‘He deserved to play so well’: Randolph receives praise after a successful comeback / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Angel Martinez/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Angel Martinez/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

Real Madrid (12-3) remained unbeaten at home after a convincing victory against ALBA Berlin (5-10). The Blancos controlled the rebound (41-28) and were up on the scoreboard almost the whole game.

Player of the Game EFF 25 Walter Tavares Points 17 Accuracy 8-8 Rebounds 7 Assists 1

Pablo Laso could not be on the bench on Tuesday night after testing positive in COVID-19. His assistant coach Chus Mateo replaced him.

Mateo showed his satisfaction in the press conference, expressing his happiness for Anthony Randolph, who finished the game with 13 points in his first EuroLeague game since December 2020.

"I'm so happy for him. He deserved to play so well today," Mateo said. "He has worked so hard to get back after a long injury. Even if he looks shy, he is really loved in the locker room."

The Spanish coach also mentioned the importance of remaining undefeated at the WiZink Center.

"We have made a step up in team defense, but we should be more consistent," he added.

Mateo admitted they had kind of uncertainty before the game due to the absences (Laso and Heurtel were out due to coronavirus, while Thompkins, Yabusele, and Alocen were still sidelined with injuries).

"It was a dangerous game, not only because of our absences but also because ALBA Berlin play fast, with short possessions and if you do not understand it since the beginning you may have problems.

When we were up by 20 we were not even relaxed. We left them with just 64 points, so it means we made a good defense," concluded Mateo.

Walter Tavares ended the game with 17 points with an excellent 8-8 from 2-point shots.

"I just keep being ready and keep giving every game its importance," Tavares said after the game. "In the end, that is the most important, to be ready to play, rest and come to play every night, so that is the most important."

On the other hand, Israel Gonzalez recognized Madrid was better during the game.

"They deserved this win. We couldn't play on offense like we would like to because their defense was very good," started the Spanish coach.

"We had to learn, improve and know when we have to attack when we have to pass, when we have to dribble. I am not disappointed with the team's energy in the circumstances that we are in right now," concluded Gonzalez.

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