By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
“Los Blancos” conquered Moscow 95 – 78 and got revenge over Khimki after the defeat that they suffered in the Spanish capital. Madrid improved to an 11-6 record with their sixth consecutive win in EuroLeague, while the Russians stand with 9 victories.
The guests had a strong start (26 – 17) with Eddy Tavares dominating both ends of the floor. The Cape-Verdean giant was unstoppable during the entire game as he ended with 11 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists and a block.
The key: With the second units on the floor, Khimki seemed to improve (27 – 22, 14′) until Real Madrid increased the rhythm. NBA prospect Luka Doncic led a 16 – 0 run that decided the game too early. The Spaniards headed locker rooms with a 20-point lead (51 – 31).
Khimki slowed down Madrid’s offense and also slightly reduced the deficit (67 – 49). A three-point contest was played in the last quarter and Real didn’t suffer to get the win. Rudy Fernandez ended “red hot” and he led the winners in scoring with 16 points (5 three-pointers).
Also Fabien Causeur (11 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists), Luka Doncic (10 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists) and Jaycee Carroll (10 points) scored in double-digit numbers for Madrid.
EuroLeague top scorer Alexey Shved took more than 1/3 of Khimki’s shots and he finished with game-high 23 points. Tyler Honeycutt added 17.