A crazy and such a great week for French clubs in the Euroleague. The day after Asvel’s incredible comeback against Olympiakos (77-75), crowned by a victorious shot from Amine Noua at the buzzer, Monaco in turn won thanks to a suspended shot on the final siren, Friday against Berlin (92-89).
This time, the hero was called Elie Okobo, who unsheathed a winning shot from the right side at the end of the last possession, while the Germans had just equalized. String. The evening could have turned into dismay, but the Roca Team hit the jackpot: taking advantage of Fenerbahçe’s home loss against Vitoria (70-76), they joined the Turkish team and Barça in first place in the regular season, with a victory ahead of Olympiakos and Real Madrid.
The scenario will have been as improbable as that experienced by Asvel on Thursday. After their setback against Barça (63-69), Monaco had a great opportunity to face a supposedly easy prey: Berlin, last in the standings, remained on ten defeats in a row. But the Principality’s team did almost everything backwards, lax in rebounding (16 offensive takes for Berlin), expensive in free throws (61.5%…), and came very close to an incredible flop.
Obradovic’s big anger
After two very tight first quarters, the Monegasques thought they were finally widening the gap after the break (55-44) under the impetus of Alpha Diallo (20 pts at 7/14 shooting). Berlin has picked up. At the start of the last period, an award-winning basket from Jaron Blossomgame (16 pts) gave the Roca Team a ten-point lead (77-67). She then cashed in quick succession three award-winning baskets (79-80).
Sasa Obradovic took a time out and let his anger explode. Mike James (only 8 points at 3/5 but 7 rebounds and 7 assists) and his teammates remained in their little shoes, however, while the unlikely Tim Schneider broke his Euroleague points record with a 5/5 at three points .
“The type of defense they offered us, I had never seen that in my life. It’s a great victory, I’m very happy. »
In the last two minutes, rebelote. Johannes Thiemann missed two shots for Berlin, Monaco regained a 3-point lead (89-86), but Donta Hall missed a dunk, allowing Ben Lammers to equalize 17 seconds from time on a new offensive rebound. Monaco will have conceded 24 points in the last quarter…
It was the hour of tremors and heroes, that of Okobo’s shoot. “He’s an amazing shooter, I’m so happy for him, smiled Donatas Mitiejunas, relieved. Berlin is a difficult team to play. The type of defense they offered us, I had never seen that in my life. It’s a great victory, I’m very happy. »
Next Friday, the Monegasques will move to another poorly ranked, Milan (15th), for the 15th day.