Panathinaikos defeated Olympiacos 79-68 in the Greek Cup Final on February 21, 2026, securing their 22nd Greek Cup title in 28 appearances. The victory highlights the growing importance of strategic player acquisitions in competitive sports and their immediate impact on team performance.
Nigel Hayes-Davis, who joined Panathinaikos less than a week prior to the final, was named the Greek Cup MVP after leading his team with 15 points and 6 rebounds. His performance underscores the potential for new players to quickly contribute to a team’s success.
Nikos Rogkavopoulos contributed 14 points, successfully making all three of his three-point attempts, while Jerian Grant and Konstantinos Mitoglou each added 11 points and Richaunas Holmes scored 8.
For Olympiacos, Alexandros Vezenkovas was the top scorer with 16 points. Tyrique Jones and Evan Fournier each scored 12 points, and Thomas Walkup added 11 points along with 9 assists.
“It’s always decent to play in a championship game in Europe, I am glad that my team won,” said Nigel Hayes-Davis, adding, “No one cares who the MVP is, we just want to win. This time, it was me, so thanks to my teammates, for the staff, and for DPG who trusted me and brought me here to aid.”
Coach Ergin Ataman noted the disparity in media attention, stating, “I notice that there are just 7-8 journalists, if we lost they would have been many more asking me the things they inquire for the whole season.” He also emphasized that the team’s primary goals remain winning the championship title and the EuroLeague.
In other European basketball news, Real Madrid advanced to the final of the Spanish Cup after a dramatic 108-106 victory over Valencia, overcoming an 18-point deficit. Mario Hezonja’s consecutive three-pointers sealed the win for Real Madrid.
Real Madrid will face Baskonia in the final, with Baskonia having defeated Barcelona 70-67 in their semifinal matchup. Gytis Radzevičius contributed 7 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists for Baskonia in 22 minutes of play. Tadas Sedekerskis did not play due to a recent ankle surgery.
Belgrade’s Crvena Zvezda, featuring Donato Motiejūnas, won the Radivoja Koraća Cup, defeating Mega 106-84 in the final. Motiejūnas was registered for the tournament but did not play.
In Germany, Munich’s Bayern suffered an upset loss to Bamberg 97-103 in overtime, with Bamberg advancing to the final to face Berlin ALBA.
