Olympiacos claim historic back-to-back Greek League titles after dramatic Game 5 win

Olympiacos clinch back-to-back Greek League titles after dramatic Game 5 victory over Panathinaikos

Olympiacos secured their 16th Greek League championship on Saturday night, defeating Panathinaikos 89-85 in the decisive fifth game of the finals at the Peace and Friendship Stadium, completing a 3-2 series victory that also delivered the club’s second straight domestic title. The red-and-whites, playing just days after their EuroLeague triumph, dominated the final quarter to claim the crown, with Tyler Dorsey leading the scoring at 22 points while Kostas Milutinov contributed 14 points and seven rebounds.

The victory capped a grueling postseason that saw Olympiacos overcome a 2-1 deficit to claim the series, a feat that underscored their resilience and depth. Dorsey, who had been the standout performer throughout the playoffs, delivered crucial baskets in the closing minutes, while Milutinov anchored the defense and rebounding efforts. The win marked the first time in club history that Olympiacos had claimed back-to-back Greek League titles, a milestone celebrated by fans at the Peace and Friendship Stadium long into the night.

Club president Pavlos Angelopoulos addressed the team in the locker room immediately after the final whistle, declaring, “From Monday we begin work at the Peace and Friendship Stadium. After the ‘until the end’ promise, we have now won 12 titles.”

Coach Ioannis Bartzokas echoed the sentiment, telling reporters, “Olympiacos is built to win titles. I dedicate this championship to our fans.”

The celebrations were tempered, however, by an unsavory incident in the aftermath of the game. Video footage emerged showing Olympiacos forward Trey Jerrell Jones throwing a punch at Panathinaikos guard Kendrick Nann in the team’s locker room, an altercation that prompted immediate condemnation from both clubs. Panathinaikos coach Dejan Ataman, initially gracious in defeat, later expressed outrage, stating, “It was a great series for Greek basketball,” before sharply criticizing the incident.

The footage, which circulated widely on social media, has drawn the attention of league authorities, with calls for sanctions against Jones expected in the coming days. Despite the controversy, Olympiacos’ achievement stands as a testament to their dominance in Greek basketball, a season that saw them claim both the EuroLeague and the Greek League in a historic double.

For Panathinaikos, the loss marked a rare failure to capitalize on home-court advantage in a finals series, though their players were greeted by a supportive reception upon their return to the Telekom Center in Athens. The defeat ends a season that promised much but ultimately fell short, leaving the Greens with unfinished business as they look ahead to the next campaign.