Kendrick Nunn playfully picked Cedi Osman as Panathinaikos’ version of Tyrese Haliburton, the guy who could hit a game-winner and celebrate like a star. At the same time, he spoke with full confidence in Mathias Lessort, calling him fearless and ready to make an impact—even if he has to play on one leg.
Millions watched as Tyrese Haliburton attacked off the dribble, suddenly pulled back behind the arc, and launched a deep, off-balance three that sent Indiana into a frenzy and evoked memories of Reggie Miller’s iconic moments in a Pacers jersey.
The shot sealed a dramatic win over the New York Knicks and marked one of the most clutch baskets in recent NBA conference finals history.
While Haliburton had the NBA world buzzing, basketball’s other major stage is unfolding this week in Abu Dhabi, where the EuroLeague Final Four promises its own dose of drama.
Panathinaikos Athens and Fenerbahce Istanbul will square off in Friday’s first semifinal, and it’s the kind of matchup where a single, audacious shot might again decide everything.
So who’s the guy for Panathinaikos? Who steps up with that Haliburton-level swagger when the lights are brightest?
Kendrick Nunn has an answer.
"I'm going with a trick one—that's probably Cedi. Cedi Osman," Nunn said with a grin in a conversation with BasketNews on the eve of the Final Four.
Nunn was one of the last players to leave the floor alongside Mathias Lessort after Panathinaikos’ final practice at Etihad Arena.
The recently crowned EuroLeague MVP has already shown he can take over games as a lead playmaker. But he knows that to survive Fenerbahce—and potentially lift the club’s first EuroLeague title since 2011—he’ll need help from everyone, including Lessort, who hasn’t played an official game in 155 days.
“One thing about Mathias—he's got a heart bigger than anyone’s,” Nunn said. “He doesn't shy away from anything. He’s ready for the moment. Even if we don’t think he’s ready, he’ll tell you, ‘I’m ready.’ He’ll go out there on one leg if he has to.”
Mathias Lessort
| Team: |
Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens |
| Position: | C |
| Age: | 29 |
| Height: | 206 cm |
| Weight: | 113 kg |
| Birth place: | Martinique, France |
Lessort remains a game-time decision. But if you ask Nunn, the French big man is more than capable of making an impact—even after a five-month layoff.
“He’s been looking great all week in practice,” Nunn said. “He’s stepped up, made plays. He’s getting his body right—he’s jumping, his balance is there. I feel excited. I’m confident he’ll help us for sure.”
That confidence is what defines Nunn.
When it comes to Final Four basketball, it’s not about schemes or scouting reports—it’s about belief, resilience, and the killer instinct to rise in moments that define seasons.
“I just rely on my routine and consistency,” Nunn explained. “Preparing both on and off the court, making sure I’m feeling good and ready to go. I’ve been lucky to share a locker room with a lot of Hall of Famers—LeBron, Russ, Melo, Rondo. Playing in Miami, that culture taught me a lot.”
“It’s been a fortunate career,” he continued. “Different places, different lessons. They all helped me learn how to prepare and how to approach the game.”
