The inspiration of Joel Parra catapults Barça

BarcelonaAleksander Sekulic's Barça has the measure of Xavi Albert's Valencia (98-94). The blue and garnet team, boosted by the Palau and the decisive three-pointers from Joel Parra –four consecutive ones in the third quarter– signed a hard-fought third consecutive win against a rival that missed Nikola Mirotic, an old acquaintance of the Barça fans.

Accuracy from the three-point line in key moments was decisive. In fact, Barça started the game with two consecutive three-pointers, but showing the usual leaks in defense that allowed a quick response from Valencia. Kam Taylor, also from the three-point line, gave the first lead to the visitors. The blue and garnets stayed in the game thanks to a great production of three-pointers, with 71% (5/7) accuracy at the end of a first quarter that they closed with a slight lead (30-25) thanks to a buzzer-beater by Nkamhoua.

At the beginning of the second period, the scoring pace slowed down. The increase in physicality by both teams resulted in a second quarter with rougher play. Valencia bit back with a three-pointer from Brooks and the blue and garnets saw the gap in the scoreboard reduced (33-30).

Barça missed their fluidity in attack. The game leveled out, the Valencians needed less effort than the hosts to score, although Shorts missed two free throws just before Barça managed to turn the scoreboard around through a great steal by Tosan Evbuomwan and a three-pointer by Tyrese Martin (44-42).

Parra's exhibition in the third quarter

The third quarter was reached with the forces evenly matched. The 'blaugranes', imprecise –Brizuela missed a couple of consecutive three-point shots–, tried not to lose their footing in the game against the fast and direct basketball of their rival. The fans began to beat strongly, singing the anthem a cappella, to try to boost the team and Parra gave the 'blaugranes' a boost with four consecutive three-pointers (69-68) that made the Palau vibrate when Sekulic's team were having their worst moment.

Barça was competitive until the end. The equality in rebounding (36-39) –and Valencia's lack of accuracy in free throws at key moments– also defined the opportunities for both teams to take the game. The 'blaugranes' were better facing the basket and a layup by Punter (83-77) allowed them to dream of victory. A three-pointer by Justin Robinson near the end (93-88) set the stage for the big celebration at the Palau.