Photo: FIBA

Real Madrid secured a 93-86 victory over Partizan, improving their record to 3-1 in the EuroLeague. Sergio Scariolo’s squad delivered a strong performance, holding off a late push from the Serbian side, who attempted a comeback in the final minutes but couldn’t close the gap.

After the game, head coach Sergio Scariolo shared his thoughts during the press conference, commenting on the team’s mentality and shining a light on several individual performances, including those of Theo Maledon, Trey Lyles, Usman Garuba, and Bruno Fernando.

“We played against a good and talented team like Partizan,” he said. Reflecting on the moment Partizan cut the deficit to 80-84 late in the game, he added, “The lapses we had are typical of this stretch of the season.”

Scariolo took a moment to highlight the impact of Theo Maledon, who made his EuroLeague debut for Real Madrid, appearing in his second official game with the club.

“He played with a lot of personality, knowing what the team wants and scoring important points,” Scariolo said of the French guard. “During all these weeks, we were all aware that we were lacking ball control, and we found it with him. He gave us what we were missing.”

He also praised Trey Lyles for stepping up as a reliable offensive option in crucial stretches.

“Trey has adapted spectacularly in every way,” he noted. “Not only technically, but mentally. He’s coming off a six-month hiatus in the United States and a period of adaptation.”

Finally, Scariolo spoke about Walter “Edy” Tavares and the importance of having a strong frontcourt rotation, acknowledging the support from his backup centers.

“There are several players who are in shape and are showing great levels. Edy is one of them, and when he’s not on the court, we have Usman and Bruno, who have the full confidence of the staff and teammates. When Tavares is out … let’s hope at least the waterline stays afloat; we know these are the minutes where we won’t have positive runs,” he concluded.

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