Yabusele gets playing time in Real Madrid's ACB game, Tavares still questionable / News - Basketnews.com

Despite several reports about Real Madrid taking disciplinary measures against Guerschon Yabusele, the French forward played in the ACB game vs. Zaragoza. Edy Tavares, on the other hand, might sit out in Game 3 in Belgrade.

Credit: IMAGO/900/Cordon Press - Scanpix Credit IMAGO/900/Cordon Press - Scanpix

Even though it was hinted thatReal Madrid would conduct an investigation againstGuerschon Yabuseleand punish the Frenchman for his behavior at the end of Game 2 against Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade, things turned out differently.

3-pointers this season

37%9,2Points made:9,2Accuracy:36,8%Place in standings:9Record max:18Record min:3Most made 3FGs:Mario HezonjaTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

With Yabusele being included in his team's squad for the ACB game against Casademont Zaragoza and getting playing time from coach Chus Mateo, it seems that the front office of the club gave the player a pass for body-slamming Dante Exum last Thursday.

For two days, the was whether Real Madrid would take measures against Yabusele, regardless of the 5-game suspension imposed on the former NBA forward by the EuroLeague.

Marca referred to sources in the club, suggesting that Real Madrid were planning to sanction the player because he "damaged the image" of the club.

However, Yabusele was present at the Wizink Center for the outing vs. Zaragoza, as were Sergio Rodriguez and Vincent Poirier. On the other hand, Fabien Causeur, Mario Hezonja and Edy Tavares were absent.

In the midst of the EuroLeague playoffs and two days before playing in Belgrade, the ACB game did not seem like a priority for Los Blancos, who nevertheless had to show more mental than physical strength. Casademont Zaragoza, who had a 14-point lead, ended up succumbing to the hosts 93-86.

Even so, the two players suspended for next Tuesday, Guerschon Yabusele (4 points and 4 steals in 35 minutes) and Gabriel Deck (19 points and 9 rebounds in 32 minutes), assumed the biggest role in the rotation.

It's certain that both will not travel to Belgrade for the third game vs. Partizan.

On the other hand, Tavares warmed up normally before Real Madrid's win over Zaragoza, but didn't get minutes before the trip to Serbia. So, the question remains whether he will be available for the duel in Belgrade.

Real Madrid / Schedule

Real Madrid Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade87-89 Real Madrid Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade80-95 Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade Real MadridTue18:30 Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade Real MadridThu18:30

"I didn't intend for Deck and Yabusele to play that much," Mateo said in the presser.

"We have condemned all of the events that took place last Thursday. What happened is absolutely reprehensible, but we are not going to be talking about this all day either. We have to play basketball and not give that image again. This can never happen again," said Mateo.

The Spanish coach stressed that Tavares is trying to recover against the clock, adding that he's not "absolutely certain that he can be there."

"Those of us who are here are going to fight from the first minute to the last. Hopefully, we will be able to force Game 5," Mateo continued.

"Partizan haven't had any domestic games during this playoff series. We played against Zaragoza and if we manage to reach Game 5, we'll also have Unicaja Malaga next Sunday."

Mateo thinks Real Madrid showed their true face in Game 1, but lost because "a great player [Kevin Punter] hit us with a basket at the last second. That shot affected us more than we thought," Mateo admitted.

"In a playoff series, anything can happen and it can change from one day to the next. Both teams have players who will not be next Tuesday", he pointed out.

In fact, Partizan will be missing Kevin Punter and Mathias Lessort, and maybe Dante Exum, depending on the medical team's assessment of whether the Australian will recover from the injury that occurred right after Yabusele's reaction.

Like what we are doing? Support us by becoming BN+ member.