Napoli Basket kicked off 2025 with an emphatic victory over Bertram Derthona, triumphing by 92-83 at the PalaBarbuto arena. This win not only marks the second victory of the season for the Naples team but also signifies their resurgence under head coach Giorgio Valli.
Jacob Pullen was the star of the evening, once again showcasing his elite scoring ability. He finished the game with 28 points, making 10 of 10 free throws, alongside 6 of 7 from two-point range, and 2 of 5 from beyond the arc. Erick Green supported Pullen with 20 points as Napoli took command of the match.
The game began with Bertram Derthona taking an early lead, but Napoli’s resilience shone through as they quickly equalized and took charge, aided by contributions from key players like Pullen and green. Following the first quarter, the score stood at 20-17, and the first half wrapped up with Napoli leading 43-39.
Napoli extended their advantage significantly during the third quarter, allowing them to maintain control as they moved toward victory. After intensifying their defense and capitalizing on scoring chances, they launched on a strong 17-2 run, which transitioned the contest from 43-43 to 60-44 at one point, energizing the home crowd.
Despite Derthona’s attempts to stage a comeback, including late three-pointers from Vital, they were unable to close the gap. Napoli remained composed, responding to every challenge set forth by their opponents, particularly with Pullen's clutch free-throw performance.
With the game hanging in the balance late, Napoli showed their grit. Pullen’s consistent scoring down the stretch, including key free throws, helped secure the win. “Napoli è ancora viva! Gli azzurri battono Tortona con il punteggio di 92-83 nel tripudio dei tifosi!,” the team’s social media proudly announced.
On Derthona’s side, they were unable to recover from missed free throws and inconsistent shooting, putting them at risk of missing out on significant qualification opportunities for the Coppa Italia. Key performances from players like Vital, who led Derthona with 18 points, were not enough to prevent the defeat.
This victory is pivotal for Napoli, as it renews hope for avoiding relegation and builds confidence. The crowd at PalaBarbuto came alive, urging their team on as they secured the much-needed points.
Looking forward, both teams will need to assess their performances critically. Napoli aims to build on this momentum, having seen what works, particularly on their attacking plays led by Pullen. Meanwhile, Derthona must regroup after halting their streak of three consecutive wins, focusing on regaining their form as they contend for spots within the Italian league standings.
Overall, the match against Bertram Derthona is sure to be remembered not only for Napoli's display of skill and execution but also for marking the continuing evolution of their season as they aim to establish stability amid challenges.