“It is perhaps the victory that I appreciated the most this season”. Sasa Obradovic was happy this Friday evening after Monaco’s victory over the Baskonia floor (93-102). Deprived of Mike James, the Roca Team went 9-0 at the end of the game (from 91-87 to 91-96) to take over the best home team this season in the EuroLeague. Carried by Jordan Loyd and Elie Okobo at the end of the match after having dominated inside through Chima Moneke, Donta Hall and Donatas Motiejunas, the formation of the principality took a big step towards the playoffs with this 18th victory in 28 matches.
Coming to win at the Buesa Arena is no small feat. Defeated only twice this season at home, the Basques undoubtedly produce some of the finest basketball in Europe. It’s simple, the teammates of Markus Howard (20 points), do not ask questions. If they are open to 3 points, they take the shot, and often it hits the mark. Once again, the Basques caught fire from long range and the room went up in flames. Nevertheless, the Roca Team never panicked.
Elie Okobo and Jordan Lyod take their responsibilities
Because the Monegasques have a plan in mind and they have carried it out brilliantly. At first, they limited ball losses so as not to give their opponents fast-paced situations. Then they perfectly controlled the defensive rebounding game through Hall, Moneke or Brown. And finally, they managed to take advantage of too many ball losses and the lack of opposing athletic power to get 17 offensive rebounds!
Yet on several occasions, the Monegasque boat rocked, especially when Captain Ouattara, hit by faults, could no longer defend in the 3rd act (71-64 27th). Ditto at the end of the match, when Howard ignites at 3 points and Baskonia takes a 4-point lead with 2 minutes remaining (91-84 38th), the concern could be read on the faces of the staff of the Principality. But each time, the Monegasques were able to count on the talent of Jordan Lyod and Elie Okobo. Both men took responsibility late in the game. Without James, they knew they were expected and they answered the call. Author of an acrobatic basket of which only he has the secret then of a dunk at the end of the match, Okobo scored 16 of his 18 points in the second half and showed the way to his teammates throughout the meeting.
Monaco retains its 4th place and is tied with FC Barcelona 6 days from the end.
????️ Sasa Obradovic: “It’s easy with this state of mind to achieve this kind of thing.”
The coach of the@ASMonaco_Basket was very happy at the microphone of @Julie_Yp.
???? #PurBasketball #SKWEEKlive pic.twitter.com/4ERiuVZvRB
— SKWEEK (@skweektv) March 10, 2023
par
March 10, 2023 at 10:43 am
