By Alex Molina / info@eurohoops.net
Valencia Basket secured a resounding victory at the Palau Blaugrana, guaranteeing them at least a fifth game and putting them just one win away from clinching the title.
The visitors triumphed 80-88 in a thrilling match that was decided in the final moments and had a clear protagonist: Jean Montero, who tallied 29 points and a 36 efficiency rating to lead the visitors to victory, ably supported by Key.
Toko Shengelia, with 25 points, was the top scorer for the home team.
After an offensive showcase in the first game and another (albeit by only one of the teams) in the second, the third game of the final was a more physical affair. The sweltering heat of the Palau Blaugrana may have hindered sharp shooting, but Valencia Basket embraced the less glamorous challenge and once again started the game stronger.
Although the first quarter ended 17-15 for Barça, the feeling was quite different. The home team’s attacks relied on individual efforts, while Valencia’s ball movement allowed for numerous open shots. Gradually, the visitors widened the gap on the scoreboard, reaching 17-27 by the second quarter, which set off alarm bells for Barça.
With no solutions on the bench, given that their rotation is significantly shorter than that of their Valencia counterparts, Xavi Pascual had to rely on defense to get back into the game. Cale had some good moments on defense, and Shengelia shone on offense, sending the game to halftime with a 36-40 lead that left everything open for the second half.
But there’s one Dominican player who wants to go out with a bang. Despite reaching the final after a remarkable playoff run, we hadn’t yet seen a truly outstanding performance from Jean Montero, and it came when it mattered most. The problem became a major one for Barça, as he scored 15 points in the third quarter alone, extending the visitors’ lead to 53-71.
Starting the final quarter down 57-71 was practically good news for Barça after what had transpired in the third quarter, when the changes came in. Pascual opted for a one-on-one lineup, with Clyburn taking over for Montero. The change proved to be an absolute success, with Barça rallying to a 64-71 lead that reignited the Palau crowd’s hopes and sparked a massive celebration. The home team then went on a 20-2 run, tying the game at 73-73 and reigniting the match when almost no one expected it.
But Montero’s return was all—and the only thing—Valencia Basket needed to regain control of the game. The Dominican took charge of his team, and the visitors had little trouble completing their mission in Barcelona… and moving within a hair’s breadth of the title.
Liga Endesa Playoffs
Quarterfinals
- Real Madrid 1 – 2 La Laguna Tenerife (97-98), (83-118), (95-107)
- Valencia Basket 2 – 0 Surne Bilbao (83-80), (71-88)
- Kosner Baskonia 1 – 2 Asisa Joventut (85-71), (63-82), (88-96)
- UCAM Murcia 1 – 2 Barça (68-91), (87-90), (76-100)
Semifinals
- Barça 3 – 0 La Laguna Tenerife (100-67, 97-89, 85-76)
- Valencia Basket 2 – 0 Asisa Joventut (118-117, 90-76)
Finals
- Valencia Basket 2–1 Barça (112-113, 102-75, 88-80)
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