In a remarkable display, AS Monaco, led by an exceptional performance from Matthew Strazel (20 points, 30 rating), delivered a commanding victory over Paris. The home team utterly dismantled the Parisian squad, which faltered defensively throughout the game. Monaco’s performance was so dominant it appeared almost untouchable, though Paris still has a chance for redemption.
Despite facing potential repercussions for their actions in the previous match, Matthew Strazel and Alpha Diallo were cleared to play in this crucial game, pending disciplinary review. Strazel’s prior comments to officials, accusing a referee of cheating, had drawn significant attention and a statement from the referees’ union.
For most of the Monaco players, this was likely their final appearance at Gaston-Médecin arena. Strazel, in particular, is reportedly set to transfer to Anadolu Efes for a substantial buyout fee.
The Parisian supporters, known as the Parisii, traveled to the Principality and unveiled a banner honoring Nadir Hifi, who started the game in place of Justin Robinson. Hifi was met with jeers from the usually calm Monaco crowd. Paris made a strong initial push, taking an early lead (7-2, 13-6), prompting Monaco’s coach to call a timeout.
However, the timeout had little effect as Monaco maintained control. Even with Strazel picking up his second foul, the team remained solid. Nemanja Nedovic also made his presence felt, and crucially, the entire squad shot exceptionally well from the free-throw line (13/14), unlike in the previous game. Monaco finished the first quarter with a significant lead (18-10, 27-16).
While Nadir Hifi worked hard to contribute offensively, Monaco’s defense, anchored by Kevarrius Hayes, remained impenetrable. Hayes also proved effective on the offensive end, notably with an alley-oop assist from Matthew Strazel, extending Monaco’s lead to 41-21, signaling an alarm for Paris.
Paris struggled from beyond the three-point arc, hitting only 1 out of 10 attempts in the first half. Nadir Hifi was the top scorer at halftime with 17 points, but he lacked support. Matthew Strazel was the most influential player on the court, dishing out 9 assists and boasting a rating of 19. The score remained heavily in Monaco’s favor at halftime (45-24, 49-29, 54-33 at the 20th minute).
The outcome of the game was no longer in doubt, with many spectators returning to their seats late. Matthew Strazel continued to exploit the Parisian defense. Even when Paris managed to hit a few three-pointers, Monaco’s lead remained substantial. Scores like 64-42, 74-49 (thanks to a superb three-pointer from Okobo), and 80-51, with Jaron Blossomgame taunting the Paris bench, highlighted Monaco’s dominance.
Matthew Strazel capped off the third quarter with a buzzer-beating three-pointer, leaving Monaco with a commanding 83-55 lead. The game was also observed by NBA player Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics.
The remainder of the game was largely a formality, allowing Paris to finish with a more respectable scoreline, but this was merely an illusion. They were thoroughly outplayed and defeated by the Mediterranean team.
The boxscore is available here.
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