Real Madrid overcame a sluggish start to defeat Dubai Basketball 107-93 on Friday at Movistar Arena, marking a statement victory to open the new year. Despite trailing 44-58 at halftime, Los Blancos flipped the script in the second half, outscoring Dubai 63-35 over the final two quarters.
The turnaround began with an 11-0 run to start the third quarter, sparked by Trey Lyles and Facundo Campazzo, cutting the deficit to just three points. Head coach Sergio Scariolo’s halftime adjustments were key, with Lyles and Gabriel Deck entering the lineup to provide energy and balance.
Dubai, now 9-10, kept pace early, with Dwayne Bacon contributing 26 points, but Real’s defensive intensity increased dramatically after halftime. Mario Hezonja scored 13 of his team-high 20 points in the fourth quarter, fueling another 11-0 run that gave Madrid a 90-80 lead and effectively ended the contest.
Campazzo added 17 points and six assists, while Lyles also scored 17. Alberto Abalde chipped in 14 points, Deck had 12, and Theo Maledon contributed 10. Walter Tavares anchored the paint with six rebounds and four blocks. Remarkably, all seven major contributors posted a Performance Index Rating of 15 or higher, only the third instance of such a feat in EuroLeague history.
The win improves Madrid’s record to 11-8 at the season’s midpoint. With four of their next five games at home, where they remain unbeaten since early November, the team has a chance to climb the EuroLeague standings if they sustain second-half form.
Real Madrid will host LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne next Tuesday, while Dubai Basketball faces Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv on the same day.
