Real Madrid wins in overtime with a colossal performance by Hezonja

Real Madrid defeated UCAM Murcia in overtime 131-123 in the game of matchday 29 of the Liga Endesa. This was achieved through the colossal performance of Mario Hezonja, who scored 40 points (with 8 three-pointers) and achieved a PIR of 53, a number not seen in the ACB since 2006. In the 29 minutes and 40 seconds he played, he made 4/8 on two-point shots, 8/12 on three-pointers, 8/9 on free throws, grabbed 11 rebounds, provided 6 assists, and drew 6 fouls.

After a closely contested first quarter, our team had to battle from behind for much of the game due to the accuracy of the visiting team. However, Scariolo's side never gave up and pushed the game into overtime with a 26-12 run in the last five minutes. Lyles, with 26 points and 36 PIR, was another standout for our team, which secured first place in the regular league with this victory.

Visitors start strong
The game began with a high-paced offense. Hezonja and Maledon took the initiative for Madrid in the opening minutes, but the Murcia team pulled ahead by capitalizing on free throws and DeJulius's precision (13-16). In the final minutes of the quarter, Garuba, with several offensive rebounds, and Llull, from beyond the arc, helped close the gap. However, Murcia ended the quarter with a four-point lead (25-29).

The gap widens
Things got tougher for us in the early stages of the second quarter. The visitors' high accuracy allowed them to achieve a 10-point lead (28-38). Scariolo found the key to reversing the momentum in Lyles. The Canadian scored 12 points in three minutes and reduced the deficit (42-44). However, it wasn’t enough to reignite the team against a rival that hit 76% of its two-point shots and went into halftime with an even larger lead (50-63, min. 20).

A change of script
Our team came out after halftime determined to change the script. In the opening minutes, Hezonja once again took center stage with two consecutive three-pointers (14 points at that moment), reducing the deficit to six (61-67). The challenge was immense, and despite improving defensive efforts in this quarter, UCAM Murcia surged late to widen their lead again (81-92, min. 30).

Hezonja forces overtime
The final quarter delivered a nail-biting finish at the Movistar Arena. Lyles led the way in the early minutes, but DeJulius's standout performance (22 points and 36 PIR) allowed the Murcia team to maintain a lead with five minutes remaining (88-102). The game seemed impossible to turn around, but Real Madrid never gives up. With immense tenacity and Hezonja's three-pointers, the team once again demonstrated its competitive spirit. They put together a stunning 26-12 run in 5 minutes, and a basket by the Croatian with three seconds left tied the game to force overtime (114-114, min. 40).

Madrid triumphs in overtime
The overtime period maintained the same intensity from start to finish. Despite the accumulated fatigue throughout the week, the team managed to sustain its offensive level and, with two minutes remaining, took the lead (121-120). Hezonja capped off his incredible performance by scoring his 40th point (with a 53 PIR) and received a tremendous ovation from the Palacio. UCAM Murcia couldn't find the accuracy they had shown earlier, and our team dominated the defensive rebounds to complete an outstanding comeback, secure their 26th win in the championship, and also clinch the top spot in the regular phase (131-123, min. 45).

Real Madrid-UCAM Murcia Statistics

 

Disclaimer: Translation generated by artificial intelligence. It may contain inaccuracies.