By Eurohoops/ info@eurohoops.net
Paris Basketball claimed the opening game of the French League Finals on Sunday, overcoming a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat AS Monaco 95-91 in a thrilling contest and take a 1-0 lead in the series.
The home side showed remarkable resilience after finding themselves trailing 77-67 early in the final quarter. Despite Monaco appearing to be in complete control after a dominant second half, Paris produced a stunning comeback, outscoring their opponents 28-15 over the last ten minutes to secure a memorable victory in front of their fans.
Nadir Hifi led the way for Paris Basketball with a game-high 23 points, delivering several crucial baskets during the decisive run. For Monaco, Alpha Diallo scored 21 points while Elie Okobo added 20, but their efforts were ultimately not enough to prevent the late collapse.
The game had been closely contested throughout the first half, with neither team able to establish a significant advantage. Monaco edged into the break with a narrow 52-51 lead after an intense opening 20 minutes.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically after halftime. Monaco dominated the third quarter and carried that control into the opening stages of the fourth, stretching their lead to double digits and putting themselves in a strong position to steal the first game on the road.
Paris, though, refused to surrender. Driven by Hifi’s scoring and a significant defensive improvement, the hosts gradually chipped away at the deficit before taking control in the closing minutes. Their outstanding finish completed a remarkable turnaround and handed them the first point of the French Finals.
LNB Playoffs
Quarterfinals (best-of-three)
- Paris Basketball 2-1 Strasbourg (95-64, 82-87, 89-75)
- ASVEL 1-2 Cholet (75-67, 65-77, 75-80)
- Monaco 2-0 JL Bourg (81-75, 114-103)
- Nanterre 2-0 Le Mans (90-74, 64-55)
Semifinals (best-of-five)
- Monaco 3–1 Nanterre (103-88, 89-98, 61-83, 78-89)
- Paris Basketball 2 – 1 Cholet Basket (89-90, 100-77, 95-86)
Finals (best-of-five)
- Paris Basketball 1-0 Monaco (95-91)
Make