89-70: Victory on return of league to WiZink Center
Real Madrid outclassed Bàsquet Girona and dominated the game with a three-point shooting display. Randolph, was our team's standout performer with 20 points.
Real Madrid recorded their 22nd victory in the league by defeating Bàsquet Girona at the WiZink Center in the first of this week's double header in the competition. Chus Mateo's troops sparkled in attack, where they produced 16 three-pointers 7 in the second quarter, with scoring very evenly distributed, ensuring the Whites controlled the game masterfully. Randolph, with 20 in PIR, led five players in double figures Yabusele, 18; Tavares, 17; Causeur, 15; and Musa, 13.
The league returned to the Palacio after a 17-day absence, and Madrid came onto the court highly motivated in front of their home fans. A well-drilled defence, with a commanding Tavares two blocks in the first minute, and an all-action attack Musa was the top scorer with 5 points, ensured the hosts soon took control of the proceedings. They opened up a comfortable lead in the first quarter against a competitive Bàsquet Girona, who made the most of the little space the madridistas allowed them 19-11, min.10.
Showcase in the triples
The visitors became stronger offensively in the second quarter, in part because Chus Mateo's men came out determined to try and break the deadlock. They pulled to within one point at 19-18 after five straight points from Mar Gasol. But as soon as Madrid rediscovered their swift movement with the ball, they increased the difference. This was down to an extraordinarily clinical 53% success rate from 6.75m, where they hit seven three-pointers in these 10 minutes including three from Rudy before withdrawing due to an accidental blow to the face, two from Sergio Rodríguez, one from Yabusele and another from Randolph, as they built up a lead that would rise to its highest at half-time 44-32, min.20.
The league returned to the Palacio after a 17-day absence, and Madrid came onto the court highly motivated in front of their home fans. A well-drilled defence, with a commanding Tavares two blocks in the first minute, and an all-action attack Musa was the top scorer with 5 points, ensured the hosts soon took control of the proceedings. They opened up a comfortable lead in the first quarter against a competitive Bàsquet Girona, who made the most of the little space the madridistas allowed them 19-11, min.10.
Showcase in the triples
The visitors became stronger offensively in the second quarter, in part because Chus Mateo's men came out determined to try and break the deadlock. They pulled to within one point at 19-18 after five straight points from Mar Gasol. But as soon as Madrid rediscovered their swift movement with the ball, they increased the difference. This was down to an extraordinarily clinical 53% success rate from 6.75m, where they hit seven three-pointers in these 10 minutes including three from Rudy before withdrawing due to an accidental blow to the face, two from Sergio Rodríguez, one from Yabusele and another from Randolph, as they built up a lead that would rise to its highest at half-time 44-32, min.20.
The home side's players were rotated throughout the contest, and this allowed them to sustain a high tempo, as well as the focus required to works towards the win. Bàsquet Girona looked to mount a comeback in the second quarter in a similar fashion to the previous one, with Marc Gasol bringing them within eight points. This time, Madrid gave no concessions, and the response was even more overwhelming thanks to a hard-fought collective effort. Yabusele excelled with 10 points, Causeur had his share of baskets and so did Randolph. A free throw by Llull, the 10th player to score today, accounted for Madrid's 27th point in the third quarter and a 20-point difference 71-51.
All-round team victory
Once again today, the squad's strength of character shone through. Despite notable absentees and other players such as Williams-Goss and Llull returning from injury, Randolph proved to be the game's standout performer 12 points and 8 rebounds and showed signs that he has fully recovered from his injury. The madridistas demonstrated total commitment and were at their best, which was evident when Tavares stole the show in the final quarter. The centre hit his second three-pointer in our jersey in the last quarter and the WiZink Center wildly applauded him. Although they had the game well in their hands, they showed their resilience to win the clash by 19 points 89-70. On Sunday, the Whites face a fresh league challenge in Badalona 6pm CET.
REAL MADRID-BÀSQUET GIRONA STATISTICS
All-round team victory
Once again today, the squad's strength of character shone through. Despite notable absentees and other players such as Williams-Goss and Llull returning from injury, Randolph proved to be the game's standout performer 12 points and 8 rebounds and showed signs that he has fully recovered from his injury. The madridistas demonstrated total commitment and were at their best, which was evident when Tavares stole the show in the final quarter. The centre hit his second three-pointer in our jersey in the last quarter and the WiZink Center wildly applauded him. Although they had the game well in their hands, they showed their resilience to win the clash by 19 points 89-70. On Sunday, the Whites face a fresh league challenge in Badalona 6pm CET.
REAL MADRID-BÀSQUET GIRONA STATISTICS