Laprovittola's 27-point, 10-assist masterclass sends Joventut to Endesa Super Cup final, but fourth-quarter concerns remain

At the Olímpic Badalona, Joventut defeated Baskonia 96-84 in the Endesa Super Cup semifinal. Nico Laprovittola delivered 27 points and 10 assists. Joventut advanced to the final, but the fourth quarter exposed a troubling pattern: a double-digit lead shrank to 87-82 before veteran composure rescued the result. The game opened with Baskonia leading 41-38 at halftime. In the third quarter, Joventut channeled the offense through Laprovittola in pick-and-roll situations, building the first double-digit lead at 65-55. But Baskonia fought back, pressuring the ball and forcing turnovers. Free-throw struggles hurt Baskonia's comeback, while Kobi Simmons scored 19 and AJ Lawson added 16. Tactically, Joventut relied on a guard-centric offense with Laprovittola as the primary creator. This works in a single game but creates long-term risk. The data sample is limited: no advanced stats, plus-minus, usage rate, or defensive scheme details were available. What is clear is that Ricky Rubio and Marko Sulejmanovic provided the calm needed to close the game. The Super Cup is a single-elimination early-season cup, not a playoff series. Joventut's veteran-led roster suggests a short-term competitive window. The final will test whether they can protect a lead under pressure. If Laprovittola cannot reproduce this performance, Joventut may lack a reliable second option. Baskonia, meanwhile, may view this loss as a minor setback in a longer EuroLeague campaign. Laprovittola's age curve, around 34, makes high-usage minutes a concern. His craft and shooting should age better than athleticism, but ACB and continental schedules demand depth. Joventut's win is meaningful, yet the pattern of nearly losing a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter is a warning sign. The final will reveal whether this team can finish what it starts.