Real Madrid thrash Manresa as Procida and Smith shine

Real Madrid overwhelmed Kids&Us Manresa 120-83 in Liga Endesa. The gap was already substantial at the break, with the score at 62-38 after the first quarter ended 34-22. Madrid reached 62 points by half-time, a mark not seen in the ACB since 2016. Pradilla also contributed to the win with a 10+8.

Gabriele Procida and Nick Smith Jr. were singled out in a collective display. The pace, the defence and the number of players able to contribute left Pedro Martínez very satisfied. Real Madrid’s task was also made easier by a timid performance from their opponents.

Manresa arrived at the Movistar Arena bottom of Liga Endesa and left with an even more negative impression. Previously, Procida had not enjoyed the confidence of either Sergio Scariolo or Pedro Martínez. Yet against Manresa, he was the game’s best player, making the most of his time on court.

Nick Smith also impressed, with the point guard getting more playing time because of Maledon’s early fouls. At times rushed and at others too individualistic, Smith continues to show his considerable talent and scoring instincts. For Manresa, the game can serve as an example of how not to approach a match. Across the first three rounds of Liga Endesa, Diego Ocampo’s team suffered three defeats and conceded more than 100 points per game.