Monaco Rockets to EuroLeague Final Four After Thrilling Victory Over Barcelona
A night of unparalleled triumph for French basketball unfolded as AS Monaco Basket secured their place in the EuroLeague Final Four for the second time in their history. The Monegasque squad achieved this milestone with a hard-fought 85-84 victory over FC Barcelona on Tuesday, claiming the decisive Game 5 of their quarterfinal series.
The atmosphere in Monaco was electric, a palpable sense of anticipation hanging in the air. The fans, a sea of red and white, roared with every point, every defensive stop. They knew this was more than just a game; it was a chance to etch their team’s name in EuroLeague history. And Monaco did not disappoint.
With this victory, Monaco clinched the series three games to two, earning them a coveted spot in the Final Four, where they will face Olympiacos on May 23rd in Abu Dhabi. The upcoming clash holds particular significance as Olympiacos defeated Monaco at the same stage of the competition in 2023. This time, however, Monaco is determined to rewrite the script and avenge their previous defeat. Adding further intrigue to the matchup, former NBA player Evan Fournier now plays for the Greek side.
Monaco’s journey to the Final Four has been nothing short of remarkable. It marks only the second time in three seasons that the team has reached this stage of the competition. Tuesday night’s victory over Barcelona was a testament to their resilience, determination, and unwavering belief in their ability to compete with the best in Europe. The game itself was a nail-biting affair, an intense battle that went down to the wire.
The hero of the night was undoubtedly Georgios Papagiannis. The Greek center, who had not played a single minute in the entire series prior to this game, emerged as the unexpected catalyst for Monaco’s success. His presence on the court provided a much-needed spark, igniting the team after a sluggish first quarter. Papagiannis finished the game with an impressive 17 points and a game-high evaluation of 21. His performance was a testament to his professionalism and readiness, showcasing his ability to step up when his team needed him most.
The Final Four will be held in Abu Dhabi on May 23rd, where Monaco will once again face Olympiacos in the semi-final, a rematch of their encounter two years ago in Kaunas. For Vassilis Spanoulis, this marks a significant achievement in his first season as a EuroLeague head coach. He has successfully guided his team to the Final Four, where he will have the opportunity to face his former club, the team where he became a living legend. The narrative is rich with storylines, promising a captivating encounter.
Monaco’s victory was a testament to the team’s collective heart and unwavering spirit. They fought tooth and nail, securing the win with two crucial defensive stops in the final 50 seconds of the game. Despite trailing 83-84, a decisive drive to the basket by Mike James, the team’s captain and leader, sealed the victory for Monaco, bringing the score to 85-84 with time running out. James finished the game with 20 points, 5 assists, and an evaluation of 19, further solidifying his reputation as one of the EuroLeague’s premier players.
However, the road to victory was not without its challenges. Monaco struggled in the first quarter, failing to establish any momentum. Barcelona’s defense was stifling, and the Catalans dominated the early stages of the game, led by Kevin Punter and Justin Anderson. Only Alpha Diallo showed signs of life for Monaco, scoring 9 points in the first quarter. The first quarter ended with Barcelona leading 15-19, a clear indication of their early dominance.
Undeterred, Mike James and his teammates responded with renewed energy and determination in the second quarter. Coach Spanoulis made a tactical adjustment, bringing Papagiannis off the bench. The Greek center’s presence in the paint proved to be a game-changer, causing problems for Barcelona’s defense and disrupting their offensive flow. Papagiannis scored seven points in the second quarter and made a significant impact on the defensive end, challenging Barcelona’s center Youssoupha Fall.
Spanoulis, a firm believer in the importance of defense, implemented a strategy that focused on aggressive defensive pressure. He finished the first half with a lineup that included four defensive-minded players – Strazel, Tarpey, Blossomgame, and Papagiannis – alongside James. This defensive approach helped Monaco to slow down Barcelona’s offense and regain control of the game.
Monaco took the lead for the first time in the game at the 17-minute mark, thanks to a putback by Papagiannis. James then hit a three-pointer at the end of the quarter, giving Monaco a 45-39 lead at halftime, their largest advantage of the game to that point.
At the start of the second half, James continued his dominant performance, driving to the basket for two quick scores, extending Monaco’s lead to ten points (49-39). However, Daniel Theis, Monaco’s key mid-season acquisition, struggled to find his rhythm and picked up several fouls, limiting his effectiveness.
Barcelona, showing their resilience as a top European team, refused to give up. Fall and Hernangomez led the charge, spearheading a comeback that brought the Blaugranas back into the game (61-60, 30th minute). Two free throws by Jordan Loyd allowed Monaco to start the fourth quarter with a narrow three-point lead (65-62). However, a three-pointer by Dario Brizuela and a putback by Fall quickly put Barcelona back in the lead (65-57, 31st minute).
The final minutes of the game were a tense and tightly contested affair. Every possession was a battle. Papagiannis continued his outstanding performance, scoring crucial points and instilling confidence in his coach. He scored on a dunk to put Monaco ahead 76-74 (35th minute) and followed it up with a long-range basket to make it 79-77 (36th minute).
The final stretch was characterized by intense defensive pressure from Monaco. Their defense was impeccable, forcing Barcelona into difficult shots and turnovers. James then stepped up to take responsibility, driving to the basket for the game-winning score, securing Monaco’s place in the Final Four.
This victory is a significant achievement for AS Monaco Basket and for French basketball as a whole. It is a testament to the team’s hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in their ability to compete with the best in Europe. The road to the Final Four has been a challenging one, but Monaco has overcome every obstacle in their path. Now, they are ready to face Olympiacos in Abu Dhabi, with the goal of reaching the EuroLeague final and bringing home the championship trophy. The future is bright for Monaco, and the entire nation of France will be cheering them on as they continue their quest for EuroLeague glory.
