Round 2 Thriller in Kaunas: Baldwin’s 36 Points Not Enough
The EuroLeague’s second round delivered drama in Kaunas as Zalgiris Kaunas faced Panathinaikos in a high-intensity, home-court battle. Wade Baldwin Jr. turned in a historic scoring performance for the hosts, pouring in 36 points and giving Zalgiris a puncher’s chance throughout the game. Yet, the visitors clawed out an 84-81 win, leaving the arena buzzing about what might have been if the late rally had a bit more fuel.
Panathinaikos benefited from a balanced team effort that proved crucial in tight moments. Nigel Williams-Goss led the scoring for the winners with 20 points, while Sylvain Francisco added 18, offering the visitors a reliable secondary scoring option when Baldwin pushed the tempo for Zalgiris. The back-and-forth nature of the game lived up to the EuroLeague’s reputation for late-game drama, with both sides trading blows as the clock wound down.
Where the game swung
Early in the contest, Baldwin attacked with purpose, repeatedly breaking through the Panathinaikos defense and finishing through contact. His 36-point performance underscored his value for Zalgiris as a creator and scorer, but basketball in Kaunas is a team sport, and Panathinaikos answered with timely stops and efficient offense when it mattered most.
Panathinaikos’ balanced attack disrupted Zalgiris’ rhythm at key junctures. Williams-Goss came up big when the game required a bucket, while Francisco provided a steady presence, hitting pull-up jumpers and finding teammates for open looks in the second half. The combination was enough to stave off Zalgiris’ late surge as the home crowd watched a memorable clash unfold.
Context and momentum heading into Round 2
For Zalgiris, the result was a tough, character-testing setback after starting the season with momentum from an earlier win over Monaco. The Kaunas club, coached by Sarunas Jasikevicius, showed flashes of the elite European level that keeps fans optimistic about a deep run in the EuroLeague, even as a single outcome leaves questions about roster depth in late stretches.
Panathinaikos, meanwhile, demonstrated why they’re consistently regarded as one of Europe’s storied franchises. The win in Kaunas adds a strong road performance to their early-season résumé, highlighting their ability to win in hostile arenas, manage minutes, and lean on multiple contributors when Baldwin becomes a focal point for the opposition.
Player notes and what to watch next
Baldwin’s 36 points are a clear signal that he’s ready to shoulder significant responsibility for Zalgiris. The guard’s ability to generate offense, especially in the pick-and-roll and transition, makes him a constant threat for EuroLeague defenses. The coaching staff will hope this scoring binge translates into more supportive contributions from teammates, elevating other scorers to lighten the load on Baldwin over the coming fixtures.
For Panathinaikos, the pairing of Williams-Goss and Francisco provided a reliable backbone on offense, with enough precision from the perimeter and in the mid-range to balance Baldwin’s interior assaults. The developing chemistry between the guards and the team’s frontcourt will be essential as they navigate a demanding EuroLeague schedule.
Looking ahead
Both teams head into the next wave of EuroLeague games with clear takeaways. Zalgiris will look to capitalize on home-court advantage, tighten their late-game execution, and lean on Baldwin’s scoring as a stabilizing force. Panathinaikos will aim to sustain pressure on the leaderboard by continuing to share the basketball and maintain defensive discipline in close contests.
