Monaco Basketball: Paris Support & Elite Play

This triumph serves as a vital confidence booster,especially after a disappointing home loss to Chalon-sur-Saône the previous Sunday. With this win, Monaco now boasts a winning record of two victories against one defeat, a much-needed positive momentum as they prepare to face another formidable Euroleague opponent, the undefeated Asvel. A significant portion of this success can be attributed to the stellar performance of their backcourt trio, who collectively poured in 55 points. Elie Okobo, in particular, delivered a masterful performance, scoring 23 points on an efficient 7-of-8 shooting from the field and a perfect 7-of-8 from the free-throw line, while also dishing out 5 assists. His clutch play in the decisive moments was nothing short of spectacular.

Okobo’s brilliance was on full display in the final quarter. He ignited a crucial run in the closing minute of the third quarter, scoring five consecutive points, including a key steal and assist, to propel ASM back into the lead at 77-72. this surge came after Monaco had weathered an early storm from Paris, trailing 8-0 at the outset, and had managed to build a pleasant halftime lead of 55-45, largely thanks to their dominance in the paint and a near-perfect 18-of-20 performance from the free-throw line in the first half, which they extended to 34-of-40 by the game’s end.

Okobo continued his offensive onslaught in the final period, sinking a difficult, yet vital, “step-back” jumper late in the shot clock to extend his team’s advantage to seven points at 83-76 in the 33rd minute.He ultimately sealed the victory with a crucial shot 35 seconds before the buzzer, making it 97-92, followed by two more free throws to put the game out of reach.

Paris, spurred by the electrifying play of Nadir Hifi (24 points) and Yakuba Ouattara (10 points and 6 assists), had clawed their way back to within two points with just 47 seconds remaining, trailing 94-92. However, a costly and unneeded foul committed by Ouattara on Nikola Mirotic during a throw-in proved to be their undoing. This late-game miscue overshadowed the earlier ejection of Alpha Diallo. Diallo, who had been playing with significant energy, contributing 7 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists, was disqualified after receiving two technical fouls in quick succession for arguing with officials following a turnover. Despite Diallo’s early exit, Monaco managed to navigate the intense final moments, ultimately securing a hard-earned and satisfying victory.