Tavares breaks the historical blocks record in the ACB

Real Madrid arrived at the game against SP Burgos at the Palacio with a difficult week behind them. Two games in the Euroleague and two significant injuries had left Pedro Martínez's team with five absences, drastically limiting the available rotations. With only twelve players operational, there was no room for rest: everyone had to contribute to the goal of adding another victory in the domestic competition. The opponent, although categorized among the weakest in the ACB, required concentration and professionalism to secure the points at stake.

An erratic start that forced a reaction

Pedro Martínez's team began the match without the expected rhythm. After nine minutes, the scoreboard showed a concerning 11-17 against, alerting the need for an immediate correction. SP Burgos maintained the initiative and extended its dominance until the 15th minute, when the score stood at 22-25. However, with just over two minutes left in the half, the dynamics changed. Luwawu-Cabarrot scored several free throws that allowed Real Madrid to achieve their first lead since the initial 2-0. From that moment on, the whites did not yield any ground. A crushing 12-0 run closed the first half with a comfortable 39-31 that projected confidence for the last twenty minutes.

Tavares' historic moment in the third quarter

The resumption after halftime brought the most anticipated moment of the day. Just 36 seconds after both teams took to the court, Edy Tavares executed a block against a shot from Koprivica. That block was the 739th of his career in the league, thus surpassing the historical record of 738 held by Fran Vázquez. The referee stopped the game to allow a celebration that transcended sport. Tavares' family—his son, daughter, and wife—ran onto the court to present him with a commemorative plaque and a large hand-shaped trophy. Sergio Llull, captain and teammate, gifted him the historic ball as the fans, standing, chanted his name.

This defensive milestone in the ACB represents recognition for years of consistency and dedication on defense, a fundamental attribute in modern basketball. Tavares has consolidated his legacy not only through numbers but also through the significance of each block in the context of the games he has played. His defensive evolution has made him an indisputable reference in this aspect of the game.

Dominance in the final stretch without the need to force

The excitement of the celebration did not distract the Madrid players. They maintained the distance in the immediate minutes and, progressively, stretched the lead. A 10-2 run in the 26th minute brought the score to 53-39, with a fourteen-point difference that allowed them to manage the game without urgency. With a twelve-point cushion (67-53, min. 31), control was absolute. Shulga led a good stretch that further widened the gap to seventeen points (77-60), definitively breaking any chance of a visitor reaction. The final stretch arrived with everything decided (83-68), although SP Burgos managed to partially mask the defeat in the closing moments.

In the final quarter, Shulga contributed 11 points while Sarr added 6. Both, with less prominence in the previous three quarters (six and four minutes respectively), helped consolidate the victory when the competition offered no resistance. The match reflected the reality of a team that, despite the limitations in personnel, managed to adapt after a shaky start and closed with authority.

Assessment of a historic and victorious day

The game at the Palacio will be marked by two fundamental aspects. First, Real Madrid's ability to reverse an adverse start and close comfortably, demonstrating that the absences do not diminish their offensive or defensive quality. Second, and more importantly, the achievement of a historic record that consolidates Tavares as the greatest defensive reference in the league in terms of accumulated blocks. The number 739 represents not only a figure but also years of defensive commitment in each possession, in every game, in every competition played.

With twelve players available and no possibility of rest, Pedro Martínez's team demonstrated that quality and experience prevail over adverse circumstances. The victory against SP Burgos, although comfortable in the final result, had to be earned in the first twenty minutes, when the concentration was below expectations. Overcoming that test and maintaining the defensive solidity that allowed Tavares to achieve his milestone reinforces the consistency of a team that continues to show why it is a reference in the domestic competition.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Tavares bate el récord histórico de tapones en la ACB