Real Madrid overcame a poor start to defeat Anadolu Efes 82-71 in the EuroLeague at Movistar Arena. The team rallied from an initial 0-12 run to secure their 17th win in 18 EuroLeague home games.
Real Madrid, coached by Sergio Scariolo, defeated Pablo Laso's Anadolu Efes 82-71 at Movistar Arena, also known as Palacio. The hosts endured a tough start with a 0-12 run and nearly five scoreless minutes, trailing 11-21 after the first quarter. Mario Hezonja's three-pointer ended a streak of seven missed shots, sparking a comeback fueled by Trey Lyles and Sergio Llull's eight straight points including two triples, leading to a 31-12 second-quarter run that seized control. Gabriel Deck and Walter Tavares led in scoring and rebounds, while Efes relied on individual efforts and suffered from Vincent Poirier's fouls. The third quarter saw back-and-forth action, and early in the fourth Efes narrowed to 65-63 via Jordan Loyd's points, following an eye injury scare to Saben Lee from Deck. Madrid countered with Deck's three, Elie Maledon's drive, and Usman Garuba's block. Now with 22 wins, the team solidifies top-four status and eyes home-court advantage in the playoffs ahead of tough away games against Baskonia, Olympiacos, and Fenerbahce.
