By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Luka Doncic gave the “Whites” a hard-fought 82-79 victory against Crvena Zvezda MTS Belgrade in Round 29 of Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.
It was all about Doncic. He had one of his best games ever, as he recorded 24 points, nine boards, four assists, three steals and even won 10 fouls. He also had seven turnovers, which was a big factor in Zvezda’s comeback. Still, all of his stats accumulated to a 35 PIR but what the numbers can’t demonstrate, is how he decided the game.
Although Real Madrid led constantly until the fourth quarter, Crvena Zvezda made a great comeback in the last ten minutes bringing the game to a close finish. Madrid had a two-point lead and the ball, but James Feldeine stole it and Alen Omic put it in for a tie at 79. But Doncic didn’t allow it to go into overtime. He took the responsibility with six seconds left on the clock and scored a stepback 3-point buzzer to decide the game.
The game started off better for Real Madrid as they made a 10-0 run in three and a half minutes when Crvena Zvezda finally scored their first points. Doncic led his team from the get-go. He needed just nine minutes during the first period in order to record 12 points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal. All of that accumulated to a 21 PIR. Zvezda had an easier time while Doncic was resting and Walter Tavares was out of the game because of three quick fouls, but Real Madrid still had a four-point halftime lead (43-39).
Although Doncic continued playing amazingly and led his team after the break (34 PIR at the end of the third quarter), the hosts kept close and waited for their chance. And as Doncic got more and more tired, they found it. With a 13-0 run at the beginning of the last period, Crvena Zvezda took the lead for the first time in the game (68-64), bringing the game to an interesting finish.
Big man Alen Omic was the leader of Crvena Zvezda scoring a game-high 25 points.