On May 27, 2026, Real Madrid Baloncesto suffered a narrow 88-83 defeat to Baskonia at the Movistar Arena. Despite leading at several stages of the contest and receiving another standout performance from Mario Hezonja, the hosts were undone by a late Baskonia surge and a decisive closing stretch from Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot.
With the Liga Endesa playoffs fast approaching, Real Madrid Baloncesto entered the contest looking to bounce back in front of their home supporters. The game also marked the debut of Omer Yurtseven in white, adding another storyline to an evening that featured momentum swings throughout all four quarters.
The opening quarter was played at a frenetic pace, with both teams finding success from the three-point range. Baskonia struck first through Arnas Radzevičius before Sergio Llull immediately responded from deep. Yurtseven quickly settled into life as a Madridista by registering his first points for the club, while Hezonja added five early points to help Real Madrid edge ahead. Strong perimeter shooting proved decisive during the first ten minutes, as the hosts connected on five of their first eight three-point attempts to secure a 29-26 advantage at the end of the quarter.
The second period began more cautiously, with scoring opportunities becoming harder to come by. Real Madrid Baloncesto gradually extended their lead thanks to valuable contributions from Alberto Abalde, Jonah Radebaugh Lyles, and David Kramer, opening up a seven-point cushion midway through the quarter. However, Baskonia refused to let the game get away from them. Eugene Omoruyi and Kobi Simmons sparked a late response, trimming the deficit and sending Madrid into halftime with a slender 46-42 lead.
Baskonia emerged from the break with renewed energy and immediately seized control of the contest. A devastating 10-0 run turned a four-point deficit into a six-point lead, with Trent Forrest orchestrating the visitors’ attack. Real Madrid responded impressively. Hezonja continued to lead from the front, while Kramer, Chuma Okeke, Facundo Campazzo, and Llull combined during a 16-4 run that swung momentum back in the home side’s favour. By the end of the third quarter, Real Madrid Baloncesto had reclaimed the lead at 66-64.
The final quarter produced the game’s decisive moments. Baskonia once again opened strongly, launching another 10-0 run that put them firmly in control. Madrid battled back through Lyles and Kramer, who levelled the score at 75-75 with four minutes remaining, setting up a dramatic finish. Yet when the pressure was highest, Luwawu-Cabarrot delivered. The French forward scored ten crucial points in the closing stages, repeatedly punishing Real Madrid’s defence and guiding Baskonia to a valuable road victory.
After the game, I had the opportunity to attend the post-game press conference, which included the head coaches of Baskonia, Paolo Galbiati, and Real Madrid Baloncesto, Sergio Scariolo.
Real Madrid Baloncesto will now turn its attention to its final regular-season fixture against Bàsquest Manresa before beginning its playoff campaign with home-court advantage secured. Baskonia, meanwhile, leaves Madrid with momentum and a statement victory over the league leaders at a crucial stage of the season.