The Roca Team suffered a painful defeat in the opening game of the Betclic Élite Finals on the evening of Sunday, June 15, surrendering a late lead as Paris Basketball claimed a 95-91 victory at the Adidas Arena.
Despite arriving in the French capital with a depleted roster, Monaco appeared on course to steal home-court advantage after controlling much of the contest. Missing several key players through injury, the Principality side nonetheless produced an impressive collective display and led for the majority of the game.
Monaco made a confident start, with Jaron Blossomgame finding success from long range and Elie Okobo gradually taking control offensively. The visitors finished the first quarter six points ahead before extending their advantage to double digits during a dominant second period.
Strong contributions from Terry Tarpey, Matthew Strazel and Alpha Diallo helped the Roca Team maintain their momentum, while Okobo’s leadership ensured Monaco reached the interval with a narrow lead.
The visitors continued to dictate proceedings after the break. Diallo was particularly influential, scoring from all areas of the court, while Blossomgame and Diallo delivered a series of emphatic dunks to keep Paris at arm’s length. Heading into the final quarter, Monaco held a seven-point cushion and appeared well placed to take the opener.
However, Paris mounted a decisive comeback in the closing minutes. A flurry of points from Nadir Hifi and a clutch three-pointer from Daulton Hommes swung the momentum in favour of the home side. Monaco struggled to respond as Paris capitalised on trips to the free-throw line and tightened its defence in the final possessions.
Diallo led Monaco’s scoring with 21 points, closely followed by Okobo with 20 and Blossomgame with 18. Strazel added 10 points and nine assists in another influential performance.
For Paris, Hifi finished with a game-high 23 points, while Tyson Ward Robinson contributed 17 as the capital club seized a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five championship series.
Speaking after the game, centre Kevarrius Hayes pointed to discipline and free-throw management as key factors in the defeat, while stressing the importance of bouncing back in Game Two.
The Roca Team now faces a crucial second encounter in Paris on Wednesday, June 17, where victory would allow Monaco to wrest back home-court advantage before the series moves to the Principality.
