The best version of Juan Núñez is finally visible for everyone. The former Real Madrid youth product is set to be enjoyed by Barça at a critical moment, when the injury list is not clearing up but rather filling up. The point guard is starting to leave behind the nightmare of a double operation on the lateral meniscus of his right knee – first an arthroscopy and then a cyst – which kept him sidelined for over a year. Creativity always walks hand in hand with the mind and legs, all in sync, so that a player of his undeniable talent can smile, spreading that joy to teammates and fans.
Here, with sharp tools and the help of his teammates, Núñez was able to dominate. This is arguably his most complete game not only with Barcelona but in the entire Liga Endesa. The Madrid-born player was among the best in a straightforward win at the Palau against Recoletas Salud San Pablo Burgos, securing the playoff ticket for the Blaugrana. Final score: 91-76.
Núñez played and made others play: 14 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and the downside of 5 turnovers due to occasional overeagerness, in 27 minutes. His best ally, Youssoupha Fall, played slightly less (22 minutes) and nearly posted a double-double with 16 points and 8 rebounds. The local top scorer was Kevin Punter (17), while overall it was Max Heidegger (24).
Núñez is in a difficult context, as we mentioned. Not only because he had to regain competitive rhythm after so long off the court, but also because Pascal’s squad has needed him urgently. Satoransky and Laprovittola, two experienced guards with many minutes to distribute, are among the most notable absences in recent weeks. Moreover, Vesely and Clyburn have also been resting since last week – two other veteran starters. Add to that this Saturday, Juani Marcos, a rotation point guard, suffered a collision with Gudmundsson that sent him to the locker room and kept him out of the second half. Juanito, it was your day and it paid off.
The connection with Fall is no coincidence. On a relaxed afternoon, it is very positive that two players who craved prominence and trust received both in generous doses. True, San Pablo is fighting to avoid relegation, and the day’s results were mixed (Granada won, Zaragoza lost), so their objectives are completely opposite to Barça’s. Barça will try to challenge, in the best sense of the word, Murcia and Valencia towards the end of the regular season to climb into their positions; they are 4th with a 21-9 record. Not only is home-court advantage at stake, but also which side of the bracket they land on, helping them avoid certain rivals.
Fisac could not get much out of his Burgos side despite arriving at the Palau on a two-game winning streak. The Segovian coach also had an exceptional absence: Gonzalo Corbalán, one of the season’s standout shooting guards. They had little ability to trouble their opponents and, most importantly, some players reacted too late, becoming ineffective. Meindl, for example. And Heidegger, perhaps the clearest case: he ended as the game’s top scorer but got most of his points when the tension had dropped significantly. Unicaja is next, followed by a tough duel against Andorra, a direct rival in the fight for survival.
The contest was largely decided in the opening period. It was no coincidence that Juan Núñez set the tone there. A 13-0 run and turnovers…
