The EuroLeague playoff race kicked off with a nail-biter in Madrid on Tuesday night, as Real Madrid edged Hapoel Tel Aviv 78-75 in the first game of their best-of-five series opener.
Fresh off their 2023 EuroLeague title run, the Spanish giants knew they faced a tricky test against a Hapoel side that finished 6th in the regular season, riding a wave of momentum from a strong second half of the campaign.
Tight First Half Sets Tone for Opener
The first half was a back-and-forth affair, with neither side leading by more than 5 points at any break. Hapoel’s backcourt duo of Josh Nebo and Yam Madar combined for 18 first-half points, keeping the Israeli side within touching distance of Madrid’s experienced roster.
Real Madrid’s outside shooting struggled early, with the side hitting just 2 of 9 three-point attempts in the first two quarters. Hapoel, meanwhile, capitalized on Madrid’s turnovers, scoring 10 points off 7 first-half giveaways.
Madrid Rallies Late to Secure Win
Tavares Dominates the Paint
Real Madrid’s Walter Tavares, the 2023 EuroLeague Final Four MVP, proved decisive in the final 10 minutes. The 7’3” center scored 8 of his 14 points in the fourth quarter, grabbing 3 key offensive rebounds that extended Madrid’s possessions.
Tavares also anchored Madrid’s defense, blocking 2 shots in the final frame and altering several more Hapoel attempts near the rim. His presence forced Hapoel to settle for contested jumpers late in the game.
Hapoel’s Late Push Falls Short
Hapoel cut the deficit to 1 point with 45 seconds remaining, thanks to a corner three from Or Cornelius. But Madrid’s Sergio Llull sank two clutch free throws with 12 seconds left to ice the game, despite a half-court heave from Hapoel’s Madar missing as time expired.
The Israeli side shot 41% from three-point range for the game, but 14 turnovers proved costly, leading to 18 Madrid points.
What’s Next for Both Sides
The series shifts to Tel Aviv for Game 2 on Friday, with Hapoel needing a win to tie the series before returning to Madrid for Game 3. Madrid, meanwhile, will look to tighten their perimeter defense and reduce turnovers ahead of the road trip.
Key Opener Takeaways
- Real Madrid shot 52% from the field, compared to Hapoel’s 47%
- Walter Tavares finished with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks for his first double-double of the playoffs
- Hapoel committed 14 turnovers, leading to 18 Madrid points
- Game 2 tips off at 20:00 CET on Friday at Menora Mivtachim Arena in Tel Aviv
For Real Madrid, the narrow win will be a relief, but head coach Pablo Laso will know there is plenty to improve ahead of the series’ second game. Hapoel, meanwhile, showed they have the firepower to trouble the reigning champions, setting up a thrilling remainder of the series.
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