Barcelona defeated Valencia Basket 98-94 in an exciting, tightly contested matchup decided in the final moments. Alexander Sekulic's squad, led by a brilliant Justin Robinson (22 points), secured their sixth EuroLeague victory and continues to improve game by game. Despite Armoni Brooks' 26-point effort, Xavi Albert's Valencia left the Palau Blaugrana empty-handed.
The opening of the game favored the home side. Barcelona started the matchup with a three-point shooting clinic (5 of 5). The standout was an excellent Kevin Punter (9 points), who made three to give the Blaugrana their first leads (19-11 at the 5-minute mark).
Valencia Basket, far from panicking, relied on two of their most experienced players, Kameron Taylor and T.J. Shorts, who with five points each brought Xavi Albert's squad within three (28-25 at the 9-minute mark). The Valencians had weathered the initial storm. A buzzer-beating basket by Olivier Nkamhoua left it 30-25, the score at the end of the first quarter.
The fast-paced, high-scoring rhythm of the opening period completely dissipated, and scoring became elusive. In five minutes, Barcelona managed only three points and the scoreboard tightened (33-32 at the 15-minute mark). Led by an accurate Armoni Brooks (8 points), Valencia felt more comfortable on the court, and after four consecutive points by Jasiel Rivero, Xavi Albert's squad took the lead on the scoreboard (37-38 at the 17-minute mark).
When Barcelona was struggling most, Tyrese Martin appeared—he had been having a rough game (0 of 6 from the field)—and with a three-pointer put the Blaugrana in control at halftime (44-42 at the 20-minute mark). We were witnessing a very balanced matchup with plenty still to be decided.
After the break, the game became even tighter, and the evidence was clear. At the midpoint of the third quarter, it was tied 53-53. Alexander Sekulic shuffled his pieces frequently in search of maintaining freshness among his players. Kevin Punter (14 points) and Armoni Brooks (11 points) were the leading scorers for their respective teams. Uncertainty and emotion took over the Palau.
In the closing moments of the third period, Joel Parra (19 points) appeared. The Catalan, with four consecutive three-pointers, was vital in helping Barcelona dominate by the slimmest margin (69-68 at the 30-minute mark). The game was beautiful for the spectators and anything could happen.
The fourth quarter didn't change the game's dynamics, with the balance remaining evident. Four consecutive points by Olivier Nkamhoua (8 points) gave the Blaugrana a slight advantage (77-74 at the 33-minute mark), which given everything that had transpired, was worth its weight in gold.
Armoni Brooks (20 points) kept his team with all options alive, and after a three-pointer by Kameron Taylor with two minutes remaining, Valencia tightened the scoreboard even more (87-86 at the 38-minute mark).
At this precise moment, Justin Robinson (22 points) appeared, very sharp from beyond the arc. The point guard, in a state of momentum, was key with his points in giving the Blaugrana the decisive push. With 13 seconds remaining, the Culés went up four (95-91). But Valencia fought until the end, and a three-pointer by Brooks—now at 26 points—made it close again (95-94 with 9 seconds left).
The Blaugrana didn't panic. Three consecutive points by Darío Brizuela, including an offensive rebound, sealed Barcelona's final 98-94 victory, a Barcelona team that continues to grow game by game.