The Unicaja de Málaga has claimed victory at the 2025 Copa del Rey, defeating Real Madrid 93-79 to secure their third title in the history of the tournament. The final, held at the Gran Canaria Arena on February 16, showcased Unicaja's dominance from the start, as they built and maintained their lead throughout the match. With this win, they join Estudiantes at three Copa del Rey titles, solidifying their place at the top of Spanish basketball.
Unicaja's performance was characterized by relentless teamwork and impressive individual contributions, particularly from Kendrick Perry, who was named MVP of the match after scoring 27 points, including four three-pointers and perfect shooting from the free-throw line. His agility and sharp shooting gave Unicaja the edge they needed to withstand Madrid's attempts to rally.
The game opened with Unicaja taking the lead early on. They started strong, finishing the first quarter with an 18-15 advantage, thanks to impressive shooting from Perry and David Kravish. Despite early struggles from Madrid, who committed seven turnovers, they managed to stay within reach, partially due to Mario Hezonja's presence on the court.
By the second quarter, the tension escalated, with the two teams exchanging shots and strategies. Unicaja maintained their composure, even as Madrid started to find their rhythm. Despite Madrid momentarily taking the lead at 26-27, Unicaja quickly rallied back to finish the half at 39-36, underpinning their determination to clinch the title.
The third quarter was pivotal for Unicaja, marked by standout performances from Kameron Taylor and Kendrick Perry. Taylor helped stretch the lead to 12 points, with his sharp shooting and defensive prowess keeping Madrid at bay. Although Facundo Campazzo tried to pull Madrid back with six consecutive points, Unicaja's cohesive play enabled them to finish the third quarter at 64-55.
Entering the final quarter, Madrid was still struggling to find answers against Unicaja’s solid defense. With each passing minute, the challenge grew more difficult for Madrid, who failed to capitalize on their opportunities. Perry’s leadership on the court shone through, as he continued to hit key shots, including another three-pointer to solidify Unicaja's grasp on victory.
Fans erupted as Unicaja continued to rack up points, pushing the score to 74-60. Real Madrid, known for their renowned resilience, began to push back, yet every time they scored, Unicaja responded decisively. With the match nearing its end, Madrid’s futile attempts to close the gap were met with bone-crushing rebounding from Unicaja and relentless offensive execution.
Alberto Díaz, Unicaja’s captain, who lifted the trophy after the final whistle, expressed his pride, saying, "Ganar sabe muy bien," signifying the team's achievement and the continuation of their winning streak through the season. It was not just about this championship but marking their resurgence as formidable contenders. They celebrated with exuberance, knowing they had conquered their formidable rivals once again, having also bested them earlier this season.
The victory reflects the successful strategy implemented by head coach Ibon Navarro, who orchestrated Unicaja's gameplay effectively against Madrid's weaknesses. Notably, Navarro's decisions, including player rotations and defensive matchups, proved fruitful as Unicaja capitalized on Madrid's turnover issues, forcing them to commit 17 turnovers throughout the game.
Coach Navarro remarked, “It’s been incredible to see how these players have come together; we’ve worked hard, and it has paid off.” His sentiments echoed across the team, with players celebrating not only their individual successes but also the unity and chemistry they have cultivated over the seasons.
Other players echoed this sentiment, such as Djedovic, who stated, “This team is incredible. We leave everything on the court.” Kravish added, “Everyone pulls together, and when one misses, another is right there to pick it up.” The collective effort and determination were palpable, resulting in Unicaja’s standout performance throughout the tournament.
Unicaja’s latest triumph marks another chapter of success for the club, firmly rooted as one of Spain’s premier teams. The title adds to their earlier achievements, including their victory at the Supercopa just months prior. Their continued success positions them as strong contenders for future championships, sparking speculation about their potential impact on the EuroLeague should they choose to compete.
With celebrations underway, Unicaja sends clear messages of determination for the upcoming season. "Nos hemos sacrificado todos al servicio del colectivo," Perry stated, highlighting the spirit of the team. Indeed, the chemistry exhibited by Unicaja suggests they may not only be celebrating this title but many more to come.