Barcelona Advances in ACB Final with High-Scoring Win Over Valencia
FC Barcelona Basketball secured a 112-105 victory over Valencia Basket in the first game of the 2024 Liga ACB finals, marking the first time in the league’s history that both teams scored over 100 points in a final match, according to official league records and live game data.
The game, held at Palau Blaugrana in Barcelona on May 22, 2024, set a new standard for offensive intensity in ACB championship play. The result gives Barcelona a 1-0 series lead as the best-of-five finals continue.
What Happened in the ACB Final First Game?
Barcelona’s 112-105 win over Valencia marked the first time in Liga ACB history that both teams exceeded 100 points in a final game, according to the league’s official website. The high-scoring affair featured 10 lead changes and multiple fourth-quarter surges from both sides.
Valencia, known for its defensive resilience, struggled to contain Barcelona’s offensive firepower. The hosts shot 52% from the field, including 11 three-pointers, while Valencia managed 48% shooting. The game’s combined total of 217 points surpassed the previous ACB final scoring record of 208 set in 2019.
Barcelona’s victory was fueled by standout performances from guard Chris Clyburn, who scored 28 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, and forward Jayson Granger, who contributed 22 points and 7 assists, according to the game’s official box score.
Why This Game Matters for the Series
The win gives Barcelona a crucial advantage as the series shifts to Valencia’s home court for Game 2 on May 24. The outcome could influence momentum heading into the final stages of the playoffs, which determine the 2024 ACB champion.
Valencia’s coach, José Luis Gutiérrez, acknowledged the challenge ahead: “We need to adjust our defensive schemes and limit Barcelona’s open looks. The next game will be critical for our chances,” he said in a postgame press conference, as reported by López Doriga.
For Barcelona, the victory reinforces their status as the league’s dominant team this season. The club has won 11 of its last 12 games in the playoffs, including a 4-1 series win over Real Madrid in the semifinals.
Key Performances and Turning Points
Clyburn’s all-around performance was pivotal. His 28 points came on 10-of-15 shooting, including 4-of-6 from three-point range. He also anchored the defense, recording 3 steals and 2 blocks, according to the game’s play-by-play data.
The game’s turning point came in the fourth quarter when Barcelona surged ahead with a 12-2 run. Granger’s 8 points during the stretch, including a contested jumper with 4:30 remaining, helped build a 10-point lead that Valencia couldn’t overcome.
Valencia’s leading scorer, D’Awan Mitchel, finished with 25 points but was limited by Barcelona’s defensive pressure. Mitchel shot just 8-of-22 from the field, a stark contrast to his season average of 18.7 points per game, per Basketball-Reference.
What’s Next for Barcelona and Valencia?
The second game of the finals will take place at Palau de l’Esport de Valencia on May 24 at 21:00 CEST (19:00 UTC). Valencia will need to adjust its strategy to counter Barcelona’s offensive efficiency, particularly their ability to stretch the floor with three-point shooting.
Barcelona’s coaching staff emphasized the importance of maintaining focus. “We can’t let the first win define us,” said head coach Joan Peñarroya in a El Tiempo interview. “Valencia is a dangerous team at home, and we need to be ready for their adjustments.”
Valencia’s next challenge will be to improve its second-half execution. The team scored just 48 points in the fourth quarter, compared to Barcelona’s 54, according to the game’s official stats.
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