Big man Walter Tavares had another stellar season and helped Real Madrid return to the EuroLeague Final Four.
Averaging 10.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.7 blocks and a PIR of 18.5, Tavares was a reference point for the “Whites” on both ends.
His ability to finish strong in the paint (thanks to his 2.40-meter wingspan and quick feet) has made his opponents use different defensive strategies to contain him.
In addition, his ability to block shots and intimidate would-be scorers has transformed him into a game-changer defensively.
A two-time Best Defender (2019, 2021) and All-EuroLeague First Team member (2021, 2022), Walter Tavares did his best to help Real Madrid reach the Final Four after a three-year absence.
The MVP of the EuroLeague for January has improved every aspect of his game and has made his presence felt on both ends.
And against Barcelona in the semifinal, if Tavares plays at his usual standards, then the “Whites” will have the upper hand in their effort to reach the Championship Game.
Since joining Real back in 2017, Tavares is the EuroLeague’s runaway leader in total rebounds (1,104) and blocked shots (280).
He is also second all-time in average blocks (1.8), third in total blocks (280) and fourth in blocks per 40 minutes (3.2).
Offensively, in the same five-year span since his EuroLeague debut, Tavares is second in two-point shooting rate, at 69.4%, among all EuroLeague players, and third in shots made inside the arc, with 545.
Against a Barcelona frontline that includes Brandon Davies and Nikola Mirotic, among others, the performance of Walter Tavares will be the X-Factor for the “Whites”.
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