Real Madrid (12-3) found out that their head coach Pablo Laso and point guard Thomas Heurtel are down with Covid, but that didn't stop them from blowing out ALBA Berlin (5-10) at home 87-64 (19-16, 24-10, 17-20, 27-18).
| Player of the Game | |
|
EFF
25
|
| Walter Tavares | |
| Points | 17 |
| Accuracy | 8-8 |
| Rebounds | 7 |
| Assists | 1 |
ALBA kept it close in the first quarter, leading for more than half of the period. However, that's when Real started proving their edge. The hosts had a three-point lead to start the second and started increasing their advantage exponentially.
The Royal club went on a 16-3 run, led by Walter Tavares and Rudy Fernandez (39-23) to put the game out of ALBA's reach. After holding ALBA to just 10 points in the period, Real's advantage ballooned to 17 points going into halftime (43-26).
Anthony Randolph returned from a lengthy recovery from injury tonight, erupting for 11 points in the third period. However, ALBA cut their deficit to 14 going into the final period.
The visitors managed to come within 11 in the fourth, but that was their best effort. Real kicked back into high gear, and it wasn't long until their lead jumped back up to 21 (80-59). The hosts ended up winning it by 23.
Walter Tavares led Real with 17 points (8/8 2PT, 1/1 FT), 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 1 block, 4 turnovers, and 25 PIR.
"I think it went perfectly because we know they are a dangerous team," Tavares said post-game. "I just keep being ready and keep giving every game its importance. In the end, that is the most important, to be ready to play, rest and come to play every night, so that is the most important."
Anthony Randolph was also great in his return, finishing with 13 points (2/4 2PT, 1/4 3PT, 6/6 FT), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 turnover, and 15 PIR. His last EuroLeague game was almost exactly one year ago: on December 18, 2020.
"I still have a long way to go," Randolph admitted after the game. "It has been a long road to recovery, but thanks to my coaches, the teammates, and everybody for supporting me and keeping the faith in me."
Assistant coach Chus Mateo took on temporary leadership while Pablo Laso is absent for Real.
Highlights:
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