Trent Forrest Seals Thriller for Baskonia as ‘Che’ García’s Debut Ends in Heartbreak

In a game that mirrored the volatility of a coin toss, Kosner Baskonia survived a spirited challenge from Dreamland Gran Canaria, securing an 88-86 victory at the Buesa Arena. The contest was defined by two contrasting narratives: the clinical late-game execution of Trent Forrest and the immediate, albeit temporary, spark ignited by the debut of Argentinian head coach Néstor “Che” García.

Forrest provided the decisive moment with just seven seconds remaining on the clock. In a sequence described as a “magic trick,” Forrest converted a basket whereas drawing a personal foul, completing a three-point play that pushed the lead to 88-86 and effectively neutralized a relentless Gran Canaria comeback. The win underscores Baskonia’s ability to maintain composure under pressure, while leaving the visitors to ponder what might have been in a debut that promised much but delivered no reward.

The ‘Che’ García Effect: An Early Surge

The arrival of Néstor “Che” García on the Gran Canaria bench brought an immediate shift in energy. The Argentinian coach, who takes over until the complete of the season following the departure of Jaka Laković, appeared to unlock a version of the team that had been missing for much of the campaign. From the opening tip, the “yellow” side of the court dominated the rhythm.

Gran Canaria stormed out to an 8-0 lead, fueled by two triples from their interior players. The visitors’ defense stifled the hosts, holding Baskonia to just 10 points in the first quarter. By the end of the first period, the scoreboard read 20-10 in favor of the islanders, a reflection of a team suddenly emboldened by a change in leadership.

The momentum carried into the second act. A 5-0 run at the start of the second quarter extended the lead to 15 points, with Isaiah Wong playing a pivotal role in maintaining the pressure. Despite Baskonia’s attempts to claw back, Gran Canaria held their ground, leading 40-33 at the halftime break.

Baskonia’s Second-Half Response

The narrative shifted dramatically after the interval. Baskonia, returning both Kobi Simmons and Rodi Kurucs to the lineup, began to dismantle the Gran Canaria lead through a combination of defensive intensity and offensive efficiency. The turning point arrived in the early stages of the third quarter when the vitorianos unleashed a 14-4 run, erasing the deficit and seizing control of the game.

Kobi Simmons proved to be the offensive engine for the hosts, finishing the night with a game-high 21 points. As the game entered its final stages, the contest devolved into a “cara o cruz” (heads or tails) scenario, with neither team able to establish a definitive cushion.

While Chimezi Metu and Isaiah Wong led the charge for the visitors, Gran Canaria struggled to find easy baskets against a tightened Baskonia defense. The game ultimately came down to the wire, where the experience of Forrest and the scoring of Simmons outweighed the initial energy brought by the new coaching staff.

Pedigree and Pressure: Who is Néstor García?

The appointment of Néstor “Che” García is a strategic move by Dreamland Gran Canaria to stabilize a season that has spiraled. The 60-year-old coach arrives with a storied international résumé, having led national teams for Argentina, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic. His achievements include winning the FIBA South American Championship and guiding Venezuela to a historic AmeriCup title in 2015, which secured Olympic qualification.

At the club level, García has claimed domestic titles in Argentina, Venezuela, and Uruguay, alongside the South American Club Championship and the Liga de las Américas. He is no stranger to Spanish basketball, having previously coached Fuenlabrada during the 2017–18 season, where he led the team to a Copa del Rey appearance and their strongest-ever start.

Despite the loss, the performance seen at the Buesa Arena suggests that García’s arrival has “released” the team, allowing them to exhibit qualities that had remained dormant throughout the season. Still, the stakes remain perilously high.

Critical Game Statistics

• Final Score: Kosner Baskonia 88, Dreamland Gran Canaria 86
• Top Scorer (Baskonia): Kobi Simmons – 21 points
• First Quarter Score: 10-20 (Gran Canaria lead)
• Halftime Score: 33-40 (Gran Canaria lead)
• Deciding Play: Trent Forrest 2+1 with 7 seconds remaining

The Road Ahead for Gran Canaria

While the debut of “Che” García provided a tactical boost, the reality of the standings remains grim. Dreamland Gran Canaria currently sits near the bottom of the Liga Endesa standings and has already missed out on the Basketball Champions League quarterfinals. The club is now in a fight to maintain its category, meaning every remaining game against direct rivals is essentially a playoff match.

For Baskonia, the victory reinforces their status as one of the more formidable teams in Europe, demonstrating a resilience that allows them to overcome double-digit deficits against motivated opponents.

The next critical checkpoint for Dreamland Gran Canaria will be their upcoming fixtures in the Liga Endesa, where García must translate this early emotional spark into consistent wins to avoid the drop.

Do you think a coaching change is enough to save Gran Canaria’s season? Let us know in the comments below.