By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
AS Monaco has been crowned LNB champions after defeating Paris Basketball 92-101 in the decisive Game 5, completing a remarkable comeback in the series and denying the French capital club a second consecutive title.
Paris appeared to have one hand on the trophy after taking a 2-1 series lead, but their advantage ultimately counted for nothing as Monaco won the final two games to reclaim the domestic crown.
Jaron Blossomgame delivered a sensational performance on the biggest stage, finishing as the game’s leading scorer with 27 points. He was well supported by Juhann Begarin, who added 18 points, while Elie Okobo orchestrated the offense with 12 points and an outstanding 15 assists.
The visitors’ triumph was also marked by the long-awaited return of Mike James. The Monaco star was back in the squad after missing the previous 12 games and contributed seven points and seven rebounds in his comeback appearance. James wore the No. 32 jersey usually assigned to Matthew Strazel, who was unavailable for the decisive contest due to suspension.
Monaco’s task became even more difficult from the opening seconds. Center Kevarrius Hayes suffered an injury on the very first play of the game and did not return, leaving the visitors with a shortened rotation for the remainder of the night.
Despite trailing narrowly 55-53 at halftime, Monaco struggled after the break as Paris seized control of the contest. The home side entered the fourth quarter with an 81-73 advantage and looked poised to defend its title.
However, the champions-elect responded in emphatic fashion. A devastating 12-0 run turned an eight-point deficit into an 85-81 lead, completely shifting the momentum of the game. The surge provided Monaco with a crucial emotional boost, and from that moment on the visitors never relinquished control, staying in front for the remainder of the contest.
Betclic Elite Playoffs 2026
Quarterfinals (best-of-three)
Paris – SIG Strasbourg 2-1 (95-64, 82-87, 89-75)
LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne – Cholet 1-2 (75-67, 65-77, 75-80)
AS Monaco – JL Bourg 2-0 (81-75, 114-103)
Nanterre 92 – Le Mans 2-0 (90-74, 64-55)
Semifinals (best-of-five)
AS Monaco – Nanterre 92 3-1 (103-88, 89-98, 61-83, 78-89)
Paris – Cholet 3-1 (89-90 100-77, 95-86, 94-91)
Finals (best-of-five)
Paris – AS Monaco 2-3 (95-91, 90-102, 88-77, 84-96, 92-101)
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