Girona, Spain – Real Madrid secured its tenth consecutive victory in the Liga Endesa on Thursday, overcoming a resilient Bàsquet Girona side 93-95 in a tightly contested match. The win solidifies Real Madrid’s position among the league’s frontrunners as the regular season progresses.
The game, played at Girona’s home court, was a back-and-forth affair from the opening tip. Both teams demonstrated high defensive intensity, leading to a somewhat disjointed offensive flow in the early stages. Real Madrid managed to establish a slight advantage in the first quarter, fueled by early points from Hezonja and Tavares, finishing the period with a 13-22 lead. Still, Bàsquet Girona responded strongly in the second quarter, embarking on an 8-0 run to close the gap. Despite contributions from Maledon and Lyles, Madrid only held a minimal 36-37 lead at halftime.
The third quarter saw an increased tempo, with both offenses finding more rhythm. Hezonja and Maledon continued to lead the charge for Real Madrid, reaching double figures in scoring, while Livingston proved to be a key offensive threat for the home team, racking up 19 points. Madrid managed to build a six-point lead midway through the quarter, taking a 60-66 advantage into the final frame.
The fourth quarter proved to be the most dramatic. Girona refused to concede, with Geben and Rosembert contributing crucial points from the perimeter. The tension mounted as the clock ticked down, with both teams trading baskets. With just under four minutes remaining, Pep Busquets hit a crucial three-pointer for Girona, narrowing the deficit to 90-94. A series of free throws and tense possessions followed, with Feliz proving pivotal for Real Madrid in the closing minutes. He finished the game with 16 points and, crucially, intercepted the final play of the game, sealing the victory for the visitors.
Standout performances for Real Madrid included Hezonja, who finished with 19 points and a performance index rating (PIR) of 15, and Feliz, who contributed 17 points and a game-high PIR of 24. Lyles likewise played a significant role, adding 16 points and a PIR of 20. For Bàsquet Girona, Livingston’s 19 points led the scoring, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Real Madrid’s balanced attack.
The game highlighted Real Madrid’s ability to perform under pressure and secure a hard-fought win on the road. The team’s tenth consecutive victory in the Liga Endesa demonstrates their consistency and championship aspirations. It’s worth noting that Maledon, a key contributor throughout the season, recently received the League’s MVP award for November, recognizing his outstanding performance. News reports confirm the award presentation took place at the Movistar Arena.
The final moments of the game were particularly dramatic, with Maledon making a crucial defensive play to deny Needham a potential game-tying shot with just three seconds remaining. Detailed play-by-play accounts from Mundo Deportivo highlight the intensity of the finish.
What’s Next: Real Madrid will return to action next week with a home game against Valencia Basket on April 5th. The team will look to continue its winning streak and maintain its position at the top of the Liga Endesa standings. Fans can find the latest updates and schedules on the official Real Madrid website.
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