After a difficult loss to Paris on Friday night, AS Monaco returned to Salle Gaston Médecin on Sunday 21 June knowing a loss would end their season. With support from a vocal home crowd, the Roca Team delivered their most impressive performance of the Betclic Elite Finals, defeating Paris 96-84 to level the series at 2-2, forcing a decisive Game 5 in Paris.
The atmosphere inside the arena was evident throughout the game, with Monaco feeding off the crowd’s energy to build an early lead. Although Monaco’s three-point shooting remained relatively quiet, their improved free-throw efficiency allowed them to claim those extra points and gradually pull away, closing the opening quarter with a 27-16 lead.
Monaco continued to push for control in the second quarter. With four Paris turnovers in the first three minutes of the quarter, Monaco seized the opportunity. Steadily, the team worked together to push their lead beyond 20 points midway through the quarter. Despite Paris utilizing free throws to remain within reach, their shooting efficiency fell to 25% for the quarter. Combined with six turnovers and four Monaco steals, the Roca Team capitalized on extra possessions to build a 21-point lead going into halftime.
Paris attempted to respond after the break, cutting Monaco’s advantage by five points early in the third quarter. However, Monaco responded immediately, forcing additional turnovers and restoring their lead beyond 20 points. Although Paris found more success shooting than in the first half, they struggled to generate enough shooting opportunities to significantly impact the score. Monaco continued to dominate both ends of the floor, with a late run stretching their lead to 29 points. A buzzer-beating three-pointer from Matthew Strazel finished the quarter, sending the teams into the final 10 minutes with Monaco leading 83-55.
With a substantial lead, the largest of the series, Monaco remained composed throughout the fourth quarter. Despite the series reflecting some late-game struggles, Monaco was able to maintain their lead this time. Although Paris gradually reduced the deficit, the Roca Team answered, not allowing a meaningful comeback opportunity. With this lead, Monaco was even able to bring in Espoir players for the final moments, giving more members of the team an opportunity to contribute before securing a 96-84 victory.
The Betclic Elite Finals are level at 2-2, setting up a winner-takes-all Game 5 in Paris, where Monaco and Paris will battle for the French championship.
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Photo credits: AS Monaco Basket