Panathinaikos players celebrated their Greek Cup triumph after defeating Olympiacos in the Final-8 championship game at the “Dyo Aorakia” Indoor Arena in Heraklion, Crete, on Sunday. The most decorated team in Greek Cup history reclaimed the title after three years of Olympiacos dominance.
The “Greens” secured a 79-75 win in a thrilling final, adding their 21st Greek Cup trophy to their collection (1979, 1982, 1983, 1986, 1993, 1996, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2025). In a game full of momentum shifts, Panathinaikos displayed composure, relying on Final MVP Kostas Sloukas, Kendrick Nunn’s clutch performance in the closing moments, and Juancho Hernangómez’s dominance on the boards (17 rebounds) to clinch their first Greek Cup title in four years.
Following the victory, Panathinaikos head coach Ergin Ataman made a surprising announcement in the locker room.
He revealed that club owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos would reward the team with a €100,000 bonus for winning the title.
Ataman then added with a knowing smile, “You know which cup I really want… The next one,” referring to the EuroLeague and a potential back-to-back triumph.
Post-match reactions
- Kostas Sloukas (Final MVP):
“I’m very happy for the entire Panathinaikos organisation. We all wanted this title—except maybe the coach (laughs). His focus is on the EuroLeague and the domestic championship, but he still respects the Cup. It was a great game for the fans, worthy of two of Europe’s top teams. A little luck is always needed. Both teams have strong personalities this season. As of tomorrow, we move on and continue our push for a top-four finish in the EuroLeague.”
- Ergin Ataman (Panathinaikos Head Coach):
“It was a classic final between two great teams. We struggled in the first half, making many mistakes and shooting just 1/14 from three-point range. We were nervous but played solid defense. In the second half, we improved offensively with Sloukas and Grant, maintaining our advantage. We built a seven-point lead but missed some easy shots and nearly lost control. However, we utilised Sloukas and Nunn well in the final moments to secure the win. This was our revenge for last year’s loss.
I’ll give the Cup to Giannakopoulos so he can place it in Sounio, but our main objectives remain the Greek Championship and the EuroLeague. Beating a strong opponent is always important for our fans. We’ll celebrate tonight, but from next week, our focus shifts to reclaiming the EuroLeague title.”
- Giorgos Bartzokas (Olympiacos Head Coach):
“Congratulations to Panathinaikos. It was a close game with many fluctuations. Neither team could fully impose its style, which was expected. It was a tense match, statistically balanced except for our free throw attempts, which were too few in a game decided by one or two possessions. We were uncharacteristically nervous and should have managed certain moments better. When we led by four points, we made defensive mistakes, allowing Sloukas two free throws and Nunn an open three-pointer. We also misplayed a crucial possession, leading to a fast-break basket. We missed an opportunity to win the Cup. Now, we must congratulate Panathinaikos and keep pushing toward our other goals.”
