In a thrilling display of basketball, Real Madrid edged out Paris Basketball with a narrow 105-104 victory on April 3, 2025, at the Movistar Arena. This win not only secured Madrid a spot in the play-in tournament but also marked their fifth consecutive victory, showcasing their determination as the Euroleague regular season approaches its climax.
The match was a rollercoaster, with both teams trading leads throughout. Paris opened the game strong, taking a 28-23 lead after the first quarter, thanks to impressive performances from their key players, including TJ Shorts and Nadir Hifi. However, Real Madrid found their rhythm in the second quarter, with Mario Hezonja hitting crucial shots to help the team tie the game at 53 by halftime.
As the third quarter unfolded, Paris regained momentum, extending their lead to 75-65 after a three-pointer by Leopold Cavaliere. Yet, Madrid, fueled by the scoring prowess of Hezonja and Dzanan Musa, fought back to close the gap, ending the quarter trailing 80-74. The final period saw Madrid unleash a 12-2 run, flipping the script to take an 86-82 lead.
With less than a minute remaining, the tension peaked. Paris, refusing to back down, managed to narrow the deficit to just two points at 98-96 after a three-pointer by Tyson Ward. However, key free throws from Hezonja and Andres Feliz, along with a crucial dunk from Edy Tavares, sealed the deal for Madrid. Hifi's last-second triple fell short, ending the game in Madrid's favor.
Hezonja led the scoring for Madrid with 26 points, while Musa contributed 20 points. Tavares and Feliz each added 15 points, showcasing the depth of Madrid's roster. On the other side, Shorts was a standout for Paris, finishing with 24 points and 10 assists, despite some turnovers. Hifi and Ward also had notable performances with 23 and 18 points, respectively.
Madrid's coach Chus Mateo expressed pride in his team's resilience, stating, "We have been in the game the whole time, and that was key. They capitalize on their plays very well, and it was tough for us." Meanwhile, Hezonja, reflecting on the high-scoring nature of the game, joked, "This is a wild team, but we are wilder," highlighting the competitive spirit of both squads.
With this victory, Real Madrid improved to a 19-14 record, positioning themselves fifth in the Euroleague standings, while Paris fell to 18-15, currently sitting in tenth place. The stakes remain high as both teams look to secure their playoff aspirations in the final stretch of the season.
The game was filled with intense moments, including a technical foul on Shorts for flopping, which proved crucial in the closing stages. Madrid capitalized on these opportunities, demonstrating their ability to maintain composure under pressure.
As the regular season winds down, the focus shifts to the upcoming matches, with Madrid eyeing a strong finish to secure a more favorable playoff position. The excitement continues to build as both teams prepare for their final games in this competitive Euroleague season.
In summary, the match between Real Madrid and Paris Basketball was a testament to the thrilling nature of Euroleague basketball, filled with dramatic plays and standout performances. With the playoff picture becoming clearer, fans can expect more intense action in the coming weeks.
