The Real Madrid vs. UCAM Murcia match (80-75) was a testament to Edy Tavares’ exceptional skills, as he emerged as the most valuable player of the game. This wasn’t just a matter of statistics; Tavares’ impact on the court was palpable, and his team’s struggles with perimeter play and three-point shooting made his contribution all the more crucial. What’s fascinating is that Tavares achieved this distinction with a remarkably low number of shots – just three attempts at the basket.
Tavares’ performance was a masterclass in efficiency, as he wrapped up the game with 10 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 6 fouls drawn, totaling a valuation of 21. When he was on the court, Madrid outscored their opponents by 11 points, the best plus/minus ratio on his team. In fact, Tavares leads the league in this department, averaging a staggering 10.5 points. The next best players, Facundo Campazzo (9.1) and Kameron Taylor (8.8), trail behind him, with Mario Hezonja (8.6) coming in fourth. This impressive statistic underscores Tavares’ immense value to his team, even when he’s not scoring at an elite level.
For Tavares, achieving a high valuation with limited shots is nothing new. He has consistently demonstrated his ability to make a significant impact on the game without necessarily being the top scorer. This is a testament to his all-around skills and his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game. His coach, Chus Mateo, has taken notice of this, praising Tavares for his selfless play and his ability to elevate the team’s performance. As Mateo noted, “Edy is absolutely key. We know what he brings, how well he works, how well he helps his teammates, and how he’s always there to give us an extra effort. Today, we needed him, and he was brilliant in defense. I think the day Edy leaves basketball, it will probably be a different Real Madrid. This is Edy Tavares’ Real Madrid. We need him a lot; he’s absolutely crucial for us, both offensively and defensively.”
Tavares’ impressive performances are not limited to this single game. He has a history of delivering high valuations with minimal shots. In the Liga Endesa this season, he has had games with 19 and 11 valuations while attempting only 3 and 1 shot, respectively. Similarly, in the Euroliga, he has achieved valuations of 15, 18, and 7 while taking only 1, 3, and 0 shots. Last season, he even had back-to-back Euroliga games with 15 valuations without attempting a single shot. These statistics demonstrate Tavares’ unique ability to influence the game beyond just scoring, making him an invaluable asset to his team.
In the end, Tavares’ exceptional performance against UCAM Murcia was just another example of his consistent excellence. As his coach and teammates can attest, he is the heartbeat of the team, and his contributions go far beyond the box score. With Tavares on the court, Real Madrid becomes a more formidable opponent, and his ability to dominate the game without necessarily being the top scorer makes him a true asset to the team. As the season progresses, it will be exciting to see how Tavares continues to impact the game and lead his team to victory.