on Jerian Grant, who led his team with 19 points and 5 assists in 33 minutes. The American guard was the clear focal point of the Greens’ offense, but the burden proved too heavy to carry alone. T.J. Shorts II provided a spark off the bench with 15 points in just 14 minutes, while Nigel Hayes-Davis contributed a steady 12 points and 6 rebounds over 36 minutes.

Jerian Grant — 19pts, 0reb, 5ast

Mathias Lessort and Kendrick Nunn each added 11 and 10 points respectively, but neither was able to consistently relieve the pressure on Grant. The contrast was stark: where Olympiacos had four players reaching double figures with clear roles, Panathinaikos’ rotation felt uneven and reactive.

The final score of 102-92 reflects a game that was competitive in stretches but ultimately controlled by Olympiacos. With a 2-1 series advantage, the Reds are now in the driver’s seat heading into Game 4. Panathinaikos will need to find a more balanced offensive formula if they hope to extend the series and keep their title hopes alive.