After 89 games, countless comebacks, and one of the most electrifying seasons in French basketball history, AS Monaco fell just short of a third consecutive Betclic Élite title. In a nerve-shredding Game 5 at the Adidas Arena, Paris Basketball edged out the Roca Team 99–93 to claim their first-ever French championship.
Trailing 2–0 in the series, Monaco had fought back with ferocity in front of a roaring Gaston Médecin crowd to force a decisive fifth match. What followed was a gripping duel between France’s top two teams—and among Europe’s finest—marked by tension, turnovers and tidal shifts in momentum.
Paris raced to a 17-point lead early in the second quarter, only for Monaco to claw back behind the sharp shooting of Jordan Loyd, the energy of Terry Tarpey, and the composure of Matthew Strazel. By the end of the third quarter, Monaco had not only erased the deficit but pulled ahead by nine points, with a championship hat-trick tantalisingly within reach.
A cruel twist in the final act
But Paris, and MVP TJ Shorts in particular, had other ideas. Shorts led all scorers with 27 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists, sparking a final-quarter rally that overturned Monaco’s lead. A controversial technical foul against Strazel at a key moment proved decisive, swinging momentum back to the hosts.
Despite a brave stand, Monaco couldn’t close the gap in the final moments. Missed shots and crucial turnovers allowed Paris to edge clear, sealing a historic 99–93 victory.
A season to remember
Though the title slipped away, the Roca Boys delivered a season that will live long in Monaco’s sporting memory. Highlights included a comeback semi-final win against ASVEL, a breathtaking EuroLeague playoff run that ended in a historic Final Four appearance, and the rise of Strazel, now signed through 2029.
Daniel Theis added experience and depth after arriving mid-season, while Jordan Loyd’s return in October proved pivotal. Their epic EuroLeague series against FC Barcelona and domestic battles showcased a squad built on grit, chemistry and character.
The pain and the pride
Head coach Vassilis Spanoulis praised his squad’s resilience: “I’m very proud of my players. We played with heart and made the necessary efforts. But there are things I’ll need to review—particularly the imbalance in free throws and the technical foul on Strazel which changed everything.”
Mam Jaiteh pointed to fatigue and inconsistency: “We left everything on the court. There are regrets, yes, but we fought hard. We must also congratulate Paris.”
Terry Tarpey summed it up simply: “We battled. It’s not the ending we hoped for, but we’ll learn from it.”
The season ends without a trophy, but not without triumph. This Roca Team continues to grow—and the journey resumes in September.
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Photo source: AS Monaco Basketball