By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Since joining AS Monaco in 2021, Mike James has been part of Game 5 action in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs every single year, up to a clash with FC Barcelona in Salle Gaston Medecin on Tuesday evening.
“It’s good to play Game 5 at home, in front of our fans,” mentioned the team captain, “Anything is possible.”
“We feel more confident, more free,” he added on home-court advantage in a do-or-die affair for a spot in the 2025 Final Four, “We will have to be intense, especially on defense and rebounds. This is the fourth year we are playing a Game 5, and the third in a row at home. We understand. We just have to stay focused.”
Back in 2022, La Roca Team lost a Game 5 on the road against Olympiacos. From there to beating Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv in 2023 and losing to Fenerbahce Beko in 2024, in home fixtures.
“We would have preferred to win in three or four games, but here we are,” pointed out the 34-year-old guard, “We are lucky to do this job and play a great game.”
“You must be ready to win, execute, and play your game,” previewed head coach Vassilis Spanoulis, using his playing experience, “A Game 5 requires fight and always believing.”
“Anything can happen in basketball,” said the 42-year-old Greek tactician, “Playing at home, in front of our fans, is an advantage. We have been battling for it all season.”
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net