Madrid claim another big win at the Movistar Arena

Real Madrid continued their great form with their fifth straight EuroLeague victory after a brilliant win over EA7 Emporio Armani Milan at the Movistar Arena. Scariolo’s men, who have stepped up a gear in this competition in January, in which they have won everything, produced one of their most complete performances of the season at all levels, putting the seal on an almost perfect first half with a 54-36 scoreline.

The Whites came out all guns blazing in the first quarter, imposing a very high offensive tempo. They scored 30 points through sheer ball circulation and plenty of efficiency. Five three-pointers out of six attempts, with Abalde (8 points) and Hezonja (7) leading a 30-17 run in the first eight minutes. Scariolo's team's control was only slightly interrupted in the final stretch of this period by two three-pointers from Milan (30-23, min.10).

Total dominance
Alongside their offensive showcase, Madrid upped the defensive intensity in the second quarter to open up a significant lead. The second line kept things flowing in offence, with Lyles bursting onto the scene in some style. In just eight minutes on the floor, he posted 11 points, firing our team ahead. He wasn’t the only one either – every player did their bit: Len (6 points and 2 rebounds), Campazzo, Maledon, Kramer… But the defence is where the game was really won. Madrid tightened up on the perimeter, denied any second chances, and cut off easy baskets, holding Milan to just 13 points and heading into halftime with a 54-36 lead.
 
Madrid maintained their focus and defensive intensity in the second half to manage a comfortable lead that stretched to 27 points at 75-48 in the 28th minute. They completely neutralised Milan’s threat from three-point range. The second-best outfit in the competition from the 6.75, averaging nearly 40%, were restricted to below 25% tonight. Hezonja, Tavares, and Lyles shut down any attempt by the visitors to claw their way back in the third quarter, which again went Madrid’s way, 24-19 (78-55 at 30’).
 
Record-breaking winning margin
Even with the game all but over, Madrid didn’t ease up. The final quarter saw both teams trade baskets, as the lead reached 30 points. The Madridistas were just one point shy of matching a season-high score in the EuroLeague (107 against Dubai Basketball). They did achieve a new record winning margin, though, at +29 – three more than their previous best in Round 8 against Fenerbahçe (106-77 at 40’). The bond between team and fans makes Madrid nearly unstoppable at home, where they’ve won 10 of 11 games. Next up, Monaco visit on Thursday.