Spain: Despite a dazzling Marc Gasol, Girona did not last the distance against Real Madrid

The slaughter of Marc Gasol did not prevent Real Madrid from winning in Girona on behalf of the first day of the Spanish championship.

For his return to ACB, fourteen years later, Marc Gasol scored the first basket of the 2022-23 season, a three-pointer. Above all, he totaled 21 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists for 34 evaluation. Not bad for a 37-year-old player who was in the 2nd division (LEB Oro) last season. But, obviously, the younger Gasol is not just anyone.

The other man of the match was Croatian Mario Hezonja, who had 23 points and 7 rebounds for Real. Guerschon Yabusele added 17 points and 6 rebounds, Petr Cornelie 6 points, Fabien Causeur 3, and Vincent Poirier none but with 5 rebounds.

Girona led at one point 20-8 but Chus Mateo’s players reacted in time with three triples consecutive signed by Petr Cornelie, Mario Hezonja and Sergio Llull to close the first ten minutes three points behind. Bàsquet Girona never stopped fighting, and at one point found themselves four points behind their prestigious and powerful rival (72-76), who ended up making a difference.

“There has been a very good spirit and the desire to play hard,” said Girona manager Aito Garcia Reneses. “The only failure was in the first half when we led by 12 points and we went crazy. Then very well. »