Cedi Osman scores 31 points as PAOK rout Napoli 100-74: A blazing start in the EuroLeague

PAOK claimed an impressive 100-74 win over Napoli in the EuroLeague, but the most striking story was Cedi Osman’s performance. After leaving Panathinaikos, the Turkish forward joined PAOK and quickly found his scoring touch. He finished with 31 points, becoming the game’s top scorer, and made six three-pointers. This was Osman’s second game for the Greek club. In his debut against Udine, he scored 22 points, a solid outing for a new arrival. One game later, he improved to 31 points. Such rapid progress usually means the new system is giving him more opportunities, or he has already adjusted to his teammates’ movement. In Osman’s case, both factors may be working together. The tactical highlight was his outside shooting. Osman did not rely on constant drives to the rim; he operated as a primary perimeter threat. PAOK used him as a spot-up weapon who moves well without the ball. When the team swung the ball quickly, Osman found open spaces and shot with rhythm. This approach forced Napoli’s defense to spread out and limited their ability to help. The 26-point margin also proved that PAOK is not a one-man team. Osman scored 31 points, but his teammates created the spacing and pace for him to thrive. The Greek side looked organized, not dependent on individual heroics. Fans may not be surprised by 31 points from a former NBA player, but his fast adaptation after changing clubs is the real story. Two games are a small sample, though. Opponents will study the tape and adjust. If Osman remains mostly a spot-up shooter, his volume may rise while efficiency drops. PAOK needs secondary actions, such as pick-and-pop plays, to keep him unpredictable. Cedi Osman has made a red-hot start at PAOK. It is too early to predict a successful season, but his message is clear: he still has the ability to make a difference at the highest level of European basketball. The 100-74 victory over Napoli was more than a team win. It was a personal statement from a player ready to rebuild his career.