Bayern Munich kicked off the Gordon Herbert era with a 97-89 home victory over Real Madrid in its first EuroLeague game at its new home court, the SAP Garden. The Bavarians were impressive offensively and stunned the Whites with a stellar fourth quarter, where they outscored the Spanish giants 33-16 to seal the deal.
It was a statement win for Bayern Munich against a Real Madrid team that is struggling early in the season, even though they were forced to play witout star forward Mario Hezonja.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at three things we saw from the opening game at SAP Garden.
#3. Bayern Munich’s up-tempo
It appears that Gordon Herbert will look to impose an up-tempo playing style in his debut season as Bayern Munich’s head coach. The Bavarians attempted to run in transition and used early offense as one of their main weapons.
Their system worked well in the second quarter, where they scored in transition and turned things around. The hosts scored 12 points in fast-break plays, as Real Madrid’s defense struggled to cope with the hosts’ up-tempo playing style.
#2. Real Madrid’ lack of backup point guard
Wow đŸ¤© the @SAPGarden has opened its doors đŸ”¥
The latest EuroLeague arena and new home of @FCBBasketball #RivalrySeries | #EveryGameMatters pic.twitter.com/GFgc7SBkIH
— Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) October 3, 2024
Facundo Campazzo did his best to lead Real Madrid to the victory in the EuroLeague season opener. The Argentinian star guard had 19 points and nine assists in 27 minutes on the floor, on 5/12 shooting, and a PIR of 21.
Campazzo and Dzana Musa (18 points, 7/11 shooting) were the Whites’ best players against the Bavarians, but it is a no-brainer that the Spanish giants need a backup point guard that will make the difference in the second unit.
Andres Feliz was supposed to have that role, but he has struggled in his first games at the highest level of European basketball. Against Bayern Munich, he spent just 11 minutes on the floor and went scoreless, shooting just one two-pointer.
Head coach Chus Mateo hinted at reinforcements for the Whites going forward and one of these additions might be a backup point guard.
#1. Shabazz Napier and Johannes Voigtmann shined in debut with Bayern Munich
The @SAPGarden era opens with a WIN! #RivalrySeries | #EveryGameMatters pic.twitter.com/1PolxXDodv
— Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) October 3, 2024
Newcomers Shabazz Napier and Johannes Voigtmann shined in their debut with Bayern Munich in the EuroLeague. They combined for 44 points, with Napier going for 25 points, on 8/12 shooting, and Voigtmann adding 19, on 7/12 shooting and 5/9 from beyond the rac, along with 10 rebounds.
The duo was unstoppable offensively and the main reason behind the Bavarians’ high-scoring game (97 points). Carsen Edwards posted 14 and six assists coming off the bench.
Identical performances from the star trio will be necessary for Bayern Munich going forward, should they want to maintain a playoff push.
