Author: Monojit Mandal
Clube de Regatas do Flamengo made a triumphant return to the court on Sunday, beating Pato Basquete with a thrilling 84-71 final score in a much-anticipated clash in the 16th edition of the NBB. Flamengo received some much-needed relief with a crushing victory after their previous loss to Minas (70-87) on Friday.
Flamengo’s star player was Hungarian forward Marko Filipovity, who had an incredible double-double with 15 points and ten rebounds. Franco Balbi, the point guard, also shone, helping his team to an overwhelming victory with ten assists and 13 points. Flamengo has the distinction of being the only team in the NBB to have played two games until their most recent conquest.
:strip_icc()/i.s3.glbimg.com/v1/AUTH_bc8228b6673f488aa253bbcb03c80ec5/internal_photos/bs/2023/f/r/AjqTwvSJ236VCmcmMUtg/flamengo-x-pato-basquete-nbb-maracanazinho-15-10-2023-62.jpg)
Due to the upcoming match against the Orlando Magic in the United States on October 20, which required them to play two games at the start of the season, Flamengo’s experience in the NBB has been different.
Flamengo showed their ability to recover in this match, despite their previous defeat to Minas. When the game started, Pato Basquete had the lead and was ahead. However, after the break, Flamengo recovered and made a great effort in the third quarter to secure the win.
Three other Flamengo players scored more than ten points during the match. Gui Deodato and Maique scored 11 points each, and Didi Louzada, a crucial addition for the club, contributed 13 points and six rebounds.
Pato Basketball star Nate Barnes showed impressive skill and finished with an incredible 24 points, including four three-pointers, to lead the team in scoring. In the first half, Barnes showed off his skills with an impressive 17 points in just 18 minutes. For Pato Basquete, Fabricio Verssimo scored 14 points, Du Sommer scored 12 points and Magna scored 11 points.
Pato Basquete will return to the court on October 24 and will once again face Botafogo. Meanwhile, Flamengo will play Orlando Magic in a game in the United States. On November 7, they face Botafogo in a match that will go down in history as a Rio derby.
A series of four opening games, with a long-awaited repeat of the previous finals between Sesi Franca and São Paulo, is scheduled to kick off the NBB competition on the 21st of this month.