Monaco found their rhythm late to defeat Nanterre 103-88 on 1 June at Salle Gaston Médecin, taking a 1-0 lead in the Betclic Elite best-of-five semifinal series.
After two victories against Bourg-en-Bresse in the previous round, Monaco maintained their winning streak on their chase for another title. The beginning of the game saw a typical Roca Team, one that had chemistry at times and moments of sloppiness at others. Consecutive turnovers in the first quarter gave Nanterre an opportunity to capitalize and find their momentum.
Monaco, however, recovered from these mistakes as the team reclaimed their lead. The two teams battled closely in the second quarter, with much of the game remaining within a single possession. Heading into halftime, however, Nanterre claimed the lead with a 3-point shot to head into the locker rooms over Monaco 50-49.
The second half of the game brought a different intensity from both teams, as if the halftime break had amplified the weight of the moment. Similarly to the second quarter, the third saw Monaco reclaim their lead, though Nanterre remained within striking distance throughout another tightly contested quarter. Although the third quarter can often be the Roca Team’s kryptonite, Monaco managed to avoid letting the game slip away.
Quarter four is when Monaco really came to life and showed what they are capable of – exactly why they remain championship contenders. The early minutes saw Monaco knocking down shots, tightening up defensively, and controlling the boards. Despite unfavorable calls, which could be heard throughout the arena as it filled with boos, Monaco remained truly composed. It was as if the calls sparked extra motivation for players as they often followed up with a steal or momentum shifting play to fire back. After entering the quarter only up by four, this rhythm put Monaco up by 15 points only 2.5 minutes into the quarter.
As Monaco continued to build on their lead and momentum, the energy in the arena was electric. The team’s espoirs even had the opportunity to come in for the final moments of the game to finish with the win.
Each player fulfilled their role by the end of the night. Although it took some time to discover which role that would be for the evening, by the final quarter things simply worked. Jaron Blossomgame and Matthew Strazel each put up 23 points, while Elie Okobo and Nemanja Nedovic had 9 and 7 assists, respectively.
For Monaco, the challenge now becomes simple: carry the rhythm of the fourth quarter into Game 2 on Wednesday 3rd June.
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Main photo credit: AS Monaco Basket