MADRID (Spain) – The global basketball community will still have a chance to say their final goodbye to Rudy Fernandez as he heads to his 6th Olympic Games, but this preparation game was the last opportunity for Spanish fans to see their captain in action on home soil.
Rudy provided the crowd with some fancy highlights, while the rest of the Spanish team focused on keeping the spotlight away from the intrigue about the result. Spain once again showed that they could be medal contenders in Paris, playing an almost perfect game against Puerto Rico and securing a victory with a final score 107-84.
Fernandez finished the game with 9 points in 14 minutes of action.
The story of the game
Puerto Rico got off to a good start as their zone defense proved effective. Spain adjusted halfway through the opening quarter and took the lead thanks to Sergio Llull.
The crowd then gave an extremely warm welcome to Rudy Fernandez, and the captain closed the first quarter with an impressive long buzzer-beater, giving Spain a 14-point lead.
Spain began dominating in the second quarter, and their offense looked impeccable.
Scariolo continued a wide rotation in the second half, but it didn't alter the course of the game, as his team was better in every aspect.
Rudy Fernandez made his third three-pointer of the game in the final quarter and left the court to a huge ovation from the very grateful fans who had witnessed incredible moments in his 18-year national team career.
The player of the game
Watch out for Santi Aldama at the Olympics and beyond. This guy is a new star of international basketball in the making. You probably knew this after the OQT, but consider this a friendly reminder.
Aldama has become Spain's main scoring option alongside Juancho Hernangomez. Against Puerto Rico, Aldama scored 20 points (6-11 FGs) in just 17 minutes on the court.
The stats of the game
Spain made it rain from behind the arc: they converted 20 of their 46 three-point attempts. Seven of their players made at least one three-pointer.
Sergio Scariolo's men combined for 34 team assists.
Ridiculous? Ridiculous.
The takeaways from the game
Spain are ready. We've learned not to bet against La Familia in any competition, but this team is especially difficult to bet against. Spain looks complete with their desire to move the ball, multiple scoring options, and a strong presence inside with players like Willy Hernangomez and Usman Garuba.
Unbelievable Group A action tips off on Saturday, and we simply cannot wait.
As for Puerto Rico, they had some bright spots in their game, with Jose Alvarado taking charge in the third quarter. They still have some time and could be able to fight for a playoff spot at the Olympics.
Spain faces Australia in the very first game of the men's Olympic tournament, while Puerto Rico will play South Sudan in a big game on Sunday.
FIBA