Edy Tavares crowned as Final Four MVP
The force of nature that is Walter "Edy" Tavares is the MVP of the 2023 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four after leading Real Madrid to the championship. Tavares posted double-doubles in both games at the Final Four in Kaunas and in doing so became the first player with three double-doubles in the modern era of the Final Four.
The 2.20-meter center posted 13 points and 10 rebounds in the 78-79 victory over Olympiacos Piraeus after roaring with 20 points, 13 boards and 4 blocks as his team upended archrival FC Barcelona 66-78 in the semifinal. Tavares led all players in Kaunas in rebounds (25) and blocks (4), while coming in second in scoring (33 points). His average PIR of 29.5 was also the best at the Final Four.
The award caps another magnificent season for the 31-year-old from Cabo Verde. Tavares was selected to the All-EuroLeague First Time for the third time and also chosen as the EuroLeague Best Defender for the third time. He set the single-season record for blocked shots with 88 and most importantly of all, was at his best with the season on the line. Tavares was chosen as the EuroLeague MVP for April and May and now the MVP of the Final Four.