AS Monaco, the formidable Roca Team, has battled back from adversity to force a Game 5 showdown against Paris Basketball on June 24 at Adidas Arena, Paris (20 h 30 CET). In an intense Best-of-5 series, Monaco stands at a crucial turning point. After four epic clashes, each team has secured two victories, setting the stage for an all-or-nothing finale.
How They Got There! First in Paris
In Game 1 (June 15, Paris), Paris seized a commanding 1–0 lead with a 94‑82 on their home turf. Once in the lead Paris always rose to the occasion and eventually particularly whenever Monaco got within close to 10 points. Monaco struggled defensively and fell victim to Paris’s blistering backcourt.
Vassilis Spanoulis (Monaco’s coach) summed it up – “We weren’t good defensively. We gave up a lot of points on fast breaks and offensive rebounds—35 points. Two of their players scored 50 points combined with nearly 10 assists. We conceded too many points …”
In Game 2 (June 17, Paris), again in the capital, Paris doubled their advantage, executing dominant play in front of their home crowd. Paris was red-hot from deep. Every offensive possession from Paris punished Monaco. The result Paris 88 – Monaco 81 again on Paris’ home turf.
Mam Jaiteh (Roca Team center) summed it up well – “They had more energy tonight and dominated the key moments. We couldn’t adjust to the rhythm they set.”
How Roca Got There! At Home in Monaco
Game 3 (June 20, Monaco), Returning to Gaston Médecin, Monaco responded with grit, winning the third match and trimming the deficit to 2–1. After being outplayed in the first half, the Roca Boys showed great collective spirit to come back and claim a crucial win (81–78). They were led by a massive second half from Jaron Blossomgame, who finished with 26 points, 17 of those coming in the third quarter alone. This pivotal victory reignited hope for a comeback.
Finally Game 4 (June 22, Monaco) where in a thrilling rematch, Monaco edged out Paris 80‑74. Roca outscored Paris by 11 in the final quarter to clinch the win and tie the series 2–2. There was insane intensity, fierce defense, massive heart, and a star duo in Elie Okobo and Matthew Strazel. The former was named MVP of the game with 19 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and a 20 efficiency rating, while the latter brought his team back into the match with two incredible long-range shots (20 points, 17 efficiency rating).
How Roca Team Forced a Final Game 5
Roca did it with Home-court domination. Both Monaco wins came at home and with ferocious defense and controlled tempo, they forced Game 5 on Paris soil. Key performances under pressure came from Strazel and Okobo who rose in the spotlight, proving crucial in the clutch. Alpha Diallo’s effort inside also contributed. Stubborn resilience did it in the end. Overcoming a 0–2 hole showcased Monaco’s mental toughness, the first team since ASVEL in 2016 to do so in these finals . ASVEL came back from 0–2 against Strasbourg in the 2016 Pro A Finals, winning the series 3–2. Roca can do it … Go Roca!
Road to Game 5
AS Monaco heads back to Paris with momentum and renewed belief. After two tough defeats away, they answered with two spirited home victories. Now, everything culminates on June 24, in what could be a historic triple-title for the Roca Team.
Can Monaco complete the comeback on enemy turf? Or will Paris shut it down and seize the crown? The decisive fifth game promises to be a showdown for the ages!
