Paris Falls too Olympiakos Despite Robinson’s Heroics; Hifi’s Absence Looms Large
November 21, 2025 – In a disheartening turn of events for Paris basketball fans, teh French champions suffered a significant setback Friday night, falling to Olympiakos 98-86 on the road in their 12th Euroleague matchup. The loss, which marks their seventh of the season, comes just a week after a much-needed victory against Valencia, highlighting the critical impact of missing key player Nadir Hifi.
While the team rallied behind a extraordinary performance from guard Justin Robinson, who poured in a game-high 35 points, it wasn’t enough to overcome the formidable Olympiakos squad, bolstered by former Parisian evan Fournier.
Robinson’s Stellar Outing Can’t Overcome Hifi’s Void
The absence of Hifi, a crucial offensive spark for Paris, was palpable throughout the game. Robinson, stepping into a more prominent scoring role, delivered a performance that will be etched in Euroleague memory. His dazzling display included 35 points, with an impressive 7-of-10 shooting from beyond the arc. This offensive explosion, however, was a stark reminder of the scoring punch Paris lost with Hifi sidelined.
“You always want your full squad available, especially against a team of Olympiakos’ caliber,” commented a source close to the team. “Justin played out of his mind, but it’s tough to ask one player to carry that much of the load consistently.”
A Tale of Two Halves: Paris Shows glimmers of Hope
Paris started the game with a promising surge, taking a 29-21 lead after the frist quarter. This early advantage, however, proved to be fleeting. Olympiakos, fueled by a balanced attack that included 18 points from Fournier, clawed their way back, ultimately taking a commanding 58-39 lead into halftime.
The third quarter saw Paris mount a spirited comeback, largely driven by Robinson’s continued brilliance.They managed to narrow the deficit to a mere two points early in the final quarter, and later to three, thanks to Robinson’s clutch shooting. This resurgence offered a glimmer of hope for a potential upset.
Fournier and Olympiakos’ Late Surge Seal the Deal
However, the momentum shifted decisively in Olympiakos’ favor in the closing minutes. Thomas Walkup’s crucial free throws and a timely three-pointer from Fournier extended Olympiakos’ lead.The Greek powerhouse, a finalist in 2023, then delivered a knockout blow with a late basket from Fournier, pushing their advantage to thirteen points and effectively sealing the victory.
Despite late efforts from Yakuba Ouattara, Paris couldn’t bridge the gap. The absence of Hifi was a recurring theme in post-game analysis, with many believing his presence could have tipped the scales.
Paris Slips in Standings, Faces Uphill Battle
This loss drops Paris to 13th place in the Euroleague standings, a precarious position that will require a significant turnaround to climb. The team’s ability to consistently compete against top-tier European clubs hinges on their health and the collective performance of their roster.
Looking Ahead: Can Paris Rebound?
The upcoming schedule will be a stern test for Paris. They will need to find ways to win even without Hifi, or hope for his swift return to full health. The resilience shown in the second half against Olympiakos, notably Robinson’s individual brilliance, offers a small beacon of optimism.Though, the team must find a more consistent offensive output and tighten their defense to navigate the remainder of the euroleague season.
The focus now shifts to how Paris can regroup and adapt. Will they look to make roster adjustments, or can they find internal solutions to compensate for Hifi’s absence? The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the trajectory of their Euroleague campaign.
