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may 22 2026ATHENS. Real Madrid advanced to the EuroLeague final after defeating Valencia Basket in the Final Four at the Telekom Center Athens, with Mario Hezonja highlighting Sergio Scariolo as a key factor in explaining the white team's growth during a season marked by roster changes and injuries.
The Croatian small forward led Real Madrid with 25 points in a historic offensive semifinal and, after the game, emphasized the Italian coach's ability to adapt the team amid an extremely challenging context.
"The credit belongs to coach Scariolo, because if anyone can adapt like that, it's him," Hezonja said after securing Real Madrid's spot in the EuroLeague final.
The Madrid player acknowledged that the start of the season was marked by uncertainty within the locker room due to numerous roster changes and constant tactical adjustments.
"Believe me, in September we were all looking at each other thinking: 'What am I doing?', 'What are you doing?'. But this guy has the prestige of a serious coach. He has history behind him and he really lets us explain to him what's happening in the game so we can adjust even better," the Croatian explained.
Beyond his offensive display, Hezonja wanted to focus on the small details and collective work as fundamental elements for competing in a EuroLeague Final Four.
"That's what it takes. Obviously the offensive rhythm is there, but it's the small details. You have to believe and be there for the team," he said.
The semifinal between Real Madrid and Valencia Basket also produced a historic record in the competition. Both teams combined for 118 points in the first half, setting the record for the highest combined score in a half of a EuroLeague Final Four game.
However, not all news was good for the white team. Real Madrid continues to accumulate physical problems in the paint, a situation that is seriously concerning heading into the continental final.
The team was already dealing with the absence of Walter Tavares and Alex Len, and during the game also suffered the injury of Usman Garuba, who left the court early following a play that raised all the alarms.
"Another concerning injury to another center," Hezonja lamented after the game, reflecting the concern within the Madrid locker room about the physical condition of the interior rotation.
