It's true that in the last two-game week, Partizan suffered two losses in as many games against Anadolu Efes (away) and Zalgiris (home). However, before that, they had a streak of 6 consecutive wins against Crvena Zvezda (away), Valencia (home), Villeurbanne (home), Paris (away), Dubai (home), and Virtus Bologna (away).
A key factor in the Serbians' competitive resurgence was Nick Calathes, who significantly elevated his performance, critically influencing his team's play, which also led to glowing comments from his coach.
After the away victory (81-90) over Paris, where the international playmaker had 12 points and 10 assists, Partizan's Spanish coach, Joan Peñarroya, stated:
"He is one of the most important players of the last 15 years in the EuroLeague. He is the all-time leader in assists in the EuroLeague, and it is very important for me to have such a player on the team. He has a lot of experience, especially in this game he played amazingly. Sometimes you can't see in the statistics how important he is for us."
A more recent comment on Nick Calathes's performance at Partizan was made by Sani Bečirovič, former technical director of Panathinaikos AKTOR and current sports director of Zenit Saint Petersburg, who gave a lengthy interview.
There, commenting on Nick Calathes's performance at Partizan, he stated: "My good friend Nick. He is like a Volvo or a Golf 2. He never breaks down, he can do a million kilometers without stopping. Excellent person, top professional. He showed at Partizan that he can still play in the EuroLeague, and I'm very happy about that."
At the very least, the references from Joan Peñarroya and Sani Bečirovič to the international playmaker are the best reward for his performance and his influence on Partizan's game.
After the impressive game against Paris, followed the match against Villeurbanne where he had 3 points and 4 assists, Valencia with Calathes having 9 points and 6 assists, while in the Belgrade derby against Crvena Zvezda he had 3 points and 8 assists in 21:25 minutes, also playing exceptionally well in defense.
A factor that is a reference point in his game, combined with his amazing playmaking, shapes the profile of one of the top playmakers, perhaps the best in the Euroleague.
Nick Calathes may be in his 37th year (born on February 7, 1989), but he still plays with the thirst and will of an athlete just starting his career.
The great point guard is a Volvo with... Greek license plates, who can still influence the game and contribute with his experience, good defense, and playmaking at the highest level.
He does many things that are not reflected in the statistics and are appreciated by coaches who know better...
He showed it under extremely adverse conditions in a club that was tested, especially after the departure of Željko Obradović.
Although leaving Monaco, he hinted at some bitterness, Partizan seems to have spiritually and competitively rejuvenated him, putting him back in the frame of teams that want an experienced point guard to calm the game when needed and to bring specific things to high-stakes matches...