Orange resilience for a perfect end to the week on Unicaja’s court (89–96)

Valencia Basket wrapped up an extremely demanding week in perfect fashion, extending their positive streak on Unicaja’s court with an 89–96 victory to claim their 20th win in the Liga Endesa. It was a game in which the taronja squad led for almost the entire contest, except for the second half of the second quarter, although they were unable to shake off a competitive Málaga side until the closing stages. That was when Reuvers, Brancou, and Montero—who was the standout player for the taronja team with 29 points and a performance rating of 31—stepped up with crucial baskets that secured the win.

The taronja side quickly took control of the game thanks to a strong start from Brancou and stayed ahead through Montero’s offensive contribution by the end of the first quarter. Valencia’s attacking machine continued to score at a strong pace at the start of the second period, but Unicaja responded to every blow to stay close and took advantage of a few minutes in which their defense managed to slow Valencia’s offense, allowing them to move ahead.

However, the appearance of Thompson and, once again, Montero sent the game into halftime with Valencia Basket trailing by just one point.

After the break, Pedro Martínez’s men regained their offensive fluency to reclaim the lead and never let it go until the final buzzer. And that was despite several attempts from the home side, who bounced back from a 2–11 run in the third quarter, rallied through Audige when Valencia Basket built an eleven-point lead in the final quarter, and even created a late scare with a five-point play by Duarte. But Montero showed real character to definitively put the game to bed.

Post-game quotes: Pedro Martínez

“It was a very good game from both teams. In the first half, Unicaja played really well, and we were finding it difficult to defend them because they were finding solutions in every phase of the game. They were also shooting extremely well, making some contested and difficult shots. They played impressively.

The third quarter was our best moment, but I think that was more down to our own merit than any shortcomings from the opponent. We played very well, we shared the ball, and we maintained a very good rhythm. That’s when we built a lead that wasn’t definitive, but was very important.

In the final quarter, exactly as we expected, Unicaja showed that they are a team that never gives up, and even though we had a lead that might seem decisive, against them it never really is.”