After four defeats in five matches to start their Euroleague campaign, Real Madrid continued their recovery by winning, on Friday night, a stunning victory – their first away this season – on the floor of the co-leaders of Kaunas ( 93-90). The partners of Fabien Causeur, still absent following his positive coronavirus test, survived the euphoria found by the Lithuanians (10 out of 20 to 3 points on the match) during a second quarter won 30 to 16, which them had allowed to return to the locker room with six points ahead (54-48).
A record Tavares
Stronger on the rebound (31 to 25), the Madrilenians offered themselves enough second chances (9 offensive catches) to resist when they were still six lengths behind at the start of the last period (67-73). First coming back to the score thanks to a 3-point festival from Trey Thompkins and a sparkling Facundo Campazzo (19 points to 5/8 to 3 points, 10 assists), they then made the difference, carried by Walter Tavares. The Cape Verdean giant (2.21 m), dominant inside, delivered his best career match on the European scene (22 points to 9 of 9 shooting, 12 rebounds and 34 evaluation).
Opposite, Thomas Walkup, close to the triple-double (18 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists), Nigel Hayes (12 points, 6 rebounds) and a clumsy Marius Grigonis (17 points but 5 of 15 shooting) did not sufficient. The French interior of Zalgiris Joffrey Lauvergne for his part compiled 6 points (3 of 6 shooting) and 5 rebounds in 25 minutes of playing time.
Real Madrid now have three wins for four losses. His setback dragged the Lithuanian club to second place (5-2), Barcelona remaining alone in the lead (6-1) thanks to its river success on Thursday on the Berlin floor (103-67).
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