Anadolu Efes finally breathe again after breaking EuroLeague losing streak
After weeks of tension and mounting pressure, Anadolu Efes have finally found a way to reset their EuroLeague season. The Istanbul powerhouse, who had gone winless in nine consecutive EuroLeague games, managed to stop the downward spiral with back-to-back victories over Valencia and Zalgiris, restoring both confidence and hope in the locker room.
The turning point came in Round 26, when Efes overwhelmed Spanish side Valencia with an impressive 107–90 win. That result did more than just end an agonizing series of defeats – it reminded everyone what this squad is capable of when its offense clicks and the rhythm is there on both ends of the floor. Riding the momentum from that performance, Anadolu Efes carried their revived energy into Round 27, defeating Lithuanian club Zalgiris 92–82 and completing the double-game week without a single slip.
This small but crucial winning streak came after a long and difficult stretch. Previously, Efes had last tasted victory on 17 December 2025, in Round 16 of the regular season, when they beat Zalgiris. What followed was a nightmare run: nine straight EuroLeague games without a win, a period that tested the team’s mental strength as much as its tactical identity.
Under the guidance of head coach Pablo Laso, Anadolu Efes suffered defeats against Dubai, ASVEL, Crvena zvezda, Paris Basketball, Olimpia Milano, Baskonia, Hapoel Tel Aviv, Olympiacos and domestic rival Fenerbahçe Beko. The nature of those losses varied: some were narrow and decided in the closing minutes, others exposed structural problems in defense, rebounding or offensive execution. But regardless of the details, the sequence hit the team’s morale hard and pushed them down the standings.
That is what makes the two consecutive wins even more significant. Efes not only stopped the free fall; they also showed they can react collectively when the pressure is at its highest. The Valencia game, in particular, was a statement. Scoring 107 points in a EuroLeague contest is no coincidence: ball movement was fluid, outside shooting worked, and the key players stepped up at critical moments. Against Zalgiris, Anadolu Efes backed this up with a more controlled and balanced performance, proving that Valencia was not just a one-off explosion but the beginning of a possible revival.
Completing a double-game week with two wins is one of the most demanding tasks in the EuroLeague calendar. It requires physical resilience, deep rotation management and mental sharpness. Efes handled that challenge with maturity after a period where their confidence seemed shattered. Back-to-back victories reintroduced a winning habit that had been missing for over two months and allowed the club to “breathe again” in every sense: the standings look less threatening, the atmosphere around the team is calmer, and the path forward is suddenly clearer.
Now, all eyes turn to their next EuroLeague matchup. On 12 February, Anadolu Efes will host Virtus Bologna, another ambitious team with its own playoff aspirations. This clash will serve as a real test of whether Efes have truly turned the corner or are still vulnerable to the same inconsistencies that haunted them during the nine-game drought. A win against Virtus would not just extend their streak; it could mark the beginning of a serious push toward the upper half of the table.
The psychological dimension of this turnaround cannot be underestimated. Long losing streaks in a competition as unforgiving as the EuroLeague tend to generate doubt in the locker room, criticism in the media and tension around the club. Every possession starts to feel heavier, every mistake is amplified. By finally converting good minutes into actual results, Efes have eased that mental burden. Players can once again focus on execution and improvement instead of carrying the weight of the streak on their shoulders.
From a tactical standpoint, these latest games also offer clues about the direction Pablo Laso wants to take. During the losing run, the team often struggled to find balance between high-tempo offense and defensive stability. In the wins over Valencia and Zalgiris, Efes looked more compact defensively, more disciplined in transition and more selective in their shot choices. The offense still relied on creativity and individual talent, but it was framed within clearer structures – more set plays, better spacing, and smarter use of pick-and-roll situations.
Rotation management has also been a key factor. In such a dense schedule, distributing minutes wisely is essential to keep energy levels high in fourth quarters and during double-game weeks. In recent matches, the bench provided useful contributions, allowing the main stars to stay fresher for decisive moments. If this depth can be maintained and players coming off the bench continue to impact the game, Efes will have a significant advantage in upcoming tight battles.
These two victories might also serve as a signal to the rest of the league. Opponents who had begun to see Anadolu Efes as a vulnerable, out-of-form heavyweight now have to reconsider. A team that can score over 100 points one night and then control a tough, physical game the next is never truly out of the playoff conversation. The experience within this roster, combined with a coach who knows how to navigate crises, makes Efes a dangerous opponent for any contender.
Looking ahead, consistency will be the central theme. One good week is not enough to erase a nine-game losing streak, but it is an important first step. If Anadolu Efes want to fully repair their season, they must build on this foundation: keep the defensive focus, maintain the offensive rhythm, and, above all, avoid the mental collapses that previously turned small runs by opponents into decisive stretches. Every game from now on carries extra weight, particularly against direct rivals in the standings.
The upcoming calendar will likely feature more double-game weeks and high-pressure showdowns. The challenge for Efes will be to transform this short winning run into a stable identity. That means keeping intensity high even after victories, staying humble and solving the little details that often decide EuroLeague contests: defensive rebounds, second-chance points, end-of-quarter possessions and free-throw accuracy.
For the fans, these back-to-back wins have brought a sense of relief as well as renewed excitement. The frustration of watching close games slip away has briefly given way to optimism. Supporters will now expect the team to show the same hunger and commitment in every match as they did against Valencia and Zalgiris. Strong home support at the game against Virtus Bologna could become an extra weapon, especially if the team starts well and keeps the arena engaged from the opening tip.
In summary, Anadolu Efes have, at least for now, stepped out of the shadow of a long and painful losing streak. By defeating Valencia 107–90 and Zalgiris 92–82 in consecutive rounds, they navigated a double-game week perfectly and rediscovered what it feels like to win back-to-back in the EuroLeague. The crisis is not completely forgotten, but the team has shown resilience, character and the capacity to react. Whether this marks the true turning point of their season will depend on what happens next – starting with a crucial home game against Virtus Bologna on 12 February.