Real Madrid falters in Paris after squandering a large lead
The white team suffered a painful defeat in the French capital by failing to manage a sixteen-point lead. Paris Basketball came back in the last quarter and sealed the game with a buzzer-beater, complicating Madrid's path in the EuroLeague. 😮💨
A collapse in the decisive stretch
For three quarters, the team coached by Chus Mateo controlled the pace and built a considerable lead on the scoreboard. However, in the final quarter, their offensive game stalled. The Madrid players missed crucial free throws and lost balls that the rival capitalized on accurately. French effectiveness from beyond the three-point line was key to turning the score around.
Key factors of the defeat:- Offensive stagnation in the final minutes, with inability to score fluidly.
- Misses from the free-throw line that could have sealed the game.
- Permeable defense in decisive possessions, allowing the rival to come back.
It seems Madrid left their shooting touch at Barajas, as in Paris they only found the rim to miss in the most critical moments.
Chronic problems from the perimeter
Real Madrid once again showed its deficiencies in outside play. A very low three-point percentage allowed Paris Basketball to defend the painted area without external pressure. This lack of punishment from distance combined with a defense that faltered at the most important moment, culminating in Juhann Begarin's game-winning basket at the end of the game.
Exposed weaknesses:- Lack of accuracy and creation of open shots from the three-point line.
- Difficulty opening the floor and generating spaces against a concentrated defense.
- Insufficient defensive response in the final play that decided the game.
Tavares' double-double was not enough
Despite a great individual performance by Walter Tavares, who achieved a double-double, his effort could not prevent the negative outcome for his team. The collective performance, especially in the final minutes, was not up to par to close a game that seemed controlled. This defeat leaves a bitter taste and forces the team to rethink its solidity in moments of maximum pressure. 🏀