A dominating Valencia Basket devour Joventut and will play the ACB final against Barça

**Valencia Basket** has scripted a nearly perfect storyline in these Endesa League playoffs. Under the technical direction of Pedro Martínez, the taronja have reached the final without knowing defeat, demonstrating an offensive and defensive consistency that has allowed them to dominate every series they have encountered on their path. The 87-75 victory against Asisa Joventut in the third match of the semifinal closes a cycle of absolute domination in this phase of the championship.

Montero, the key piece of Valencia

Jean Montero has been the visible face of this taronja success. The Dominican small forward led the visiting victory at the Olímpic de Badalona with 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists, accumulating a rating of 38. His determination to leave Valencia with a title in his hands has translated into high-level performances throughout the series, where he has proved to be the necessary difference-maker in crucial moments of the game.

Montero appeared when his team needed him most. After a balanced first half where the taronja were only two points ahead (39-41), the Dominican star took control of the game in decisive moments. His ability to create advantages peaked in the third quarter when Valencia achieved a double-digit lead for the first time with a score of 54-64, nearing the series' conclusion.

The team from Badalona did not surrender easily. The atmosphere at the Olímpic, heated and combative, allowed La Penya to maintain hopes of a comeback even in the final stages. With two minutes remaining, the home team managed to close in at 73-79, seemingly opening a last window of opportunity. However, Asisa Joventut's offensive inaccuracies and Valencia Basket's defensive solidity shut down any chance of an upset. The taronja adeptly managed the final moments to secure a clear victory.

Jabari Parker and Ricky Rubio were the top scorers for the home team with 15 and 17 points, respectively, but their efforts proved insufficient to halt the Valencian steamroller that arrived in Badalona with the series already compromised after winning the first two matches 118-117 and 90-76.

This semifinal is the second barrier that Valencia Basket has overcome without conceding a single game in these playoffs. Previously, in the quarterfinals, the taronja swept Surne Bilbao with a convincing 2-0 (83-80 and 71-88), demonstrating that their level of play transcends the specific opponent. The consistency shown in both series suggests a team that has found its best version at the most crucial moment of the season.

The upcoming final will pit Valencia Basket against Barcelona, who also completed their journey to the final without dropping any games. The azulgranas closed their semifinal against La Laguna Tenerife with a resounding 3-0 (100-67, 97-89, 85-76), promising a high-level battle in the fight for the Endesa League title. Both teams arrive with absolute confidence, having demonstrated their ability to play high-quality basketball throughout complete series.

Valencia-Barça, ACB Finals

The quarterfinals have painted a clear picture regarding the favorites. While Valencia and Barcelona have dominated without giving up a game, other teams have had to fight harder to advance. Real Madrid fell to La Laguna Tenerife in a series that extended to the fifth match, with the Canarians proving that playoff basketball is unpredictable. Kosner Baskonia also had to yield to Asisa Joventut in three matches, though the resistance shown was greater than in this semifinal.

Valencia Basket, with their flawless journey, has confirmed that when all the gears work in harmony, Pedro Martínez's team is virtually unbeatable. The final against Barcelona will be the climax of a season where the taronja have built a solid structure capable of competing with any rival in the top Spanish basketball.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Un Valencia Basket arrasador se come al Joventut y jugará la final de la ACB contra el Barça