Madrid beat Paris Basketball and will fight for a playoff place on the last day of the season

Real Madrid go into the final day of the Euroleague regular season with a chance of qualifying directly for the playoffs after beating Paris Basketball in their third consecutive match against a direct rival. An offensive festival from both teams, full of intensity, and where the Whites pulled off a great comeback in the last quarter, reaffirming their brilliant form with their ninth consecutive victory, their fifth in the Euroleague. This secures them the play-in and allows them to go to Belgrade next week with the aim of finishing as high as possible. A great game by the team, led by Hezonja (26 points and 29 PIR), Tavares (15, 9 rebounds and 26), Musa (20 and 22), Feliz (15 and 16), and Ibaka (11 and 15).
The game took off at breakneck speed from the opening tip-off. Madrid, with the connection of Campazzo (3 assists) and Deck (8 points without a miss) and Hezonja coming off the bench (7 points), took charge in the opening minutes with a 17-13 lead. They forced 5 turnovers from a team that usually only commits 10. But the Parisians, true to their direct and fast-paced game, gained the upper hand by running, and their success from three-point range to end the first quarter 23-28.

No let-up
The Whites adjusted their zone defence after Ward caused problems with 7 points in a row. The team applied themselves at the back, conceded fewer easy baskets, and closed down the rebound. Ibaka had a great few minutes with 8 points and 2 blocks. Together with Feliz, Musa, and Hezonja, who had 14 points at half-time, they led a brilliant attack in this quarter. A +12 run allowed the Whites to regain the lead. However, the French, with their continuous rotations, did not lower their level of speed one iota. TJ Shorts, Hifi, and Jantunen equalised the game at 53 at the end of the first half.
Madrid would have to contend with a Paris Basketball team that, if they had already been accurate on the three-pointer, in the third quarter would surpass themselves with a 7/8 that clearly made the difference. The game was getting complicated. But the locals didn't give up even when they found themselves 10 down at 65-75 in the 28th minute. They gritted their teeth and made an enormous effort to counteract an opponent who seemed touched by the gods.

Madrid believed in the win
Each of the players gave their all. Felix was a thorn in the side with his penetrations, he was also key in defending TJ Shorts in the last quarter, and with two decisive actions in the last minute: stealing the ball and forcing a foul in attack. Musa had a spectacular second half, as did Hezonja, Ibaka and Tavares, who won offensive rebounds in the final stretch. Added to all this were 6 consecutive points from Campazzo. A three-pointer from him to tie the score at 86 started a 10-0 run with which Madrid pulled away with three minutes to go. At 98-86, our guys withstood another surge from the French, who were two points ahead with 53 seconds left. Madrid responded forcefully with a 2+1 from Hezonja and two free throws from Campazzo (105-104). A very valuable win that puts us level with Bayern in fifth position.

REAL MADRID-PARIS BASKETBALL STATISTICS