A brilliant Madrid put on a show against Fenerbahce
84
-58
Real Madrid
FinishedFenerbahce
Scariolo's team, with a sensational first half and one of their best defensive performances in the Euroleague, beat the reigning champions to preserve their unbeaten home record.
Real Madrid continue their flawless start to the season at home. Scariolo's men faced a tough test with the visit of Fenerbahce and passed with flying colours. They put in a great performance against the reigning Euroleague champions with an almost defining first half, where they achieved a +27 run. In addition, they ended up conceding only 58 points, their eighth-best defensive record in the history of the competition. Tavares and Maledon, with 23 points each, led the team to their fourth consecutive victory at the Movistar Arena in this competition, their seventh overall counting the League.
Madrid came out strong and delighted the Movistar Arena with a sensational first six minutes, where they were relentless in defence under Tavares's command and put on a show in attack. They outplayed Fenerbahce, controlled the defensive rebound and scored everything they shot from three-point range. Four three-pointers, two from Campazzo, one from Lyles and another from Abalde, gave them a 20-6 lead. Horton Tucker and Colson, with a streak of three consecutive three-pointers, somewhat limited the damage from a superb first quarter for Madrid (25-16).
Madrid reach excellence in the second quarter
Fenerbahce wanted to take advantage of Tavares' absence to close the gap on the scoreboard. They tried to do so at 29-20 in the 13th minute, but they came up against a very plugged-in Madrid. They were limited to three baskets in play in this period. Garuba dominated the paint, rebounding and blocking three shots. He injected a shot of energy into a team that flew across the court in this period in the presence of their new signing Alex Len, who was enjoying Madrid's recital. Deck, Campazzo and Maledon, the latter with two 2+1 plays and two free throws for eight points in a row, led an 18-0 run that would end up being 24-6 before the break (49-22).
Scariolo's men had the game in their hands, although there could be less inspired moments in attack. This happened in the third quarter as Fenerbahce improved defensively. But Madrid maintained their defensive concentration and did not allow their opponents any easy baskets or any runs that could spark them into life. What's more, Tavares, Lyles and Maledon led their team to a 30-point lead (56-24, min. 25).
Brilliant victory
Madrid had learned their lesson and that was the end of the game. Fenerbahce wanted to reduce the deficit. However, our team were extremely solid throughout the 40 minutes. Between blocks, a total of nine, they put in one of their best defensive performances ever in the Euroleague. In the top 10 against an opponent of the Turks' calibre.
The 111-43 rating reflects the enormous superiority of a Madrid team in which Campazzo, Maledon, Deck, Lyles and Garuba finished with double-digit ratings (84-58, min. 40).