Panathinaikos Aktor Athens kicked off their Greek Cup run with an overwhelming 101-71 victory over PAOK Thessaloniki. The team’s strong control from the beginning set the pace for a successful outing, highlighted by the impressive debut of forward Nigel Hayes-Davis.
Hayes-Davis Makes a Notable First Appearance
In his first game for Panathinaikos, Nigel Hayes-Davis scored 16 points while contributing one rebound and two steals, earning a 10 efficiency rating. His presence and performance helped maintain Panathinaikos’ momentum throughout the match. The green and white squad built an early lead, finishing the first quarter ahead 31-20 and increasing the margin to 57-32 by halftime with aggressive ball movement and fast break execution.
Team Effort Extends Lead into Victory
Panathinaikos continued their dominance in the third quarter, intensifying their defensive pressure and making easy scoring opportunities. By the end of the quarter, their lead had grown to 82-47, sealing the win with a final score of 101-71. Alongside Hayes-Davis, Richaun Holmes delivered a strong performance inside the paint, scoring 21 points with an efficient 8 of 9 shooting and pulling down four rebounds. Kendrick Nunn also contributed with 14 points and six assists.
Opponents’ Key Performers
PAOK Thessaloniki struggled to keep pace but received notable efforts from Breein Tyree, who led his team with 16 points, and Timmy Allen, who added 14 points.
Implications and Next Steps for Panathinaikos
This commanding win boosts Panathinaikos’ confidence as they move further into the Greek Cup competition. Nigel Hayes-Davis’s successful start signals his potential importance to the team’s future performances. With contributions from players like Holmes and Nunn, Panathinaikos looks well-positioned to maintain their strong form in upcoming matches.
