Real Madrid’s basketball team focused on turning a demanding week in the Euroleague into another display of dominance as they overwhelmed Dreamland Gran Canaria 97-71. Despite a packed schedule, the home side pressed with relentless energy, leveraging a strong start to set the tone and never let the pace slow.
The opening minutes saw Madrid seize control with a sharp 14-0 burst, allowing them to work comfortably on both ends of the floor. Tight defense disrupted Gran Canaria’s rhythm, while Mario Hezonja moved into a scoring groove, showcasing a blend of patient ball movement and decisive finishing.
Emerging as a key catalyst, Hezonja contributed decisively by scoring a string of points and facilitating plays that stretched the lead. His performance helped Madrid maintain the edge they built early, setting the stage for a balanced attack that found support from teammates when needed.
The Croatian guard continued to influence the game with a high-pace, high-impact style, scoring a large share of his team’s late first-quarter points and aiding in a couple of crucial baskets assisted by Walter Tavares. This one-two punch anchored Madrid’s offense as the quarter concluded with a comfortable advantage.
The home side enjoyed a second-quarter surge with collective execution that extended the lead further. Ethan Happ’s scoring touch and Ferrán Bassas’s timely three-pointers contributed to a chorus of productive contributions across the lineup, reinforcing Madrid’s offensive diversity while maintaining defensive discipline.
Throughout the game, Hezonja’s influence remained evident, with another strong showing that underscored his role in Madrid’s plans. Movistar Plus+ coverage captured the moment, illustrating the energy and focus that defined the matchup. (Broadcast attribution: Movistar Basket).
In the second half, head coach Chus Mateo steered the team to a 13-2 run that established a psychological edge and pushed the margin beyond twenty points, with Madrid approaching the thirty-point mark as the third quarter progressed. Gran Canaria fought back at times, but the surge helped Madrid maintain control, despite the visitors’ willingness to battle at the free-throw line and convert several chances from the line.
Eli Ndiaye seized opportunities in the late stages, increasing his contributions while Ethan Happ continued to add numbers, finishing with a commendable scoring tally that complemented the broader team effort. The final sequence reinforced Madrid’s dominance as they closed out the match with a convincing performance.
Final score breakdowns reflected the balanced scoring spread across Real Madrid’s lineup: Campazzo and Causeur contributed in the backcourt, Hezonja led with 19 points, Tavares added 12, and the rotation provided solid support in the paint and on the wings. For Gran Canaria, Happ delivered a game-high 26 points as the primary offensive engine, while the rest of the roster shared the load in a challenging road test. Other contributors included Slaughter, Albicy, Brussino, and Bassas, who helped keep the scoreboard competitive through stretches but could not offset Madrid’s overall balance.
Officials for the match were Fernando Calatrava, Iyán González, and Carlos Merino, overseeing a contest that drew a sizable crowd and demonstrated the league’s competitive depth. The fixture took place at the WiZink Center in Madrid, marking a highlight with a solid attendance that underscored the venue’s importance within the league schedule.