Real Madrid wins the clash against Valencia and takes first place in Liga Endesa

Real Madrid is the winter champion in Liga Endesa. Théo Maledon’s team won the Liga Endesa clash on the last day of the first half of the season, this Sunday, January 18. However, Sergio Scariolo’s team had a rough start to the game…

A disastrous start for Madrid

The visitors took off strong, punishing Madrid from 3-point range with three consecutive three-pointers. Nathan Reuvers particularly shined by neutralizing Walter Tavares‘ dominance in the paint. While Madrid struggled at 0/4 from beyond the arc, Valencia connected through Xabier López-Arostegui, Darius Thompson and Brancou Badio to inflict a stinging 14-0 run on the home team.

The first quarter ended with a decisive score of 24-9 in favor of the Taronja, who displayed a remarkable 7/12 from 3-point range (58%). Jean Montero, Kameron Taylor and Omari Moore broke down one-on-ones with ease, extending Valencia’s lead to 17 points (17-32, 14th minute).

The comeback orchestrated by Hezonja and Llull

The entry of Sergio Llull and Usman Garuba changed everything. Two 3-pointers from the Madrid captain reignited hope at the Movistar Arena, forcing Pedro Martínez to call a timeout. A third three-pointer from Llull, assisted by David Krämer, cut the deficit to just 5 points before halftime (35-40).

Mario Hezonja then took charge of completing the comeback with a 3-pointer to tie the game, before Tavares gave his team the lead. After a spectacular 15-0 run, the teams went into the locker room tied at 43-43.

In the second half, Hezonja took matters into his own hands with 20 points scored, including 15 in just 6 minutes in the third quarter. His two consecutive 3-pointers sent the Madrid crowd into a frenzy (65-51, 26th minute). Llull continued his long-range festival while Garuba and Gabriel Deck dominated on the offensive glass.

Théo MALEDON

7

PTS

2

REB

2

AST

REA

9479

VAL

The gap widened to 20 points thanks to 3-pointers from Deck and Trey Lyles (82-62, 33rd minute). Despite efforts from Jaime Pradilla late in the game, Valencia could never get back in it, ultimately falling 94-79 in front of 10,852 fans won over by this new Madrid comeback. Théo Maledon was content with 7 points on 2/2 shooting, 2 rebounds and 2 assists in 17 minutes in this top-of-the-table clash. But the essential thing for him is elsewhere: Real Madrid pulled off a stunning comeback to secure first place in the championship.