PARIS – Paris Basketball secured a crucial victory over Nanterre 92 on Saturday, winning a hard-fought Ile-de-France derby 96-92. The win keeps Paris in contention for second place in the Betclic Elite championship, trailing league-leading Monaco. This Paris Basketball versus Nanterre matchup was a key contest in the French basketball landscape.
New Paris coach Julius Thomas has enjoyed a successful start, remaining undefeated in all competitions (four wins) since taking over from Francesco Tabellini. The Parisians now hold a record of 18 wins and 7 losses after 25 rounds of the Betclic Elite season, drawing level with Nanterre, though still behind on the head-to-head tiebreaker following a 16-point loss (99-83) in their earlier encounter.
The game presented Thomas with his first major test: a derby against Nanterre, a surprise contender this season and currently holding second place in the championship behind Monaco. The stakes were high, with both teams vying for improved playoff positioning.
Paris experienced a game of two halves. Initially struggling with accuracy, they found themselves trailing a motivated Nanterre side led by a dominant Hugo Yimga-Moukouri, who scored 19 points in the first half, including 14 in the opening quarter. Nanterre established a 14-point lead at halftime (60-46).
However, Thomas seemingly galvanized his team during the break. Paris returned to the court transformed, quickly closing the gap with a 10-point run to start the third quarter. The fourth quarter proved decisive, a tense and closely contested period that ultimately saw Paris emerge victorious.
In the closing moments, Paris relied on the playmaking of their two guards. Justin Robinson drove to the basket for a crucial score with 1 minute and 30 seconds remaining (94-90), while Nadir Hifi proved clutch from the free-throw line, converting 11 of 12 attempts, including the two game-winning free throws with just two seconds left on the clock. Hifi finished the game with 28 points.
The victory is particularly significant as Paris Basketball aims to solidify its position among the top teams in the Betclic Elite. The league standings are tight, and every win is critical as teams prepare for the playoffs. This win demonstrates the impact of the coaching change, with Julius Thomas quickly establishing a winning culture.
Meanwhile, Nanterre 92 is preparing for their next challenge, a Sunday matchup against Limoges at Beaublanc. The team aims to secure a podium finish as the playoffs approach. According to Nanterre 92’s official website, securing a top-three spot is the primary focus for Julien Mahé and his team.
Nanterre recently secured a victory over Nancy (86-72), marking their fourth win in the last five matches and reinforcing their position on the Betclic Elite podium. Hugo Yimga-Moukouri was instrumental in that win, continuing his impressive form for the team.
The team also recently announced that Victor Wembanyama has turn into a shareholder in Nanterre 92. Wembanyama stated, “Nanterre formed me as a player and as a man. I want to contribute to making it, over the long term, a reference club, ambitious, inclusive and faithful to its values.”
Key Takeaways:
- Paris Basketball defeated Nanterre 92 in a closely contested derby, 96-92.
- Nadir Hifi led Paris with 28 points, including the game-winning free throws.
- Julius Thomas remains undefeated as Paris Basketball’s head coach.
- Nanterre 92 faces Limoges on Sunday, aiming to secure a podium finish.
- Victor Wembanyama has invested in Nanterre 92, signaling a commitment to the club’s future.
Nanterre 92’s next confirmed match is against Limoges on Sunday, May 2nd at 6:20 PM CET. Paris Basketball will then face Dunkerque on May 9th at 6:10 PM CET. Fans can identify the latest updates and schedules on the official Betclic Elite website.
What are your thoughts on Paris Basketball’s chances this season? Share your predictions in the comments below!
