Monaco continues its grand slam at Roland-Garros against Paris
Received five out of five, Monaco remains undefeated after its success against Paris Basketball (95-91) on Sunday in the flashy setting of the Philippe-Chatrier court at Roland-Garros during the fifth day of the Elite championship. The Roca Team, driven by a gala Mike James (29 points), eliminated the club from the capital, last in the championship. ASM succeeded in its parenthesis in Elite after its coup against the double winner of the Euroleague, Efes Istanbul, and before two European trips to the floors of Maccabi Tel Aviv (Tuesday) and Panathinaikos (Friday).
This clash between the ambitious capital club and the vice-champion of France, relocated under the roof of the “Central” provided 10,524 spectators (for a gauge of around 15,000), according to the club and even Mike James! The American star of the Rock, who had not stepped on the courts of the championship for two weeks with the resumption of the Euroleague, feasted in the garden of Rafael Nadal with 9 assists and 7 rebounds, in addition to his 29 points .
Well supported by the former French international Adrien Moerman, double winner of the Euroleague with Efes Istanbul, who spoke about his qualities behind the line (5/6 at three points). “The atmosphere was wonderful, the public was there and showed (especially with traditional olas). It motivates the team”believes John Brown, who arrived on the Rock this summer.
The Begarin promise
In an inverted symmetry, Paris Basketball has a fifth setback in as many league appearances. The latter has nothing to dishonour against the Monegasques who have demonstrated their stature as a serious contender for the Final Four of the Euroleague, Wednesday against Efes Istanbul (95-92 ap), double defending champion. “They earn little, and they had doubts at one point. If we manage to play eye to eye against this kind of team, it’s a good sign.”retains Parisian Juhann Begarin, back from injury.
The 20-year-old’s debut this season has given the capital club an extra attacking edge. The rear of Abymes (Guadeloupe), drafted in 45th position by the Celtics last year, a stacked 28 points, embellished with three interceptions in the first half. Rookie Tyrone Wallace, the highest-paying rear of a hundred NBA games, and Kyle Allman were also valuable with 18 points.
But the Parisian difficulties are emerging on the other side of the floor. They have never conceded less than the 95 points conceded on Sunday in the league. “We have to be even more aggressive in defence. We saw that we were able to do it in Ankara (during the 90-75 Eurocup victory)it takes consistency”adds “Begs” Begarin.
The authorization finally granted to their trainer Will Weaver to coach in matches in the Championship should help them. The diploma equivalences of the former assistant coach of the Houston Rockets, in the NBA, having finally been validated, he was able to lead his first Elite match on Sunday.