The Liga Endesa final started with a victory for Real Madrid (89-75) at the Movistar Arena. Real Madrid emerged victorious on Friday with a score of 89-75 against Valencia Basket in the first game of the 2024/25 Liga Endesa final, held at the Movistar Arena in the Spanish capital. Key players for Real Madrid included the Cape Verdean center Walter ‘Edy’ Tavares and Dominican point guard Andrés Feliz. This win put Real Madrid ahead 1-0 in the playoff series.
The game began with a quick score by Mario Hezonja against Jean Montero after the initial jump ball. Valencia Basket responded with three-pointers from Brancou Badio and Nate Reuvers. Walter Tavares struggled initially in the low post, but Alberto Abalde contributed from the perimeter to keep Real Madrid in the lead.
Real Madrid’s bench players like Andrés Feliz, Sergio Llull, Dzanan Musa, and Bruno Fernando provided valuable support to the team, with Llull making crucial baskets. The first quarter ended with Real Madrid leading 19-15.
The second quarter saw back-and-forth action, with both teams struggling from beyond the arc. Valencia Basket managed to tie the game at 28-28, but Real Madrid responded with key plays from Feliz to maintain a slim lead of 35-32 at halftime.
The third quarter saw a strong start from Valencia Basket, going on a 0-9 run to take the lead. However, Real Madrid fought back with solid three-point shooting, particularly from Hezonja and Feliz. The quarter ended with Real Madrid ahead 64-60.
In the final quarter, Real Madrid extended their lead as Valencia Basket’s offense faltered. Fernando, Feliz, and Musa continued to score for Real Madrid, sealing the victory. Campazzo’s three-pointer with 1:44 left in the game put the game out of reach for Valencia Basket.
The next game will take place on Sunday at the same venue. The Movistar Arena hosted 10,064 spectators for this exciting matchup.
FUENTE
