Baskonia wins the Spanish Cup after a 17-year break
Baskonia has won the Spanish Cup, defeating Unicaja after 17 years, with standout performances from several players including Gytis Radzevičius.
Baskonia claimed the Spanish Cup title for the first time in 17 years by overpowering Unicaja, who had previously eliminated Real Madrid in the quarter-finals. Lithuanian player Gytis Radzevičius contributed to the victory, although his individual statistics were modest, scoring 2 points and collecting 5 rebounds in 25 minutes of play. His +22 plus/minus rating was the highest among all participants in the final, showcasing his impact on the game despite not being the primary scorer.
The game was marked by a remarkable performance from a trio of Baskonia players: Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, Eugene Omoruyi, and Trent Forrest, who collectively scored 73 of the team's 100 points. Trent Forrest notably came close to a triple-double with 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 11 assists, earning him the MVP of the match with an impressive performance score of 38. This strong team effort was pivotal in securing Baskonia's victory over Real Madrid's rival.
Baskonia's achievement not only marks a significant milestone for the team but also highlights the depth of talent in the squad, particularly with the absence of Tadas Sedekerskis due to an ankle injury. The success of players like Radzevičius and Forrest underscores the shifting dynamics in Spanish basketball, as Baskonia re-establishes its dominance on the national stage after years of competing for top honors. This victory could signal a new era for the club as they aim to build upon their recent success in future competitions.