To stop the nasty air conditioning blow in progress in its room, Monaco ended up relying on its soldiers. Alpha Diallo first with an offensive rebound and saving dunk (86-82, 39th) then the inevitable John Brown to provoke a strong pass on Devin Booker. Two crucial actions to defeat Bayern Munich (89-85), Thursday evening at the end of the Euroleague regular season. With its 23rd continental victory, the Roca Team fulfilled its mission. She will have home advantage in the quarter-finals, starting April 21, and is now awaiting her opponent.
But whoever it is – Fenerbahçe or Olympiakos barring any surprises – they will not have been intimidated by the performance of Sasa Obradovic’s men. They should never have conceded real money-time on the Rock. The 22 point lead at the break (52-30, 20th) then 24 during the third quarter (66-42, 25th) made for a quiet evening, rich in delicacies.
A dazzling first half before the breakdown
Those of Mike James (17 points, 12 assists) towards Donatas Motiejunas (12 points on 100% shooting) unstoppable under the circle. Then those of Jordan Loyd and Élie Okobo (25 points combined) to torture Bayern (25-14, 8th). Embarrassed by his back for six months, Loyd even reassured the audience by crushing a dunk after an intercepted ball.
Diallo (20 points, 5 rebounds) got in tune with his back line with a hot shot: two dunks and two award-winning baskets (68-45, 25th). But Monaco then abandoned its defensive efforts. The spark enough to light the Carsen Edwards torch. The ex-Purdue college shooter scored 21 of his 26 points after the break, boosted by several open shots.
A quarter undoubtedly against the loser of Olympiakos-Fenerbahçe on Friday
With a series of ball losses or alley-oops that were far too daring towards Donta Hall, the Roca Team found itself a little deeper into trouble. Bayern ended up smelling the comeback of the season when Blues leader Sylvain Francisco – very valuable (14 points) – then Devin Booker reduced the deficit to two tiny lengths (81-79, 38th).
But the path to the feat ended up being blocked by Diallo and Brown. Barring a surprise defeat for Panathinaikos against Berlin, Monaco will finish third in the regular season. One place better than in 2023. The Roca Team especially obtains home advantage in the quarter-finals with a possible match 5 at home. Friday evening will give him the identity of his opponent who will probably be the loser of the Olympiakos-Fenerbahçe clash.
