Against All Odds | Kutluay’s BIG SHOT | Final Four 2002

In one of the most unforgettable moments in EuroLeague history, Panathinaikos Athens pulled off a dramatic upset in the 2002 EuroLeague Final, defeating Kinder Bologna 89-83 on their home court in Bologna. This iconic win, marked by İbrahim Kutluay’s clutch three-pointer in the final minute, remains a defining moment for Greek basketball and Panathinaikos' storied legacy.

Panathinaikos vs Kinder Bologna: The Perfect Storm ⛈️

The Final Four of the 2001–02 EuroLeague season took place at PalaMalaguti in Bologna, Italy. The odds were heavily stacked against Panathinaikos, who not only faced a talented Kinder Bologna team but also had to do it in front of their rival’s home crowd. With stars like Manu Ginóbili, Matjaz Smodis, and Antoine Rigaudeau, Kinder Bologna was seen as the favorite to take the title.

But Panathinaikos, led by legendary coach Zeljko Obradovic, had other plans.

Comeback of Champions🛡️

Down by 14 points in the first half, Panathinaikos refused to quit. A gritty defensive stand and calm offensive execution slowly chipped away at Bologna’s lead. Dejan Bodiroga, who would later be named Final Four MVP, showcased his veteran leadership with 21 points and crucial plays down the stretch.

Kutluay’s Killer Three 🎯

With less than a minute left and Panathinaikos clinging to a narrow lead, Turkish sharpshooter İbrahim Kutluay stepped up. His cold-blooded three-pointer silenced the crowd and extended the lead to five points, effectively sealing the win. Kutluay finished with 22 points and solidified his place in EuroLeague history.

A Legacy Cemented🏅

The 2002 championship marked Panathinaikos' third EuroLeague title under Obradović, and perhaps the most emotional. It remains the only time in modern EuroLeague history a team won the final against a host team in its home arena.
Why This Game

#EveryGameMatters #euroleague #basketball #panathinaikos #EuroLeagueFinal #againstallodds #EuroLeagueHistory

[MadThanos]

I remember it like it was yesterday. We almost didn't make it to the F4, Olympiakos was almost certain to get there instead of us and their own tv channel had even snatched the broadcast rights of the F4 only for them to commit suicide against Zalgiris I think in their own court and lose the F4 ticket. I remember Olympiakos' reporters had to cover one of Pqnathinaikos greatest victories broadcasting from their own channel... Dejan and Ibo will forever be in my heart. So many glorious moments for our team, all thanks to the Giannakopoulos family. Never forget.

[GreekMouse]

I am an AEK fan but Panathinaikos with their brilliant rosters made me a loyal follower of Panathinaikos basketball squad as well. I am kind of old so i remember Panathinaikos from before the Giannakopoulos family took ownership. Since then, it is impossible not to respect and love their team if you love the sport. I sincerely wish and hope that they will win even more titles in the future. And Ibrahim, man i love him..The gentle Turk also honored my own team.
All the best to Panathinaikos BC. They fully deserve the recognition they are enjoying.

[lightningboy_]

One of the biggest upsets in European clubs' basketball history. Bologna at that time was just like Real in 2023-24. On paper the difference of roster competitiveness was big. Ginobili, Rigaudeau, Griffith the tank and Andersen as centers. Smodis Jaric Becirovic Granger. But through teamwork and perseverence they made it happen. Alvertis with big shots, the best shooter in greek basketball history ever. Young Lazaros Papadopoulos huge game against their bigs. Middleton as center being 10cm shorter but able to compete with his body strength. Rogers quality contribution at the last stage of his career. Kalaitzis quality defender. Kutluay killer instinct at the most crucial moments. Bodiroga was the Doncic of late 90's to 00's, just as Doncic is the Bodiroga of today. Both were a little slower than rest, but all their other attributes were excellent. Basketball IQ, movement, evading defences, fadeaway, turnaround shots, 3points, clutch moments. Later that year two of those guys, Bodiroga and Jaric went on to win gold in the 2002 World Championship in Indianapolis, beating the Americans in their own country. Good stuff.

[stelios_can]

Always Green Dejan Bodiroga ! A Green Legend ! And one of the best players ever ! ☘️💚⭐️🇬🇷💪

[blackbot]

Greek team, Serbian coach and Turkish player. When the Balkans at peace. Good memories.

[pagouras]

Η μοναδική φορά στην ιστορία, που η διοργανώτρια του FINAL 4 ηττήθηκε.
Δεν υπάρχουν λόγια για αυτήν την ομάδα και τι έχει καταφέρει. Τυχερός και ευλογημένος που τα έχω ζήσει όλα αυτά τα κατορθώματα! Παύλο Θανάση, ευχαριστούμε που δημιουργησατε την ομάδα ΜΥΘΟ του ευρωπαϊκού αθλητισμού. Αυτή είναι η κληρονομιά σας!

[erenov]

I remember that day as a kid but kind of blurry. As a Fenerbahçe Fan ı supported Pana because of İbo Kutluay.
İ was thinking Obra was amazing and wished someday hr might be the ours boss too. And then you know the rest.
Great times.❤

[romanreigns]

This was our best championship against a great team in their home

[Astralized]

We won against all odds! Just like last year ☘☘☘☘☘☘☘

[thodorisgeor]

People forgot what a player bodiroga was..

[barbarossa]

I remember those years very clearly. ibo was an incredible shooter. You can tell that he is on another level not only when you watch his match but also when you watch his warm-up. When Alvertis and ibo are on a good day, they are an unstoppable team. Also, Dejan was the same as Doncic is today. Dejan was not only attacking but also defending very well. I congratulate the Panathinaikos organization for putting this team together.

[Pete-uoei]

We hope to see soon Ibrahim in the new OAKA. I think he hasn’t been yet there.

[Babiss]

Πάσχα και Ευρωπαϊκό με μετάδοση από TV Magic. Το ματς γυρνάει όταν ο τεράστιος Ζοτς παίρνει τεχνική ποινή. Όποιος θυμάται ξέρει τι λέω.

[ProSab]

It was the game that made me Panathinaikos along with the 3-1 loss at Camp Nou in football the same year.

[basilismt]

It was my first one!!! I was 8 years old!!!

[FatihDağ-ey]

The times when Basketball was pure passion, real european stars at european teams and legendary, unstoppable Bodiroga.

[akisipoculturespath]

As Panathinaikos, we have to send every year a bucket full of presents to Beno Uldrih!!

[ilkeruzunlar]

As far as I remember Kutluay was the leading scorer for Pana that night. Dejan could be one of the best players in Europe ever however the key factor was Kutluay that night.

[fatihtutal]

Bodiroganin olduğu takımda o en kritik topu kullanmak ve maçın en skorer oyuncusu olmak büyük iş.İbrahim Kutluay şu anda televizyon yorumcusu olmak yerine Türkiye Basketbol Federasyonu Başkanı olmalıydı

[origenischaralampidis]

I was 5 years old then, unfortunately i didn't watch basketball and i didn't live this final. Fortunately i saw the other 4 (2007, 2009, 2011 and 2024). Last year's was celebrated more than any other, what happened in Athens after the end of last year's final against Real Madrid was unreal and out of control. About 10, 000 in Omonia Square celebrating until 6 in the morning and more than 10, 000 of us were at the airport to welcome the team and another 40, 000 were waiting in the parking lot outside the OAKA.