With 33 efficiency ratings, Ethan Happ and Luka Bozic earn Players of Matchday 22 honors in Liga Endesa 2025-26, leading crucial victories for Recoletas Salud SPB and Coviran Granada respectively
Ethan Happ and Luka Bozic share the honor of being Players of Matchday 22. For the American center at Recoletas Salud San Pablo Burgos, it is the second time achieving this distinction, after being Player of Matchday 17 in the 2022-23 season when he played for Río Breogán.
The Illinois native delivered a complete performance, appearing in every quarter in different ways to disrupt Kosner Baskonia. In the opening quarter he added 6 points, 3 rebounds, 1 block and 10 efficiency rating, while in the second quarter he contributed another 8 efficiency rating with 2 points, 2 rebounds, 2 blocks, 2 steals and 1 assist. He was everywhere.
Next, he added 2 points, 2 rebounds and another block in the third quarter (5 rating), saving the best for last with another 10 efficiency credits: 6 points, 3 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 steal and 1 assist.
In total, Ethan Happ led the Burgos victory (107-96) with a double-double as the cherry on top. With his 16 points (7/10 on two-pointers, 2/2 from the free throw line), he added 10 rebounds, 7 defensive and 3 offensive.
Additionally, he recorded half a dozen blocks, stole 3 balls, distributed 2 assists and drew 3 personal fouls for a total of 33 efficiency rating in 25 minutes and 20 seconds on the court, with a +14 plus-minus while on the floor.
For his part, Luka Bozic led his team to their second victory of the season with 20 points, 13 rebounds and 33 efficiency rating. It is his first nomination in his Liga Endesa career.
The Coviran Granada player showed the way for the Granada squad to follow on Sunday to keep their Liga Endesa survival dream alive. The 29-year-old player, who will turn 30 next month, emerged as the great leader of a team that, after 15 consecutive losses, snapped their losing streak by defeating BAXI Manresa (92-79).
Curiously, the Croatian started in a timid and hesitant manner, with only 1 point and 1 rebound (3 efficiency rating) in the first quarter. In the second, Luka let loose in both zones, with 10 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 12 efficiency rating after playing the quarter almost completely (9:34).
After halftime, curiously, the same pattern repeated. A third quarter with less prominence (3 efficiency rating: 3 rebounds, 1 assist and no points in almost 8 minutes) and an excellent final quarter. In the decisive fourth quarter, with the game hanging in the balance, Bozic stepped up so that the victory, finally, stayed at home. 9 points, 5 rebounds and 15 efficiency rating with his signature (in less than 6 minutes!) sealed it.
In summary, the player born in Bjelovar finished with 20 points, 6/11 on free throws, 4/8 on two-pointers and a perfect 2/2 from three-point range. His dominance in the paint allowed him to capture 13 rebounds (10 defensive, 3 offensive), adding 4 assists and 10 fouls drawn to his repertoire, for a total of 33 efficiency rating in 30:09, with +13 in the plus-minus.
Happ and Bozic, Players of Matchday 22 as symbols of their teams' fight for survival. They are very much alive!