The 100% Ile-de-France final of the Leaders Cup, between Nanterre 92 and Paris Basketball, kept all its promises. After having each achieved an exploit in the final phase of this mid-season competition, the Nanterriens having beaten Asvel in the quarter-finals, while the Parisians defeated Monaco in the semi-finals, the two teams engaged in a huge duel, which played out until the last seconds. But the mastery and serenity of the Parisians ultimately gave them the title (90-85).
Nanterre 92 was the first to take the advantage. Jostled, Paris Basketball had to rely on the talent of its Macedonian leader, TJ Shorts, author of 22 points this evening, to stay in the game. The captain of “Team World” at the last All-Star Game, played on December 30 at the Accor Arena, scored the first seven points for his team, before handing over to Nadir Hifi and Mehdy Ngouama, who entered on the floor. More serene and diligent, the Parisians completed the first quarter with a slight lead (26-20).
But Nanterre rebelled. Thanks in particular to some individual exploits from former Washington Wizards player Joël Ayayi, the players of Pascal Donnadieu, who was aiming for an eighth title for his last season with the Hauts-de-Seine club, gradually returned to the match , maintaining this gap of six points when returning to the locker room (48-42).
TJ Imperial Shorts at the end of the meeting
The two-man show of Justin Bibbins and Desi Rodriguez then began. Brilliant in percussion and behind the three-point line, the two Nanterrians ignited the meeting, allowing the Greens to regain the advantage. Disturbed by the solid defense of Nanterre 92, the Parisians were no longer able to find offensive solutions, and seemed to break down physically.
But the men of Finn Tuomas Iisalo have resources. Taking advantage of the talent of Nadir Hifi, TJ Shorts and Collin Malcolm, the Parisians scored some valuable baskets and solidified their defense. At 3′30″ from the end of the match, the former Portel leader gave his team the advantage back on the free throw line.
The end of the match was stifling. Taking advantage of Nanterre 92’s too many mistakes, the Parisians displayed absolutely maddening mastery. The talent of TJ Shorts, author of an absolutely crucial mid-range basket in the final seconds, did the rest. Paris Basketball therefore lifts the first title in its history, which only began in 2018. Without doubt the first in a long series.
“It’s clear that we’re going to celebrate”
“It’s a great moment for everyone, it’s a great reward for everyone,” said Bandja Sy after the match, even if he admitted to having scared himself in the third quarter. “It’s a final, there’s nothing easy,” he continued. There are strong moments and weak moments. The most important thing is to try to be in front after 40 minutes and we were able to do that thanks to our playing identity and what we have been doing in training since the start of the season. »
The Parisians will now be able to enjoy this trophy, before refocusing on the Betclic Elite, where they are also aiming for the title. “It’s clear that we are going to celebrate it,” he assured. It’s a first trophy for the club, a first trophy for many players. But we know that we are only halfway through the season and that there is still a lot of work and great things to accomplish. »
