Real Madrid secured a decisive 105-85 victory over Gran Canaria, marking their twelfth win in the league. The standout performance came from Walter Tavares, who logged 21 points, five blocks, and five rebounds while posting a game-high 25 performance index rating (PIR) in under 19 minutes of action. His presence on the floor stifled Gran Canaria from the opening minutes, helping Madrid build an early edge and control the pace throughout the contest.
Madrid established dominance early, with Tavares and the team pressuring Gran Canaria into a tough start. After just three minutes, the hosts led 11-2, forced by aggressive defense and efficient finishing at the rim. The strategy paid dividends as the visitors were forced to call an early timeout to regroup.
Gran Canaria coach Jaka Lakovic responded by inserting John Shurna and Khalifa Diop, hoping to balance the interior game. The change had an immediate effect, and Gran Canaria managed to level the score at 13 in the fifth minute, signaling a more competitive final stretch of the opening period.
The teams traded baskets as the first quarter progressed, with Real Madrid ending the period up 25-23. In the second quarter, Madrid elevated its defensive intensity and, combined with Dzanan Musa’s scoring, began to widen the gap. By the 15th minute, Madrid held a ten-point cushion at 38-28, signaling a clear shift in momentum.
Diop showed promise for Gran Canaria, but Vincent Poirier controlled the boards for Madrid, and Sergio Rodriguez contributed key moments that helped the home side extend the lead to 50-36 at halftime. The rebound differential—Madrid holding a 21-13 edge—proved crucial in maintaining the advantage.
Coming out of the break, Tavares returned to the floor and Madrid kept its control, pushing the margin to 56-38 by the 22nd minute. Gran Canaria struggled with ball control and rebounding, and Inglis’ dip in production limited Granca’s options at the offensive end, allowing Madrid to stretch their lead further.
The island team attempted to mount a response as the lead grew to 20 points, reaching 65-45 at 25:20. Madrid’s confidence was bolstered by robust defense and efficient offense as Gran Canaria’s chances of a comeback began to fade.
The game saw a moment of contention as a stretch of disputed officiating prompted a Madrid timeout, with Adam Hanga re-entering and hitting back-to-back three-pointers to push the score to 76-60 before the third quarter concluded. Madrid’s control remained firm heading into the final period.
Poirier returned to the floor andMadrid continued to dominate the paint, while Diop continued to deliver valuable contributions with physicality and reliable execution around the rim. By the 34th minute, the score stood at 90-69, effectively ending Gran Canaria’s viability for a late rally as Madrid closed out the game with a composed 105-85 victory.
Data sheet:
105 – Real Madrid (25+25+23+29): Williams-Goss (4), Causeur (2), Abalde (3), Tavares (21) and Yabusele (9) -top five-, Hanga (13), Rodríguez (5), Poirier (15), Cornelie (10), Llull (8), Ndiaye (0) and Musa (15).
85 – Gran Canaria (23+13+24+25): Inglis (5), Balcerowski (4), Albicy (5), Benite (7) and Brussino (9) -top five-, Slaughter (4), Bassas (10), Salvó (12), Shurna (8), Diop (18) and Stevic (3).
Referees: Miguel Ángel Pérez, Óscar Perea and Fabio Fernández. Not deleted.
Event note: The game was part of the fifteenth round of the Endesa League regular season, held before 8,131 spectators at the Palacio de los Deportes (WiZink Center) in Madrid.