Spectacular comeback and into the Copa final

Real Madrid will be in the Copa del Rey final for another year, marking their 12th appearance in the last 13 editions, after a spectacular semifinal victory against Valencia Basket at the Roig Arena. Scariolo's team executed another epic comeback. After overturning an 18-point deficit from the first quarter and being 11 points down with five minutes left, they clinched the win in an incredible final 20 seconds, with an 8-0 run and two heroic three-pointers by Hezonja. The forward scored 25 points and hit 7 three-pointers. Llull equaled Felipe Reyes as the player with the most victories in the tournament (36). The opponent for the title will be Baskonia (Sunday, 7:00 pm CEST; Dazn).

The home team started the semifinal stronger, imposing their fast pace and excellent three-point shooting. Their 7 three-pointers out of 13 attempts defined a first quarter dominated by Valencia Basket. Deck, with 7 points, and Garuba, with 4 rebounds, stood out for Scariolo's side (34-16, min.10).

Madrid responds with a run
They had to remain patient and avoid desperation. Valencia Basket's extremely high shooting accuracy couldn't last. Credit goes to our increased defensive intensity, forcing the Taronjas into static plays and making it harder for them to score. Campazzo (2) and Hezonja connected on three consecutive three-pointers to open the second quarter.

With more confidence in offense, Scariolo's team grew into the game and achieved a 16-2 run, led by the Argentine point guard (11 points) and a colossal Garuba on the boards (8 rebounds by halftime). Madrid closed the gap to 4 points and changed the dangerous momentum from the start. They maintained their push, with Maledon and Tavares stepping up offensively. Madrid could have completed the comeback at the end of the first half, but Reuvers and Taylor allowed the hosts to stay ahead at halftime.

Our team was rewarded for their effort after the break. Llull and Hezonja completed the 18-point comeback with a 58-60 scoreline in the 23rd minute. Deck, with an and-one, gave them a 3-point lead. The rest of the third quarter saw an intense exchange of baskets between both teams, led by Feliz and Maledon for Madrid and Badio and De Larrea for Valencia Basket (79-77, min.30).

Madrid performs a miracle
Montero pushed Scariolo's team to the brink, but when the odds are most against them, this team rises and shows its unique DNA. They saw Valencia Basket take an 11-point lead with five minutes left. But once again, Campazzo and Hezonja stepped up (five three-pointers in the final quarter, four in the last three and a half minutes). A three-pointer by Montero with 20 seconds left made it 106-101. Hezonja wasn’t done yet. He answered with a three-pointer and forced a turnover on the next play, which ended in another three-pointer by the forward with 8.3 seconds left, making it 106-107. Deck played outstanding defense to recover the ball, and Campazzo sealed the heroic passage to the final with a free throw (106-108, min.40).

Valencia Basket-Real Madrid statistics

Disclaimer: Translation generated by artificial intelligence. It may contain inaccuracies.