The Real Madrid’s dismal performance from beyond the arc, where they managed a mere 3 out of 26 three-pointers, proved to be a significant handicap in their EuroLeague matchup against Panathinaikos. According to Chus Mateo, the team’s coach, this lackluster display was a major factor in their 85-70 defeat at the hands of the Greek squad. Mateo noted that while his team was successful in scoring from inside, leveraging the strength of their taller players, they struggled to convert open three-point shots, which would have allowed them to play more effectively from the inside out.
As he reflected on the game, Mateo acknowledged that there were moments when his team attempted to mount a comeback, but their efforts were ultimately thwarted by a sense of urgency that led to rushed shots and missed opportunities. “We scored inside, we had power there using our big men, but sometimes you need to play from the inside out and score open triples, and we didn’t do that in those moments,” he explained. The coach’s comments, made to the media at the Oaka following the conclusion of the game, highlighted the frustrating moments when his team came closest to narrowing the gap with their opponent, only to see their chances slip away.
Key Takeaways from the Game
The miscarriage of three-point shots was a glaring issue for Real Madrid, as they were unable to capitalize on their chances from beyond the arc. Despite their dominance in the paint, the team’s inability to convert open triples hindered their ability to play a more balanced game. Furthermore, the team’s efforts to stage a comeback were hindered by a sense of desperation, which led to hasty decisions and missed opportunities. As Mateo and his team look to bounce back from this disappointing loss, they will undoubtedly focus on improving their three-point shooting and developing a more composed approach to gameplay.
Room for Improvement
The loss to Panathinaikos served as a stark reminder of the areas where Real Madrid needs to improve. By working on their three-point shooting and developing a more patient approach to the game, the team can become a more formidable opponent in the EuroLeague. As Coach Mateo and his team regroup and refocus, they will be looking to address these issues and come back stronger in their next matchup. With a bit of fine-tuning and a renewed commitment to their strategy, Real Madrid can get back on track and make a deeper run in the competition.