Highlights from the EuroLeague Season Opener: Patty Mills, Valanciunas, and Saric Steal the Show!
Kickoff of the EuroLeague 2026/27
The EuroLeague 2026/27 season has officially tipped off! And boy, did we have some standout debuts that left us grabbing our popcorn. Let’s dive into the exciting performances of players breaking into the competition, and those familiar faces making waves with their new teams.
Rising Stars of the EuroLeague
First up, let’s talk about the new faces in Real Madrid’s lineup. Thimothé Luwawu-Cabarrot and Mikael Jantunen seemed to be the stars of the show in Dubai. The French forward made his mark by scoring 11 points in what can only be described as a stats bonanza. Meanwhile, Jantunen, the Finnish sensation, was working hard on the court, making plays and grabbing rebounds.
Mikael Jantunen’s Resilience
Talk about getting knocked down and getting up again! Jantunen took a hard fall but bounced right back up, proving he’s not just a pretty face!
ASVEL Celebrates Victory
Over at ASVEL, two former NBA players teamed up to surprise everyone with a victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv, finishing strong at 84-74. This match marked Tony Parker’s debut as a coach, and it couldn’t have gone better! Jae Crowder shone bright with 19 points, hitting 4 out of 5 threes, plus adding 4 rebounds and 4 assists—talk about a debut! And let’s not forget Patty Mills, who racked up 15 points along with 5 assists.
Standout Performance from Sylvain Francisco
If you thought French point guard Sylvain Francisco would fade into the background, think again! Coming off the bench, he turned heads with 18 points, 4 assists, and 2 rebounds, knocking down two pivotal threes in the last quarter against Paris Basketball.
Jonas Valanciunas: The Comeback Kid
After 15 long years, Jonas Valanciunas made his EuroLeague return, bringing with him that dominating feel we all remember. He may not have been the leading scorer, but he was definitely a force in the paint with 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks, contributing a total of 24 efficiency points against Estrella Roja.
Dario Saric Makes a Splash
Another notable mention is Dario Saric, who last played in the EuroLeague over a decade ago. Despite recent years being a bit rocky—having been sidelined from the Sacramento Kings—he returned with flair, scoring 17 points, grabbing 5 rebounds, and dishing out 2 assists in his game against Barcelona, though the result wasn’t in his favor.
Wrapping Up
So, there you have it! The EuroLeague’s dramatic opening night featured fierce competition and jaw-dropping performances. Stay tuned as this season unfolds, and let’s see what other surprises are in store!
