Valencia Takes Flight: Shorts Leads the Charge Against Baskonia

There is a certain flair to the way TJ Shorts commands the ball on the court. With the game on the line and his team needing a response, the Valencia point guard took control, orchestrated the offense and finished with 18 points and four assists. The Roig Arena was the stage for a solid 84-75 victory over Baskonia, giving the Valencians their fourth consecutive win in the ACB.

I remember those nights when every pass seemed to find a teammate's hands. That is the basketball Shorts brings to Valencia: not just individual brilliance, but a collective rhythm that lifts the entire squad. On this occasion, he was the engine, supported by Neal Sako with 15 points and Armoni Brooks with 13.

A Break That Set the Tone

The opening quarter was decisive. Valencia raced ahead by 16 points, turning a tight contest into a comfortable advantage. Baskonia tried to adjust defensively in the second period and managed to close the gap to 31-29, but the home team did not panic. Dylan Osetkowski and Brooks answered with three-pointers, and Valencia went into halftime leading 41-35.

Baskonia came out strong after the break, even taking the lead at 43-41. It was the only moment the visitors found themselves ahead. Valencia responded immediately with triples from Nikola Mirotic and Kameron Taylor, regaining control and finishing the third quarter with a 59-53 margin.

The final period was a genuine battle. Baskonia refused to fold, rallying to trail by just two points at 67-65 with five minutes remaining. Sako took over with five consecutive points, assisted by Shorts, and Valencia restored the double-digit advantage. The home team managed the difference through to the final whistle, sealing an 84-75 victory against a Baskonia side that played with a reduced rotation.

Gonzalo Corbalán contributed two points and one assist in 14 minutes on the court. It is a modest statistical return, but his presence on the rotation is part of a broader structure. After five rounds, Valencia has consolidated its position in the ACB standings, riding a run of four consecutive victories.

• TJ Shorts led Valencia with 18 points and four assists, orchestrating the offensive output.
• Neal Sako finished with 15 points, including five crucial points in the final stretch.
• Armoni Brooks scored 13 points and contributed with timely three-pointers.
• Gonzalo Corbalán added two points and one assist in 14 minutes.
• The victory gives Valencia four consecutive wins in the ACB after five rounds.

The question now is how far this run can continue. Valencia has momentum, a home court advantage and a point guard capable of deciding games. The next match will be another test, and the fans will be watching closely to see how Corbalán continues to find his place in the rotation.