NBArça Regal (99-85)

The Palau Sant Jordi was witness to a majestic game of basketball this evening. A Barça Regal side worthy of the NBA defeated the Dallas Mavericks in what turned out to be the third victory over an NBA side in the Club’s history. The men led by Xavi Pascual, who took control of the game at the end of the first quarter, didn’t relinquish their advantage until the game was over. The Mavericks, however, were without their big star Dirk Nowitzki, who had to sit the game out due a knee injury. Víctor Sada also missed the match with a shoulder injury.

Even start

Barça Real quickly fell behind their North American counterparts at the start of the match (8-15). The Mavs’ lead was largely due to Elton Brand’s ability under the basket. Ingles and an incisive Mickeal led the Blaugrana response. The Blaugrana roared back to take a one-point advantage (16-15) – an advantage they managed to keep throughout the rest of the game. Up to eight Barça Regal players scored in the first 10 minutes.

Mickeal, Jawai and Saras prove decisive

Barça Regal’s play was clear: counterattack whenever possible. The Mavericks, on the other hand, were most dangerous under the basket. Kaman, who scored 12 points, kept his team within two points of the Blaugrana in the first half (42-40), but his performance wasn’t enough to outpace Mickeal’s accuracy, Jawai’s power, or Saras’ on-target passing.

Navarro appears

After the break Barça Regal showcased its best basketball. Curiously enough, the third quarter was the one that proved fatal for Pascual’s men in their first two Liga Endesa matches, but tonight it was when Barça Regal dismantled the Dallas Mavericks. The team, led by Navarro, knocked down 32 points and took a commanding 18-point lead.

Failed comeback and victory

The match, which was relatively placid in terms of fouls, took on a more rough and tumble tone in the last quarter of the match. The Mavericks upped their tempo and they weren’t going to go down without a fight. In fact, in the first four minutes of the last quarter, the visiting side came within 9 points of Barça Regal. Even though Pascual’s men saw their lead brought down to single digits they fought on and secured the win, the Club’s third over an NBA team. Historic.