Istanbul, Turkey – In a surprising turn of events following Fenerbahçe’s hard-fought 81-78 victory over Partizan Belgrade in EuroLeague play on February 25, 2026, head coach Šarūnas Jasikevičius requested that journalists refrain from asking him any questions during the post-game press conference. This unusual request, a departure from his typically engaged interactions with the media, has sparked curiosity and discussion within the basketball world. The win marked Fenerbahçe’s 17th consecutive victory across all competitions, a testament to Jasikevičius’s successful leadership.
Jasikevičius, known for his passionate and sometimes demanding approach with reporters – even, at times, encouraging them to participate more actively by posing questions – offered a brief, almost dismissive, “Good game, thank you,” before making his unusual appeal. While seemingly lighthearted, the request signaled a desire to avoid further discussion immediately after a physically and emotionally taxing contest. This occurred while another EuroLeague game, featuring Jasikevičius’s former team, Kaunas Žalgiris, against Olympiacos, was simultaneously underway.
Fenerbahçe Continues Dominant Run
The victory over Partizan was a closely contested affair, with both teams trading leads throughout the game. Fenerbahçe, currently leading the EuroLeague with a 21-7 record as of February 26, 2026, demonstrated resilience in securing the win. According to reports, This represents the team’s eighth consecutive victory in the EuroLeague, building on their recent triumph in the Turkish Cup. Lithuanian Public Broadcasting (LRT) detailed the intense battle, highlighting the significance of the win within the context of Fenerbahçe’s broader success this season.
Talen Horton-Tucker led Fenerbahçe with a stellar performance, scoring 29 points, grabbing 4 rebounds, and dishing out 3 assists in 29 minutes of play. Wade Baldwin added 17 points, while Tarik Biberović contributed 13. For Partizan, Bruno Fernando stood out with 18 points and 9 rebounds, and Carlik Jones added 17 points. The final score of 81-78 reflects the competitive nature of the game, decided by a narrow margin in the closing seconds with a clutch free throw by Tarik Biberović, extending Fenerbahçe’s lead to three points with just seven seconds remaining.
A Coach Known for Directness
Šarūnas Jasikevičius, a former EuroLeague champion as a player, has quickly established himself as one of the most respected and demanding coaches in European basketball. His tenure with Fenerbahçe has been marked by a commitment to discipline, tactical innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His previous coaching roles have included stints with FC Barcelona and Žalgiris Kaunas, where he consistently challenged his players and the media alike. The reports of him previously “training” journalists to ask better questions underscore his proactive and assertive personality.
This latest incident, however, appears to be a deviation from his usual pattern. While Jasikevičius has never shied away from engaging with the press, requesting silence is an unusual step. It’s possible the coach was simply exhausted after a grueling match and wanted to focus on his team and their upcoming schedule. He did acknowledge the importance of the team’s fans, stating they share a “special connection” and that the team expected a difficult game, but managed to remain professional and fight through adversity.
Balancing Act: EuroLeague, Turkish Cup, and Player Health
Fenerbahçe’s recent success extends beyond the EuroLeague. The team recently secured the Turkish Cup title, adding another trophy to their impressive collection. This victory, combined with their current EuroLeague form, positions them as strong contenders for both domestic and continental championships. Jasikevičius emphasized the importance of these wins not only for team morale but also for providing valuable recovery time for injured players. Lithuanian news outlet LRT.lt reported on this aspect of his post-game comments, highlighting the strategic importance of managing player fatigue and injuries during a demanding season.
The team’s next EuroLeague challenge is a March 5th matchup against Monaco. This game will be a crucial test for Fenerbahçe as they continue their pursuit of the top seed in the league standings. Maintaining their winning streak and navigating the challenges of player injuries will be key to their success. The coach’s decision to limit post-game interactions may be a strategic move to protect his team’s focus and energy as they prepare for future contests.
The Žalgiris Connection
The simultaneous game between Kaunas Žalgiris and Olympiacos added another layer of interest to the evening. Jasikevičius’s strong ties to Žalgiris, where he spent a significant portion of his playing career and later served as head coach, likely contributed to his awareness of the other game’s progress. While he did not directly comment on the Žalgiris-Olympiacos match, the fact that it was unfolding concurrently with his own team’s victory undoubtedly added to the atmosphere of the press conference. Žalgiris ultimately won a dramatic game against Olympiacos, requiring two overtimes to secure the victory.
The broader context of the EuroLeague season reveals a competitive landscape with several teams vying for playoff contention. Partizan, despite their loss to Fenerbahçe, remains in the hunt, currently holding a 9-20 record. They are second to last in the league standings, ahead of only Vilerbano ASVEL, who have 7 wins. Fenerbahçe’s dominance, however, sets them apart as the clear frontrunners, with a significant lead in the standings.
The incident with Jasikevičius’s request to avoid questions serves as a reminder of the pressures faced by coaches and players at the highest level of professional basketball. The demands of a long season, coupled with the intense scrutiny of the media, can create a challenging environment. While his request was unusual, it may simply reflect a desire to prioritize his team’s well-being and focus on the challenges ahead.
As Fenerbahçe prepares for their upcoming match against Monaco, all eyes will be on Jasikevičius and his team. Their ability to maintain their winning form and navigate the challenges of the EuroLeague season will be crucial to their ultimate success. The coach’s unconventional approach to the post-game press conference may be a sign of his unwavering commitment to his team and his determination to achieve their goals.
The next key date for Fenerbahçe is March 5th, when they face Monaco in another crucial EuroLeague contest. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching to notice if the team can continue their dominant run and solidify their position at the top of the standings. The outcome of this game, and the team’s ability to manage player health, will be critical factors in their pursuit of a EuroLeague championship.
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