Madrid's sixth league victory

Real Madrid secured their sixth victory in the league, their fourth consecutive win at the Movistar Arena, after beating Surne Bilbao Basket on matchday 7. Our team, which trailed at half-time after winning the first quarter by 11 points, had to dig deep in the final stretch and break the game open in the last quarter with a 19-8 run. Maledon (17 points and a PIR of 23) and Garuba (9, 6 rebounds and 3 blocks in 15 minutes) excelled.

It took Real Madrid three minutes to find their rhythm on their return to the Palacio in the league after a 14-day absence. They were solid in defense and forced seven fouls (scoring 10 points from free throws) with four players sharing the scoring: Kramer (4), Deck (4), Hezonja (7) and Maledon (8). This gave them the lead with an 8-0 run. They controlled the rest of the first quarter against a Surne Bilbao Basket team whose baskets came from turnovers (23-16, min. 10).

More parity
Two consecutive three-pointers by Llull at the start of the second quarter seemed to give Scariolo's team a boost, putting them 9 points ahead (29-18, min. 12). However, something was amiss. Only six assists in an attack that reduced their performance and a defence that began to leak easy baskets. That feeling of control faded as the minutes passed and Bilbao, led by former Real Madrid youth player Pantzar, gained in aggressiveness and energy, eventually turning the score around before the break (39-43, min. 20).

Madrid continued to search for the key to unlock their game. The battle for rebounds went to Surne Bilbao Basket, who also had more clarity and accuracy in attack. Hlinason, Lazarevic and Font, the latter with two consecutive three-pointers, opened up their biggest lead in the 27th minute (50-58). Our team struggled to produce, but Maledon's entry was crucial in changing the dynamic of the game. His speed in breaking down the defence with his penetrations and his vision of the game provided the spark the team needed. He and Tavares led a 13-4 run to end the final quarter 63-62

Garuba's energy
The home-grown player stepped up when Madrid needed him most. He was bursting with energy and inspired his teammates. He was everywhere and did everything. He scored seven points in a row, grabbed rebounds, made three blocks and provided assists. He left to a standing ovation from the Movistar Arena. Llull joined in with a spectacular basket after running the length of the court. Surne Bilbao Basket tried to get back into the game, but Madrid had already found the aggression that had been missing from their play and held their opponents to just eight points in the final quarter. Scariolo's men doubled their opponents' score. Tavares and Campazzo sealed another home win, with three other players (Maledon, Garuba and Hezonja) scoring in double digits (82-70, min. 40).