Valencia Basket achieved a historic victory on Saturday, March 22, 2025, defeating Leyma Coruña 127-81 in a performance that set multiple records in the ACB (Liga Endesa). Not only did they break the league’s record for evaluation credits with an astounding 181, but they also matched the record for assists, hitting 35, a feat only achieved twice before in the league's history.
The ambiance at La Fonteta was electric, as Valencia Basket took to the court with ambition. It took them less than five minutes to establish a lead of over ten points (15-4), thanks to two quick three-pointers by Sestina, effectively setting the tone for the match. Despite a commendable push by Leyma Coruña, particularly after a timeout that saw Howard gaining momentum, the Valencia team maintained their composure, led by the solid contributions from players like Jean Montero.
It was during the decisive third quarter that Valencia truly surged ahead, scoring 42 points, a reflection of their offensive prowess that has rarely been seen in the league. Their ability to accumulate points quickly was staggering, reaching a stunning 95 points by the end of the third quarter, pushing their lead to a remarkable 32 points and leaving little doubt about the outcome. The previous record of team scoring had been set at 121 points against Gipuzkoa back in 2016.
Alongside the scoring record, equally impressive was the teamwork that facilitated Valencia Basket's 35 assists throughout the game, equals the league record for assists achieved by teams like Real Madrid and Granollers in past matches.
Coach Pedro Martínez expressed pride in the team's performance, noting how their determination and teamwork allowed them to overshadow the previous achievements of heavyweights like Real Madrid, who held the previous record of 179 evaluation credits. With nine players achieving over ten evaluation credits each, it was a testament to a well-rounded effort from the entire squad. The intensity on the defensive end played a significant role in their success, particularly in slowing down Leyma's playmaker, Heurtel, who had been a big threat early on. Valencia’s tactical adjustments effectively neutralized his influence, allowing their offensive game to flourish.
As the game progressed, Valencia continued to pile on the score, showcasing their depth and strategic gameplay that looked to capitalize on Leyma's fatigue in the latter stages of the match. The local team’s third quarter alone accounted for a full 42 points, marking a high point in the match and equally, a historical feat within the Liga Endesa.
The historical nature of the match was further underscored by Valencia's overall scoring, which surpasses previous high marks in the league and stands as the deadliest offensive show seen since the introduction of the four-quarter format in Spanish basketball.
The victory was not just significant for the standings; it was a moment of pride for Valencia Basket, reflecting improvements made under Martínez’s guidance. As the players celebrated their well-earned accolades, fans could be seen applauding their historic performance as they waved banners in support of the team, keenly aware that they had witnessed a game for the ages.
This match will surely be remembered as a landmark occurrence in the annals of the ACB, and Valencia Basket will wear their historic victory with pride as they look to build on this momentum moving forward in the league.
