Anadolu Efes Istanbul defeated Besiktas 89-80 in a EuroLeague Turkish derby on 23 October 2026, using a composed second-half performance to secure an important home victory. The game carried the usual intensity of a Turkish matchup, with physical defense, passionate support and several momentum swings before Efes pulled clear.

Match overview

Efes started with purpose, attacking in transition and finding good looks around the basket. Besiktas responded with a gritty half-court game, using screens and patient ball movement to create shots. Neither team was able to break away in the early stages, and the first half was defined by traded runs and tight defensive possessions.

The decisive shift came after halftime. Efes raised their defensive intensity, forced Besiktas into tougher shots and turned stops into quick offense. That combination allowed the home side to build a cushion, and while Besiktas kept competing, Efes had enough control to close out the 89-80 win.

Key moments

• Efes' third-quarter run, powered by defense and transition scoring, created the game's first meaningful separation.
• Besiktas trimmed the lead with timely three-point shooting, but Efes answered on the next possession each time.
• In the final minutes, Efes protected the ball and made free throws to deny any late comeback.

Tactical story

Anadolu Efes Istanbul were at their best when they played with pace and shared the ball. Their guards created advantages off ball screens, and the offense generated open looks by forcing Besiktas to rotate. Defensively, Efes did a solid job of contesting shots and limiting clean looks from beyond the arc.

Besiktas had success when they slowed the game down and attacked the paint. Their physicality on the boards kept them within reach, and their half-court execution produced enough scoring to stay dangerous. However, they could not sustain those stretches long enough to overturn Efes' second-half control.

Standout performers

Efes' backcourt dictated the tempo and made key shots when the game was in the balance. Their frontcourt contributed important rebounds and defensive stops, giving the team a balanced foundation. Besiktas received determined efforts across the rotation, with their guards competing on both ends, but the visitors lacked the same consistency in the closing minutes.

EuroLeague impact

This result gives Anadolu Efes Istanbul a valuable win in the EuroLeague standings and reinforces their home-court strength. For Besiktas, the defeat is a tough one in a derby setting, but the performance showed enough fight to suggest they can compete in tight games. In a competition where point differential and road form often matter, Efes will be pleased to protect home advantage while Besiktas will look to respond quickly in their next fixture.