Twelve epics of Greek club basketball to revisit

With the rest of the club basketball season in jeopardy, AGONAsport has compiled a list of thrilling games worth re-watching in self-isolation.

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As the coronavirus pandemic continues to put the 2019/2020 basketball season on lockdown, the conclusion of the campaign remains in doubt even as some countries begin to ease restrictions.

The lockdown has seemingly postponed events like the EuroLeague Final Four and the Basket League playoffs, leaving many basketball fans in withdrawal.

AGONAsport has compiled a list of thrilling games involving Greek clubs to treat the withdrawal fans might be feeling, including contests from continental and domestic competitions.

2019/2020: AEK VS. PANATHINAIKOS

 The 2019/2020 basketball season was supposed to be over before it started with the relegation of Olympiacos after an ugly end of last year’s campaign. One pleasant surprise came when AEK clashed with Panathinaikos in a January-edition of the Athenian Derby.

2017/2018: AEK VS. MONACO

AEK’s finest hour in recent years might include various domestic feats, but nothing quite compares to the club’s return to the podium on the European stage.

2012/2013: OLYMPIACOS VS. REAL MADRID

Olympiacos successfully defended their EuroLeague crown in 2013, but their defeat of Real Madrid was a lot less stressful for fans of the Erythrolefki.

2011/2012: CSKA MOSCOW VS. OLYMPIACOS

Defending their title was a feat on its own, but the way Olympiacos snatched their EuroLeague crown from the jaws of defeat in 2012 is something to marvel at.

2000/2001: MAROUSSI VS. ELAN CHALON

Maroussi might have made ripples domestically prior to the 2000/2001 season, but at the turn of the millennium the Athenian side were making waves in Europe.

1998/1999: OLYMPIACOS VS. PANATHINAIKOS

Not many Greek Championships have gone to a fifth and decisive game, but the 1998/1999 series between Olympiacos and Panathinaikos sure did after a back-and-forth first four games.

1997/1998: OLYMPIACOS VS. PAOK

One of the most memorable playoff encounters in the history of Greek basketball playoffs, Olympiacos and PAOK met in a hotly-contested game three of their semifinal series for a spot in the Finals.

1996/1997: TOFAS BURSA VS. ARIS

The 1997 edition of the Korac Cup featured an all-Aegean clash between Aris and Turkish side Tofas Bursa in the Finals. There was no doubting the Greek side on the night of the second leg, even if it was in front of a hostile Turkish crowd.

1995/1996: PANATHINAIKOS VS. BARCELONA

Panathinaikos have been chasing a return to the EuroLeauge Final Four for nearly a decade now, but in 1996 the Trifylli were just beginning their European dynasty.

1990/1991: PANIONIOS VS. ARIS

In today’s climate it’s hard to believe that both Panionios and Aris were among Greece’s best at the start of the 1990’s. While Aris were chasing silverware at home and abroad, Panionios were always a tough match for the league’s top sides.

1989/1990: OLYMPIACOS VS. ARIS

Contrary to recent meetings, Aris were the powerhouse in the late 1980’s while Olympiacos were languishing at the foot of the table. Nikos Galis in fine form is worth the re-watch on any occasion.

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