Poirier inspires third win of week at WiZink Center

Real Madrid capped a fantastic week with their third victory at the WiZink Center in just six days after victories over Maccabi and Asvel in the EuroLeague. Chus Mateo's side defeated Bàsquet Girona in a game that the visitors pulled level in the second half and that saw Poirier stand out in particular. The French centre put on his best display in the Madrid jersey and was instrumental in the victory, with 19 points, 10 rebounds, 4 blocks, 6 dunks and 37 in PIR in 29:41 minutes of play. Campazzo was also on song (17 points and 8 assists for 27 in PIR), As the league leaders have now won for the 18th time in this competition.

After the exertion of the EuroLeague double-header, it was important for the Whites to get off to a good start. The league leaders went ahead from the first possession and looked solid on the defensive rebound, without conceding second chances to Bàsquet Girona, who managed to keep the score level for seven minutes (13-12). At that point, Madrid upped the tempo of their attack. They did not concede any turnovers at the start and in barely three minutes they posted 15 points with outstanding accuracy from three-point range. The Argentine tandem, Campazzo (9 points and 4 assists)-Deck (4 and 3 rebounds), drove their team in the first quarter (28-18, min. 10).

Girona press, Madrid dig in
The visitors displayed greater urgency in the second quarter. They initially took advantage of Poirier's absence to establish a more regular scoring pattern with Djordjevic on the inside. The leaders slowed down at both ends of the court, but whenever the opposition sought to mount a comeback, they found a way to stop them. Some great work by Yabusele in attack (8 consecutive points) and accuracy from free throws ensured the Whites ended the first half with a four-point lead (48-44).

Madrid stepped up their aggression at the back in the third quarter and made it difficult for Bàsquet Girona to score. They were also more consistent in attack, alternating between some sparkling moves and precipitousness. Campazzo combined with Poirier to create alley oops, Abalde contributed from the three-point line and the leaders built up a 13-point lead in the 16th minute at 66-53. Pons drove Girona but Madrid's defence had stepped up a gear with the Argentinian point guard and the French centre on top form in all areas of the game (27 in PIR each).

Poirier sweeps away Girona
The game did not open up as a result of the visitors' efforts, but there was no sign of them threatening Madrid as the hosts were in control and responded swiftly to their opponents' baskets thanks to Poirier, who was relentless in the paint. In 29 minutes, he posted 19 points, 10 rebounds, 4 blocks and 37 in PIR, his highest ever as a madridista, previously at 31. Chus Mateo's charges managed to hold firm and Hezonja, with five straight points, sealed the team's 18th victory in the Liga Endesa (92-79, min. 40).

REAL MADRID-BÀSQUET GIRONA STATISTICS