The return of a franchise cornerstone often carries more weight than the final score of a single game, especially when the standings suggest the season is already lost. For Anadolu Efes, the return of Shane Larkin after a nearly five-month absence was not just a tactical addition to the roster, but a symbolic restoration of the team’s identity.
In a hard-fought encounter that required an overtime period to settle, Anadolu Efes secured a victory over Partizan, marking a poignant homecoming for Larkin. While the win does little to alter the trajectory of their current campaign, the presence of their star guard provided a glimpse of the composure and leadership that have defined the club’s most successful eras.
The game was defined by a balanced offensive effort from Efes, led by Jordan Loyd, who delivered a dominant 24-point performance. He was supported by the interior presence of Vincent Poirier, who contributed 17 points and eight rebounds, ensuring Efes maintained control of the paint during the critical closing minutes of the overtime stretch.
Facilitating the offense was Nick Weiler-Babb, whose vision proved essential. Weiler-Babb recorded 12 assists to move along with six points and six rebounds, providing the connective tissue needed to break down Partizan’s defensive schemes.
The Return of Shane Larkin
For the fans and the league, the primary narrative was the reappearance of Shane Larkin. After being sidelined for nearly five months, Larkin showed signs of his former rhythm, contributing nine points in a measured return to action. His impact was felt less in the box score and more in the gravitational pull he exerts on opposing defenses, creating space for teammates like Loyd to flourish.
The whole league missed this.@shanelarkin is back in action! pic.twitter.com/9dAgEEZlHp
— EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) April 8, 2026
Larkin remains one of the most influential figures in the EuroLeague, and his absence had left a void in the Efes backcourt that was evident throughout the winter. While nine points may seem modest by his standards, the focus for the medical staff and coaching team was clearly on integration and sustainability rather than immediate statistical dominance.
A Battle of Low Stakes and High Pride
Despite the intensity of the overtime finish, the game existed in a vacuum of playoff implications. Both Anadolu Efes and Partizan have seen their hopes for a postseason run evaporate. Efes currently sits in 19th place with 11 wins in 36 games, while Partizan occupies the 15th position with 15 victories.
Partizan fought valiantly to force the extra period, led by Shea Milton, who scored 12 points. Carlik Jones and Sterling Brown each added 11 points, while Isaac Bonga provided a strong all-around effort with 10 points and seven rebounds. However, they were unable to withstand the late-game surge from an Efes side invigorated by Larkin’s return.
| Player | Team | Points | Key Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jordan Loyd | Anadolu Efes | 24 | Game-high scoring |
| Vincent Poirier | Anadolu Efes | 17 | 8 Rebounds |
| Nick Weiler-Babb | Anadolu Efes | 6 | 12 Assists, 6 Rebounds |
| Shea Milton | Partizan | 12 | Leading scorer for Partizan |
| Isaac Bonga | Partizan | 10 | 7 Rebounds |
The Road to Athens and League Format
As the regular season winds down, the focus of the league shifts toward the Final Four. Each of the 20 teams will complete a 38-game schedule by mid-April. The structure of the EuroLeague standings dictates that the top six teams earn direct entry into the quarterfinals, while those finishing between seventh and tenth must fight through a high-pressure “play-in” tournament to secure their spot.
The season will culminate in Athens in late May, where the Final Four will determine the champion. The prestige of the tournament remains high following last season’s conclusion in Abu Dhabi, where Istanbul’s Fenerbahce claimed the title with an 81-70 victory over Monaco.
For Anadolu Efes, the remainder of the season is no longer about the trophy in Athens, but about recovery and rebuilding. The return of Shane Larkin provides a vital bridge to the next season, allowing the team to refine its chemistry with its primary playmaker back on the floor.
The next scheduled checkpoint for the league will be the conclusion of the regular season in mid-April, which will officially set the bracket for the play-in round and the quarterfinals.
Do you think Larkin’s return can spark a late-season turnaround for Efes, or is the focus already on next year? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
