Defeat in Kaunas

Real Madrid was unable to extend its winning streak of four consecutive victories in the EuroLeague. Scariolo's side lost away to Zalgiris in a very closely contested game decided in the final moments. A questionable foul on Sylvain Francisco with 4 seconds left determined the victory for the hosts. Hezonja (18 points) and Tavares (12 points and a PIR of 25) were the standout players for Madrid in the match. Our team is now focusing on Sunday's league Clásico at the Palau Blaugrana.

Okeke led Madrid in the early stages of the game with 8 points in just three minutes to counter the baskets of Moses and Azoulas. Through former Madrid player Williams-Goss and Sylvain Francisco, the hosts managed to take the lead (15-13), but Hezonja stepped up after Okeke to score 9 consecutive points and regain the advantage (17-22; min. 7). Deck, with a three-pointer, Lyles, and Garuba helped maintain the lead before the end of the first quarter (25-29).

Maximum balance
Zalgiris quickly turned the score around thanks to Butkevicius and Sylvain Francisco, but Maledon (5 points) and Feliz responded to the hosts' surge (37-36; min. 13). The Lithuanians' great accuracy from beyond the arc (8/11 in three-pointers) prevented our team from regaining the lead (49-44; min. 17). The intensity was at its peak, and neither team let up. Then a stellar Llull emerged, who, with two consecutive three-pointers, turned the game around before halftime (53-55).

The second half began with a back-and-forth exchange of baskets that maintained Real Madrid's lead. Points were distributed among Campazzo, Hezonja, and Tavares (61-63; min. 25). The Madridistas did not relent despite Zalgiris' efforts, and thanks to three-pointers from Lyles and Maledon and their efficiency in rebounding, they entered the final quarter with a 4-point lead (68-72, min. 30).

Trading blows
The hosts started strong in the final stretch. They managed to retake the lead thanks to 5 points from Moses and baskets from Williams-Goss and Brazdeikis (79-76, min. 33). It didn't last long, as Garuba, Deck, and Hezonja, with another three-pointer, regained the advantage (79-83; min. 37). However, Zalgiris shifted gears, and the game entered the final minute with everything to play for (85-85). A questionable foul on Sylvain Francisco, who converted the free throws, put the hosts ahead with 4 seconds left. Hezonja attempted a buzzer-beater three-pointer that didn't go in, and the game ended 87-85.

Statistics of Zalgiris Kaunas-Real Madrid

 

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