05/10/2024

One by one from Madrid: Rudy rules and el Chacho decides

Viernes 19 de Junio del 2015

One by one from Madrid: Rudy rules and el Chacho decides

The white team won the first match of the Liga Endesa final (78-72) thanks to the essential contribution of these two players.

The white team won the first match of the Liga Endesa final (78-72) thanks to the essential contribution of these two players.

Sergio Llull (13 rating)

He scored the first three-pointer of the game and despite missing the following shots, he fulfilled his defensive and playmaking responsibilities. After playing almost the entire first quarter, it was strange that Laso did not bring him back in until the last minute of the second. It was not his best performance, but even so, he is capable of contributing in almost every aspect. Essential.

K.C. Rivers (2)

No impact on offense, but important on defense against the Barca players. He can miss a three-pointer and recover the ball before it crosses the half-court line. That's how he recorded one of his four steals. A nightmare for DeShaun Thomas.

Rudy Fernández (21)

The Balearic player had a complete and great first quarter. He had a nice duel with Mario Hezonja. He chose his shots well and did not monopolize the ball as he sometimes does. A fantastic three-pointer with half a minute left in the first half allowed him to go to the locker room as the best player at halftime (15 rating). He was not as prominent in the second half, but he tipped the ball in on offense and drew two vital free throws when Barca closed the gap to two points (72-70). Outstanding.

Felipe Reyes (15)

The Liga MVP is crucial in the team's system. His teammates know it and they supplied him with many post entry passes. He may not have the best footwork or be the most skillful player, but when he receives the ball with an advantage, he is almost unstoppable. He started by defending Tomic and Pleiss while Ayón guarded Lampe. Every time he receives with an advantage in the post, he capitalizes on it.

Gustavo Ayón (13)

The Mexican player started off being a headache for the visiting defense until a scuffle with Pleiss resulted in a technical foul for both players. Wisely, Laso sent him to the bench while he was applauded by the crowd. In the second quarter, he was seen with some kind of discomfort in his left foot, but it did not prevent him from completing a notable game.

Andrés Nocioni (9)

The 'Chapu' enjoys playing these types of games ("I came for this," he often repeats) and it shows. Having a player of his level, character, and experience coming off the bench and doing so many things is a lifeline. He alternated minutes with Felipe Reyes (they only coincided when there were seconds left on the clock) and, without shining excessively, he showed details of all his contributions: three-pointers, drives along the baseline, a huge block on Tomic, scrapping for loose balls before they fall through the hoop...

Sergio Rodríguez (17)

His entrance into the court marked the takeoff of Real Madrid in the final moments of the first period. Despite that, his biggest dose of protagonism came in the last quarter. He took too many risks and ended up losing some unnecessary turnovers, but he did distribute 8 assists. For the good of his team, he was a key figure in the final minute.

Jaycee Carroll (8)

He became active and influential in a stretch of the second quarter, although his great merit was his good defensive work and wearing down Huertas.

Marcus Slaughter (-1)

He had a bigger impact on defense on his own basket than on the opposing team's. He does not feel confident on offense: completely alone under the basket, he chose to pass the ball out for Rudy's three-pointer, which at least went in.

Jonas Maciulis (-1)

It was not his day: he was off-target with his shot. Even so, he nailed a three-pointer that opened the way for the Whites to widen the gap with less than seven minutes left in the game. The crowd knew to appreciate his effort.

Salah Mejri (2)

He came out with enthusiasm, but this hyperactivity once again cost him, and he ended up leaving the court frustrated and arguing with a referee.

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