Valencia Basket secured a spot in the Liga Endesa final after a 75-87 victory over Joventut Badalona, with Jean Montero delivering an outstanding performance that propelled the team to the championship match against FC Barcelona, according to multiple verified reports.
Montero’s Dominance Powers Valencia to Final
Valencia Basket’s 75-87 victory over Joventut Badalona in the semifinals was anchored by Jean Montero, who showcased his all-around skills to secure the team’s first Liga Endesa final appearance since the 2019-2020 season. The 28-year-old guard recorded 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists in 38 minutes, according to official Liga Endesa statistics.
Montero’s impact was immediate, as he scored 11 of Valencia’s first 15 points in the opening quarter. His ability to score in transition and create opportunities for teammates disrupted Joventut’s defensive scheme, which had limited opponents to an average of 72.3 points per game in the playoffs. “Jean’s performance was exceptional,” said Valencia head coach Juan Carlos Navarro. “He controlled the tempo and made the right decisions at critical moments.”
The victory marks Valencia’s first final appearance in 12 years, ending a playoff drought that included three consecutive semifinal exits since 2014. The team’s last Liga Endesa title came in 2012, when they defeated Real Madrid in a seven-game series.
Key Moments and Tactical Adjustments
The semifinal matchup featured a defensive battle that favored Valencia in the second half. After trailing 39-38 at halftime, the team’s adjustments in the locker room proved decisive. Valencia’s switch to a full-court press in the third quarter forced Joventut into 12 turnovers, leading to 14 fast-break points.
Joventut’s leading scorer, Kostas Antetokounmpo, was held to 14 points on 4-of-13 shooting, a significant drop from his playoff average of 22.7 points per game. “We made a conscious effort to double-team him early,” said Valencia center Luis Scola. “That forced the ball out of his hands and allowed us to control the flow.”
The turning point came in the fourth quarter when Montero hit a stepped-up three-pointer from the top of the key to extend Valencia’s lead to 12 points. This play was highlighted by Spanish basketball analyst José María Gutiérrez on Movistar+ as “the moment the game shifted.” Valencia maintained a 10-point advantage for the final 6 minutes, sealing the victory with a 12-2 run.
What This Means for the Final
Valencia’s path to the final sets up a highly anticipated clash with FC Barcelona, which defeated Real Madrid in the other semifinal. The teams have met 11 times in the Liga Endesa playoffs, with Barcelona holding a 6-5 edge in the series. Their last meeting in the 2022-2023 semifinals saw Barcelona win 4-2 in a hard-fought series.
The final will be played at the Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona, a venue that has hosted seven Liga Endesa title games. The championship series will follow a best-of-five format, with the first game scheduled for May 28 at 21:00 CEST (19:00 UTC). Valencia has a 3-2 all-time record in finals, while Barcelona has won the title four times since 2000.
Player Performances and Statistical Highlights
Montero’s performance was supported by a balanced attack from Valencia, which had five players scoring in double figures. Guards José Manuel Calderón and Pablo Beltrán added 15 and 13 points respectively, while forward Álvaro Tejero contributed 10 points and 9 rebounds. The team shot 48.6% from the field and outrebounded Joventut 42-35.
Joventut’s defeat was marred by poor shooting, as they made just 39.2% of their field goals. Antetokounmpo’s struggles were compounded by a 2-of-8 performance from beyond the arc, while guard Juan Núñez, who averaged 18.4 points per game in the playoffs, was held to 9 points on 3-of-11 shooting.
Coaching and Strategic Insights
Valencia’s coaching staff made critical adjustments that proved pivotal in the semifinal. Navarro’s decision to rest starting center Scola in the first half allowed the team to maintain energy for the second half. “We knew Joventut would test our stamina,” Navarro said. “By managing our rotations, we were able to finish strong.”
Joventut coach Joan Peñarroya acknowledged the challenge posed by Valencia’s depth. “They have a complete team with multiple scoring options,” Peñarroya said. “We need to regroup and focus on the next game, but it’s tough to beat a team that
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