Valencia Basket’s EuroLeague playoff hopes remain alive, and Jean Montero is the driving force behind the series heading to a decisive Game 5. The 22-year-old guard erupted for 29 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and three steals on Friday night, leading Valencia to an 89-86 victory over Panathinaikos at Telekom Center Athens, tying the quarterfinal series at 2-2.
The result keeps Valencia’s dream of reaching the Final Four for the first time in franchise history alive. It also extends one of the most competitive series in the competition, with all four games decided by a combined margin of just 10 points.
Montero set the tone early, scoring 10 quick points as Valencia raced to a 6-14 lead. His composure never wavered, even after Panathinaikos mounted a third-quarter surge fueled by a raucous home crowd to claw back into the game.
Cedi Osman helped shift momentum before halftime with 10 consecutive points, and Kendrick Nunn briefly gave the hosts their first lead of the series since moving to Athens. Panathinaikos also improved defensively after the break, holding Valencia to just 16 points in the third quarter.
Yet Valencia found answers every time pressure mounted. Montero continued attacking late, and his free throws in the final seconds put the visitors ahead 83-87 with 19 seconds remaining, sealing a road win in one of Europe’s toughest arenas.
Montero’s all-around performance was the kind that changes a series. He also helped Valencia withstand another strong effort from the home side, which got 26 points from Osman and 19 from Nunn but shot just 7-of-30 from three-point range.
Valencia’s supporting cast stepped up in key moments. Kameron Taylor added 11 points, Ethan Thompson contributed 10, and the team’s 21-of-24 free throw shooting proved crucial down the stretch.
Now the pressure shifts to Game 5, where Valencia will look to complete a rare road breakthrough and send this fearless young squad into EuroLeague history.
