Real Madrid closed out a hugely demanding week with a win in Granada to make it three on the bounce in the last six days. After successes at FK Crvena Zvezda and Alba Berlín in the Euroleague, our team got the better of Coviran Granada in a tough clash that was resolved in a stunning final 15 minutes thanks to a 25-46 run. It was a fantastic display on the offensive rebound with 22 (three off a team record). Tavares posted another double-double with 15 points, 10 rebounds and a PIR of 28. Musa, with 20 points and a PIR of 24 was the other standout performer for Chus Mateo's boys, who made sure of a place among the seeded teams for the Copa del Rey as they remain top of the table with 13 wins.
Granada's Palacio de Deportes was full as they welcomed Real Madrid for the first time in the ACB. The visitors took a while to warm into the clash, slowly wresting the initiative back following the hosts' impressive start, led by Díaz (9-6, min.5). It wasn't a lively first quarter, but the league leaders made the most of their second chances near the hoop which presented themselves thanks to some fine work on the offensive rebound, and a particularly dominant Tavares (8 points and 4 offensive rebounds). Llull and Musa's arrival also improved things up top, leading to a 5-13 run in our favour, topped off by the captain with a stunning triple on the buzzer (14-19, min.10).
Big lead at the break
The offensive stagnation continued in the second quarter as neither team was able to put down any real runs and the points continued to trickle in slowly. Meanwhile, Madrid were able to shackle Coviran Granada's energy thanks to the Cornelie-Poirier duo (8 rebounds and 3 blocks). Chus Mateo switched things around from the bench in search of a spark, and Rudy came back to the floor with a triple. The hosts then edged back into the game at 24-26 with 19 minutes gone. A positive final minute for Madrid saw them link a run of counter-attacks to a 0-6 run, to close out the first half with an 8-point lead (24-32).
Video.62-82: Madrid cap off a perfect week in Granada
The half-time break appeared to be just the tonic the game needed. The Granada team, with Renfroe, Bropleh and Niang at the front, managed to get in front with 25 minutes gone at 37-36. Our team held on in there thanks to their fantastic offensive rebound with 17 captures at this stage, and the incredible efforts of Tavares and Yabusele. The game was becoming an uphill task as Coviran Granada grew into the game, backed by the home support.
Stunning madridista reaction
The response was not long in coming though, and just as the game was on a knife-edge, Madrid found their very best. The offensive accuracy finally appeared, alongside an incredible offensive rhythm that the hosts could do nothing to stop. Musa was at the forefront, with 7 points in the closing stages to open up a lead that grew by the minute, thanks to Causeur, Llull, Hezonja and Tavares. The center and Musa were key to the madridistas' success: Tavares clinched another double-double and the forward posted 16 of his 20 points in the second half. Chus Mateo's side made sure of the win with a sublime 15 minutes and a 25-46 closing run (62-82, min.40) to seal a fifth successive win.
COVIRAN GRANADA-REAL MADRID STATISTICS
