Liga Endesa 68
Derby delight as Badalona put one foot in the playoffs
Laprovittola delivered a gem of a game as Badalona controlled the derby to all but guarantee their spot in the ACB playoffs. Emmet Ryan fluked his way into picking the most important game in Pavello Olimpic in years for this trip and took it all in Derby day, or Derbi day rather, between 8th and […]
Valencia add to a miserable week for Barcelona
The first half was bad basketball. The third quarter was mostly good basketball. The fourth was good bad basketball. Emmet Ryan almost fell asleep in Palau Blaugrana but eventually got a hot mess to enjoy as the BiE tour saw Barcelona fall to Valencia. The bad basketball was however a fine excuse to go off […]
Real romp past Estudiantes as derby day brings back memories
Ah you’ve just got to love the simplicity of European team anthems. especially when they seem totally alien to the backdrop. ¡Hala Madrid! by Jose De Aguilar, leading right into the more typical tune for a modern arena, Stop the Rock by Apollo 440. This is what you get when you go to sport on […]
The Woes of the Center Continues As Barcelona Lassa Dismantles Real Madrid
When games are played on the field or courts, people who do not understand, believe that skills alone are the determinants of the outcome. The real truth is that those are not the only determinants of the outcome of games. When a team believes they have a statement to make, when a group of people […]
Did nobody check the calendar?
Bold, foolhardy, or just plain foolish? Emmet Ryan is perplexed by the decisions of leagues in Italy and Spain to go up against Euro 2016 with two of their biggest games of the season While Olimpia Milano claimed the Serie A title with a comeback win in Game 6 against Reggio Emilia, the Italian national […]
And the band played on for Bourousis
Baskonia’s thrilling season ended limply and trophyless on Friday night but their fans recognised the ride, writes Emmet Ryan The season in Spain promised so much carnage. Valencia had its ridiculous unbeaten run to start the year that was ended by, of all teams, Limoges. Unicaja had moments where up until injuries came a knocking […]
Pablo Laso’s the treble as Real sweep Barca 3-0 in ACB Finals
Pablo Laso will finally hold his head high, even if he prefers to bury it in his chest. Emmet Ryan on how Real Madrid’s 85-90 win in the Palau Blaugrana was about more than beating Barcelona Sergio Llull and Jaycee Carroll, two men who had felt every blow with him, locked up the treble for […]
Llull’s versatility makes him appealing to the Rockets
Real Madrid could complete the treble with a win in Barcelona on Wednesday night but it could be the last time Sergio Llull suits up for Los Blancos if the Rockets get their way. Emmet Ryan on why Houston are keen on the Spanish guard Sergio Llull really picked the right weekend to go absolutely […]
First quarter onslaught gives Real Madrid 2-0 lead in ACB Finals
Real Madrid took a 2-0 lead in the Liga Endesa Finals on the back of a 31-10 first frame as they routed Barcelona in the Barclaycard Centre Every now and again, Real Madrid remind you what they can do when they really want to hurt a team. Los Blancos started 8 of 8 from three, […]
Rudy Fernandez powers Real Madrid to 1-0 lead in ACB Finals
Rudy Fernandez showed why he is the ACB’s highest-paid player on Friday as Real Madrid beat Barcelona 78-72 in Game 1 of the ACB finals, writes Austin Green On a night when Mario Hezonja wore his killer instinct on his shooting sleeve, Rudy — well-known for his flair and his flops — carried Real Madrid […]
Satoransky makes the big play but Barcelona lose to Gran Canaria
Tomas Satoransky left Washington Wizards fans longing for him to come to the NBA with this play against Gran Canaria in ACB action on Sunday. Despite Satoransky’s athleticism, Barcelona fell 76-70. Check out the best bits from Gran Canaria’s upset win. That results leaves Barcelona in fourth spot in Liga Endesa on 16-7. Gran Canaria […]
Further proof that we need a Badalona vs Real Madrid playoff series
Based on their two meetings in ACB action so far, Joventut Badalona and Real Madrid are only capable of delivering classics when they meet. Sunday’s showdown went down to the wire with Real narrowly taking the win 80-81. Watch the best bits. That result leaves Real in second place in Liga Endesa on 19-4, Badalona […]