Panathinaikos achieved a great away victory at Valencia's home court, prevailing 68-67 in the final moments, with the Spanish team losing to the "Greens" for the first time this year.
Valencia, in the two regular season matches of the EuroLeague this current season, had defeated the "Trifillis" twice, using the three-pointer as its "weapon."
Specifically, the factor that cost the Spanish team in Game 1 of the playoffs was their dreadful three-point shooting percentage, shooting at 18.2%, with only 6/33!
It is worth noting that in the game played 20 days ago at the "Roig Arena" between the two teams for the 37th round of the EuroLeague, the Spaniards shot 38.9% (14/36), which was quite satisfactory to secure them the victory.
Furthermore, Valencia also had an equally good shooting percentage from beyond the 6.75-meter line in the first-round match at the "Telekom Center Athens." Specifically, they shot 34.1% (14/41), taking the win then as well.
Panathinaikos improved its defense in yesterday's (28/04) Game 1 in Spain, forcing the hosts to shoot under difficult conditions, which resulted in their inaccuracy.