80-82: Madrid win in Belgrade to force fourth match
An outstanding Tavares, with 41 in PIR, leads our team's comeback against Partizan to make it 1-2 in the playoffs.
Real Madrid are still alive and kicking in the EuroLeague. The Whites seem to thrive in extreme situations and once again proved so this evening just when it looked like everything was going against them in the series. The visitors got off to a bad start as Partizan raced 15 points clear at the start of this third match. But Madrid picked themselves up as they always do and turned the game on its head with a sublime second quarter which set them on course for victory to make it 1-2 in the EuroLeague playoff series. Tavares delivered a sublime performance, the best ever by a Madrid player in a playoff game 26 points, 11 rebounds and 41 in PIR. Williams-Goss 22 and 19 and Hezonja 12, 14 rebounds and 22 also excelled. Chus Mateo‘s men now have the opportunity to level the tie in 48 hours’ time Thursday, 8.30pm CET.
A packed Stark Arena saw both teams carrying a banner with the message 'Basketball unites people', and the game started with Partizan putting together a 12-0 run in three minutes – a lead that would peg back the Whites for the entire first quarter. Madrid were not at their best defensively and were overwhelmed by the Serbians, who showed great commitment and conviction. Madar and Smailagic spearheaded their team at the start, while Williams-Goss was Madrid's most decisive player on the offensive end 32-19.
Sublime reaction
Madrid improved dramatically from the 13th minute with the score at 41-26. The introduction of Sergio Rodríguez transformed Madrid's attack, where Rudy 2 three-pointers and Musa 7 points posed a constant threat, while Tavares took centre stage in the paint. The centre was dominant in the zone and, thanks to his 16 points, 7 rebounds and 24 in PIR, he orchestrated a 7-19 run in Madrid's favour over the next seven minutes to get the visitors back into the game before the break 48-45.
A packed Stark Arena saw both teams carrying a banner with the message 'Basketball unites people', and the game started with Partizan putting together a 12-0 run in three minutes – a lead that would peg back the Whites for the entire first quarter. Madrid were not at their best defensively and were overwhelmed by the Serbians, who showed great commitment and conviction. Madar and Smailagic spearheaded their team at the start, while Williams-Goss was Madrid's most decisive player on the offensive end 32-19.
Sublime reaction
Madrid improved dramatically from the 13th minute with the score at 41-26. The introduction of Sergio Rodríguez transformed Madrid's attack, where Rudy 2 three-pointers and Musa 7 points posed a constant threat, while Tavares took centre stage in the paint. The centre was dominant in the zone and, thanks to his 16 points, 7 rebounds and 24 in PIR, he orchestrated a 7-19 run in Madrid's favour over the next seven minutes to get the visitors back into the game before the break 48-45.
Madrid completed the comeback 10 minutes after being behind by 15 points. Williams-Goss stepped in for Sergio Rodríguez and assumed the role in offence. His seven points and a three-pointer from Hezonja put the madridistas up for the first time at 53-54 on the 23' mark. The Whites tightened up defensively, controlling the rebounding and shutting down the zone. Partizan were now depending on isolated three-pointers and Leday's efforts, but Chus Mateo's charges limited the hosts to 15 points in the third quarter. While Madrid racked up 21, with 15 from Williams-Goss and 20 from Tavares 63-66, min.30.
Victory is secured
In the last quarter there were no more big runs, as the tension levels went up a notch. Every ball and every possession were fiercely fought. Williams-Goss and Tavares were pushing Madrid to counter a Partizan side, driven on by Exum and Nunnally. The score was deadlocked at 77-77 heading into the final minute. And the madridistas made sure the victory didn't slip away. They produced three great defensive actions and in attack the three best players of the day Williams-Goss, Hezonja and Tavares performed magnificently. The centre contributed with an offensive rebound; the point guard, with a three-pointer; and the small forward with two free throws that brought the score to 77-82 after a 0-5 run and sealed the victory 80-82. The Stark Arena, where Madrid lifted La Décima, will be the venue for the fourth game this Thursday.
PARTIZAN-REAL MADRID STATISTICS
Victory is secured
In the last quarter there were no more big runs, as the tension levels went up a notch. Every ball and every possession were fiercely fought. Williams-Goss and Tavares were pushing Madrid to counter a Partizan side, driven on by Exum and Nunnally. The score was deadlocked at 77-77 heading into the final minute. And the madridistas made sure the victory didn't slip away. They produced three great defensive actions and in attack the three best players of the day Williams-Goss, Hezonja and Tavares performed magnificently. The centre contributed with an offensive rebound; the point guard, with a three-pointer; and the small forward with two free throws that brought the score to 77-82 after a 0-5 run and sealed the victory 80-82. The Stark Arena, where Madrid lifted La Décima, will be the venue for the fourth game this Thursday.
PARTIZAN-REAL MADRID STATISTICS