Panathinaikos stuns Real Madrid with a decisive 95-80 victory, ending their reign as Euroleague champions. Cape Verde icon, Walter Tavares' performance couldn't prevent the upset in this thrilling final.
Last Updated on
May 27, 2024
Ayo Biyibi
Staff Writer
Cape Verde legend Walter Tavares was pivotal in helping Real Madrid advance to the 2024 EuroLeague Final, Europe's most prestigious basketball league.
However, despite his efforts, Tavares and his team could not defend their crown as they faced a stunning comeback by the Greek giants, Panathinaikos. Overcoming a 14-point deficit, Panathinaikos secured their seventh EuroLeague title, a significant achievement in the history of the storied basketball club.
The game began with an unexpected twist: Senegalese center Eli Ndiaye, who averaged just 2.6 points per game throughout the Euroleague season, made two consecutive three-pointers. Ndiaye was brought in to replace Tavares after quickly finding himself in foul trouble, picking up two fouls within the first three minutes.
Real Madrid started the game with a bang, setting a new EuroLeague Final Four record by scoring 36 points in the first quarter. The combined 61 points scored by both teams in the first quarter also set a record for the most points in a EuroLeague first quarter and marked the highest number of points Panathinaikos had allowed in a single quarter all season.
After a high-scoring first half, Real Madrid's offence hit a roadblock in the third quarter, missing all nine of their three-point attempts and scoring only seven points. This struggle marked a turning point in the game as Panathinaikos gained their first lead. With a double-digit lead, Panathinaikos faced a desperate Real Madrid team that resorted to intentionally fouling Mathias Lessort in the final minutes.
However, Lessort's solid free-throw shooting rendered the tactic ineffective. Panathinaikos ultimately captured the title following several unsuccessful "hero-ball" attempts from Tavares' teammates.
Walter Tavares, affectionately known as "Eddy" to his Spanish fans, concluded the game with four points, four rebounds, one assist, and one block. Despite the loss, Tavares remains a crucial figure for Real Madrid. His towering presence and defensive skills have been instrumental in the team's success. Recently, he secured a three-year extension with Los Blancos, a testament to his value and potential.
This ensures he will have another opportunity to compete for the EuroLeague championship, a goal he and his team are determined to achieve, following their loss to the Greek giants.
