ASVEL – JDA Dijon: Villeurbanne ideally begins its series
Under the eyes of NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, who came to the Astroballe to encourage his brother Kostas, Asvel largely beat JDA Dijon 81-68 in the first match of the semi-finals of the French basketball championship on Wednesday at the “Astroball.
With a major 5 Victor Wembanyama – Chris Jones – Marcos Knight – Youssoupha Fall – David Lighty, and under the eyes of Kostas Antetokounmpo’s brothers, including NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo, TJ Parker’s team immediately took matters into their own hands in this first round of the confrontation. A cannon ename: Villeurbanne was already leading 17-4 after only 4 minutes of play.
Under the eyes of NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Astroballe was able to ignite from the start of the match, in particular with this decisive pass behind Okobo’s back for Marcos Knight, and with the overpowered dunk of James Gist. The JDA, stifled, was played 25-9 after 7 minutes and 29-12 at the end of the first quarter!
Although deprived of sound captain Charles Kahudi, wounded, who received a nice ovation before kick-off, Asvel remained intractable in the second quarter. The defense managed twice in a row to prevent the Dijonnais from trying their luck within 24 seconds. Even stronger, the interception on the following action was concluded by a dunk from Tim Howard, which hurts a lot!
JDA coach Nenad Markovic was forced to take another time out in an attempt to rescue his players. But the intensity and success remained villeurbannaises: Fall’s dunk, followed by two three-point baskets from Okobo and a new dunk from the same Okobo gave 32 points ahead of TJ Parker’s men ! 46-17 three minutes from halftime, then 50-17 a minute and a half later, after a lightning counter-attack and yet another dunk, this time signed Victor Wembanyama.
At half-time, Villeurbanne led 54-22 against Dijon
The match became more balanced in the second half. But Asvel managed their lead and were never worried, keeping a comfortable lead at all times. Finally, the duel between the two playmakers Elie Okobo and David Holston were largely turned to the advantage of the Frenchman and his team.
Act 2 from Friday, still at home for Villeurbanne, at the Astroballe.