Sunday basketball at the Movistar Arena is usually loud, fast, and full of energy. This time, it felt different. From the start, something was missing. The pace was slower, the atmosphere flatter, and the game never quite reached the intensity you would expect from a team leading the league.
Real Madrid hosted Granada on matchday 18 of the Liga Endesa. On paper, this was a clear win. Madrid came in first place with 16 wins and only 2 losses, while Granada sat bottom of the table with just one win all season. Still, basketball is unpredictable, especially with fatigue playing a role after Madrid’s recent EuroLeague games away in Dubai and Greece
First Half: Sloppy and Unconvincing
The first quarter set the tone. Real Madrid did lead, but not convincingly. Defensive mistakes allowed Granada to score too easily, and the ball movement lacked preciseness. Despite having more quality on the floor, Madrid looked slow and hesitant, finishing the first quarter only five points ahead.
The second quarter did not bring much improvement. Granada stayed close, punishing Madrid’s mistakes and keeping the score tight. At halftime, the scoreboard read 40–36, an uncomfortable margin considering the difference in standings. The feeling in the arena was not tension, but confusion.
Third Quarter: Finally Some Separation
After the break, Madrid finally found some rhythm. The pace increased, shots started falling, and the gap slowly grew. Lyles stood out during this stretch, scoring consistently and giving Madrid a bit more confidence.
This was the best quarter of the night for the home side. The defense tightened up, transitions were faster, and the team looked more like itself. By the end of the third quarter, Madrid had built a more comfortable lead, making the outcome feel less uncertain.
Final Quarter: Fatigue on Both Sides
The last quarter reflected what this game truly was, a match shaped by tired legs. Both teams slowed down again, and while Granada managed to score, they never truly threatened a comeback. Madrid controlled the final minutes without impressing, closing the game at 94–79. It was a win, but not a statement.
