In the rich tapestry of basketball history, few stories echo dominance quite like Real Madrid’s love affair with the Supercopa Endesa. Having clinched the title for five consecutive years, Chus Mateo’s squad shows no sign of slowing down. The latest testament to their prowess came in the form of a remarkable 90-80 victory over Barcelona in the 2023 semifinals.
Held in Murcia, the match itself was a spectacle to behold. With a stadium buzzing in anticipation, both sides showcased a blend of skill and determination that defines top-tier basketball.
A Triumphant Return for Facundo Campazzo
The spotlight, however, undoubtedly shone brightest on Facundo Campazzo. Playing his first game for Real Madrid after a three-year NBA stint, the Argentinian playmaker put up 17 points and provided 5 assists. Murcia, where Campazzo had played on loan between 2015 and 2017, greeted him with a standing ovation – a testament to the player’s undeniable charisma and skill.
Table: Standout Player Performances
| Player Name | Points | Assists | Rebounds | Other Stats |
| Facundo Campazzo | 17 | 5 | – | – |
| Nicolas Laprovittola | 27 | – | – | 5/9 from deep |
| Dzanan Musa | 24 | – | – | – |
| Walter Tavares | 13 | – | 11 | 3 steals, 4 blocks |
| Gabriel Deck | 14 | – | – | – |
Despite the admirable effort from Laprovittola, who netted an impressive 27 points with a 5/9 shooting record from beyond the arc, Barcelona could not match Madrid’s firepower. Additional commendable performances for Madrid included Dzanan Musa’s crucial 24 points and Walter Tavares’ double-double.
“I’m very happy because I came here to play these kinds of games. He’s an unbelievable guy, he’s very fast and smart. In terms of basketball I’m a scorer first, so having that kind of playmaker next to you makes it easier to play with. But credit to all the guys. This summer I worked a lot on my head, I’m prepared for everything that comes in the game,” Dzanan Musa remarked post-victory.
Barcelona’s Endeavors: A Valiant Effort
Though the scoreboard favored Madrid, it would be unjust not to acknowledge Barcelona’s valiant attempt. Apart from the aforementioned Laprovittola, Tomas Satoransky put up a notable performance with 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists.
However, challenges arose for Barcelona as Dario Brizuela suffered an injury, impacting the team’s dynamics.
“Laprovittola made a significant effort tonight. Tavares dominated on the glass, and we aim to devise solutions to enhance and emerge victorious. Dzanan [Musa] showcased exceptional prowess in the game, particularly his defense against Kalinic. We rallied and displayed commendable effort, managing to bounce back after an initial setback. Here’s hoping for a swift recovery for Dario Brizuela,” Chus Mateo reflected.
Game Progression: A Tale of Two Halves
Real Madrid’s start wasn’t exactly storybook material, as they missed their first five field goals. However, it was Musa’s layup with 6:24 on the clock that ignited Madrid’s offense, resulting in an 8-0 run. Despite Laprovittola’s impressive 16-point contribution in the first quarter, it was Sergio Rodriguez’s buzzer-beater that concluded the quarter with Madrid trailing 25-22.
The game’s momentum ebbed and flowed. Barcelona started the second quarter on a high, leading 32-25 at one point. Campazzo’s first three-pointer since his return, followed by Gabriel Deck’s contributions, swung the game in Madrid’s favor, concluding the first half at 42-40 for Madrid.
The third quarter was marked by Nicolas Laprovittola’s early score for Barcelona and Musa’s ten consecutive points in under six minutes for Madrid. Campazzo’s performance furthered Madrid’s lead to seven points (65-58).
Madrid’s dominance persisted into the final quarter, as highlighted by a 15-3 run. Walter Tavares’ successive denials of Willy Hernangomez and Musa’s deep shot extended their lead to 15 points (81-66).
Up Next: The Final Frontier
With their recent triumph, Real Madrid sets their gaze firmly on the championship round. Eagerly awaiting the outcome of the duel between Unicaja Malaga and the home team, UCAM Murcia, Madrid readies itself for what promises to be an electrifying final. Scheduled for a 19:00 CET tip-off, given Madrid’s scintillating form, fans are in for a basketball spectacle.
In essence, the recent face-off between Real Madrid and Barcelona was more than just a match; it epitomized passion, talent, and the very essence of competitive basketball. The journey to claim the Supercopa Endesa crown is in its final stretch, and the basketball community waits in eager anticipation.
