Valencia kicked off their EuroLeague campaign in the most dramatic fashion possible. They won 94-96 in Istanbul against Besiktas, who returned to the competition after thirteen years, in a game decided in the final possessions with the winning shot hanging in the air.
A Game of Runs
The matchup was played in waves, with an extremely high number of lead changes and neither team able to pull away. This continued into the decisive stretch, where everything came down to possession by possession.
The crucial basket came from TJ Shorts with less than a minute remaining. From there, the finish was heart-stopping.
The Final Seconds
Besiktas had the game in their hands and squandered it from the free throw line: Eugene Omoruyi and Kameron Taylor each missed two free throws.
Still, the home team had one last chance. Jaylen Nowell launched a three-pointer to win it in the final second, but it didn't fall. Valencia sealed the victory from the free throw line afterward.
Shorts, the Closer Again
The point guard was the game's leading scorer with 26 points, confirming what he had already shown in the preseason: he is the player the team relies on in crucial moments. He was the same in the EncestaRías final against Baskonia, which he decided with two free throws.
Nikola Mirotic made his debut with 13 points, nine days after signing after spending the entire summer without a team. Armoni Brooks, Jasiel Rivero, Neal Sako, and Kameron Taylor each added ten points.
For Besiktas, Nowell and Omoruyi each scored 17 points and Conor Morgan added 15.
How the Matchday Stands
With this victory, Valencia opens with a 1-0 record in a first matchday that has produced mixed results for Spanish teams: Barcelona defeated Efes (89-82), while Real Madrid fell in Dubai (78-77) and Baskonia was beaten by Olympiacos (89-106).