Real Madrid kept former MVP Nikola Mirotic to three points and Walter Tavares had one of the most dominant performances in Final-4 history as the “Whites” beat arch-rivals Barcelona 66-78 in the second EuroLeague semifinal Friday night.
Walter Tavares finished with a massive double-double of 20 points and 15 rebounds that tied the EuroLeague Final-4 record for the most rebounds by a player. The 2023 Defensive Player of the Year had several big blocks in the final two minutes of the game as his team emerged victorious in a feisty battle between rivals.
The BLOCK that defined the game from Tavares🔥👇@waltertavares22 #7DAYSMagicMoment I #F4GLORY pic.twitter.com/WIdgWHjFsI
— Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) May 19, 2023
Real Madrid had a dominant second half as they finished the game with a 42-24 run in the second half sparked by Tavares and Mario Hezonja who had a complete performance with 14 points and nine rebounds. Sergio Rodriguez added 12 points and five assists for the winners, who made the EuroLeague Championship Game for the second time in the row.
Alex Abrines and Nicolas Laprovittola led the way for the Catalans with 16 and 12 points respectively. This was another disappointing defeat in the EuroLeague Final-4 for FC Barcelona as Sarunas Jasikevicius’ group did not find a way to work their way around Tavares’ dominant presence in the paint.
The “Whites” will meet Olympiacos , that rallied past Monaco earlier, in the EuroLeague Final which will take place in Zalgirio Arena on Sunday. Real Madrid aims to win its fifth title in the history of the competition.
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Tavares dominates the paint and @RMBaloncesto
advance to the final after beating Barça! #F4GLORY pic.twitter.com/OTDAUGmbRt— Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) May 19, 2023
