On Thursday, April 3, 2025, Real Madrid edged out Paris Basketball in a thrilling contest, clinching a narrow 105-104 victory in the EuroLeague regular season, Round 33. The game, held at the Movistar Arena, showcased a spectacular performance by Croatian forward Mario Hezonja, who led all scorers with 26 points, including a pivotal three-pointer that ignited Madrid's comeback in the final quarter.
The matchup was highly anticipated, with both teams entering the game with identical records of 18 wins and 14 losses, vying for a crucial playoff position. Real Madrid's victory not only secured them a spot in the upcoming EuroLeague Play-Ins but also intensified their competition for a top-six finish in the league.
The first quarter saw both teams exchanging long-range shots, setting the stage for an intense battle. Gaby Deck opened the scoring for Madrid with a corner three-pointer, but Paris responded swiftly with triples from Sebastián Herrera and Tyson Ward, keeping the game tightly contested at 12-13 midway through the quarter.
As the game progressed, Real Madrid coach Chus Mateo rotated his lineup, bringing in Hezonja, Andrés Feliz, and Dzanan Musa to inject energy into the squad. Despite trailing 23-28 at the start of the second quarter, Madrid quickly turned the tide, with Musa hitting a three-pointer and Hezonja contributing with a hook shot and a series of productive plays from Serge Ibaka. The teams went into halftime tied at 53-53, with T.J. Shorts of Paris emerging as a key player, showcasing his skill and tenacity.
In the third quarter, Paris took a slight lead, propelled by Shorts, who scored multiple baskets and drew fouls to get to the line. However, Madrid rallied back, thanks to Hezonja's shooting and Ibaka's dominance in the paint. The back-and-forth continued, and as the third quarter closed, Paris led 80-74.
The final quarter was where the drama unfolded. Hezonja started strong with a three-pointer, followed by a series of plays that saw Madrid take control. The crowd erupted as Madrid went on a 10-0 run, taking the lead at 91-86 with just over four minutes left on the clock. The momentum shifted decisively in Madrid's favor, and they built a solid lead, reaching a peak advantage of nine points.
However, Paris was not done yet. With Shorts and Ward hitting crucial shots, they closed the gap, bringing the score to 98-96. The tension in the arena was palpable as both teams fought tooth and nail for every point. Hezonja's clutch performance continued to shine, as he converted a critical three-point play that brought the score to 102-96.
In the dying moments of the game, Paris made a valiant effort to secure a win. Hifi's late three-pointer brought the score to 105-104, but it wasn't enough to clinch victory. The game ended with several missed opportunities for Paris as they sought to regain the lead, ultimately falling short.
In the post-game interview, Hezonja reflected on the high-scoring nature of the match, stating, "That’s the game. I know a lot of people say 'defense, defense, defense,' but they’re probably not able to put the ball in a basket, that’s why they say that. But this is a wild team, but we are wilder definitely." He also praised Paris, noting, "They remind me a lot about my UNICS Kazan team. I know how it is, I respect them a lot. I love to watch them; I’ve watched them a lot this year. I wish them the best coming forward."
Hezonja's insights highlighted the resilience and competitive spirit of Real Madrid, especially as they approach the season's climax. "Off the probably best five players in the EuroLeague, we have three. Obviously, we lean on our main guys, especially now as we are challenged," he explained. He acknowledged the ups and downs Madrid has faced this season, emphasizing their growth and understanding of their identity as a team.
Coach Chus Mateo also expressed confidence in his team's ability to respond to challenges, stating, "Every time there’s a challenge, we respond. I don’t know if it’s because of the shirt in front or on the back, but we have both. We responded. We have to shut up, focus, and keep going like this." His strategic decisions and player management played a crucial role in securing the victory.
The win places Real Madrid in a favorable position as they continue to battle for playoff seeding, with only a couple of games left in the regular season. Meanwhile, Paris Basketball's loss leaves them with a record of 18-15, putting them in contention for a play-in spot but requiring further victories to secure their postseason aspirations.
As the EuroLeague season progresses, fans can expect thrilling matchups and intense competition as teams vie for a coveted spot in the playoffs. With the stakes higher than ever, every game is crucial, and both Real Madrid and Paris Basketball will be looking to capitalize on their remaining opportunities.
