It all looked like a typical Euroleague night - with Dubai winning against Barcelona, Armani away against Zalgiris and Fenerbahce at home against Bayern - until the final two minutes of the final match of today's Round 5 schedule, the clash between Maccabi and Zalgiris, began to leak.
The Israelis, who are the hosts in Belgrade, entered the final minutes of the match with a huge advantage and it was thought that everything was over: three and a half minutes before the end they were at +12, a little over two minutes to go they were at plus 10...
Upheavals, which until recently were common only in the NBA, are no longer a rarity in the Euroleague, and one such event took place tonight in the Pionir Hall.
In the last four minutes, Zalgiris scored only one point, Olympiacos 14, and the score went from 93:81 to 94:95.
How?
"I can't explain it, I'll have to look at this," said a dejected Maccabi coach Oded Katash.
"This finale was not recommended for those with heart problems," said Olympiacos coach Giorgos Bacokas.
Nikola Milutinov and Saša Vezenkov were the catalysts for the turnaround - they each scored 23 points, while Dorsey was also great with 18.
Dautin from Maccabi was the most efficient in the match with 24, but in vain for his team.
"This hurts a lot and you need to recover. I must also emphasize the lack of respect from the judges. The last six, seven, eight decisions have gone one way," added Kataš.
Dubai previously followed up their big away win against Fenerbahce with a home triumph over Barça - 83:78, with 23 points from Petrushev and 20 from Bacon.
After a great start, Zalgiris suffered its second defeat, and its first on its home court - Armani Etore Messina won in Kaunas 89:78.
European champion Fenerbahçe ended its poor run after defeating Bayern Munich 88:75 at home.
Belgrade's "eternal" team will play their 5th round matches tomorrow, against the Spaniards - Red Star awaits Real, Partizan is away to Baskonia.
Bonus video:
