After forcing a winner-takes-all Game 5 with a dominant victory on Sunday, AS Monaco headed to the Adidas Arena on Tuesday 23 June knowing that a win over Paris would secure the title. In a battle fought until the end, the Roca Team came out on top 101-92 over Paris, claiming the French championship.
With Matthew Strazel suspended following his Game 3 ejection, Mike James made his long-awaited return to the lineup wearing Strazel’s No. 32 jersey in tribute. Paris opened the scoring through Nadir Hifi, going up 6 points early. Monaco, however, responded with an unanswered eight-point run to take the lead.
Both teams continued exchanging leads in the high-intensity atmosphere. Monaco’s offensive rebounding proved crucial, allowing them to capitalize on second and third-chance opportunities. Despite struggling from the free-throw line, converting just 66.7% of their attempts, Monaco ended the first quarter leading by three points.
The second quarter continued in a similar fashion, with neither side establishing sustained dominance. Paris reclaimed the lead shortly into the quarter as Monaco began to struggle on the boards. The Roca Team quickly responded, however, with a steal from Terry Tarpey helping extend Monaco’s lead to seven points.
Monaco’s improved efficiency inside the arc allowed them to establish control for much of the quarter. A late push from Paris reduced a nine-point Monaco lead to just three points heading into halftime.
Following the break, momentum shifted. Paris reclaimed the lead early in the third quarter as Monaco struggled to create quality shooting opportunities and committed turnovers. Paris took advantage of this, recording multiple steals within the first few minutes.
Monaco’s outside shooting also deserted them, with the team converting just 16.7% of their three-point attempts during this quarter. Paris capitalized, ending the third quarter with an eight-point advantage.
The final quarter, as had been proven throughout the series, once again proved decisive. Monaco delivered when it mattered most. A strong start to the fourth quarter quickly reduced Paris’ lead to just two points, before the Roca Team reclaimed the lead, holding Paris scoreless for more than two minutes during a 12-0 run.
Improved rebounding and greater shooting efficiency allowed Monaco to maintain their advantage as time wound down. Paris put up a fight throughout the closing stages, but the Roca Team remained composed while extending their lead to eight points in the final minute before securing a 101-92 victory.
Each player on the Roca Team arrived ready to leave everything on the court. Jaron Blossomgame led Monaco with 27 points, while Juhann Begarin contributed 18 points and nine rebounds. Finals MVP Elie Okobo added a double-double with 12 points and 15 assists as Monaco secured the title.
Following a challenging season both on and off the court, the Roca Team closed the season with multiple titles and a season to be proud of.
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Photo credit: AS Monaco Basket