Playoffs Euroleague 2024/25 – high class actions, tension, physical intensity, aggressiveness and unbearable suspense until the last seconds. A real high-flying fight, from which Monaco came out victorious (85-84), to the delight of his audience. Worn by a Mike James Imperial (20 points), the Roca Team wins its ticket for the Euroligue semi-finals.
The suspense is at its height in this series of quarterfinals between theAS Monaco and the FC Barcelona. The Monegasques, solid at home, had taken an advance of two victories during the first meetings. But the return to Catalonia was much more complicated: the Barcelonais reacted with authority to equalize 2-2 in the series.
This Tuesday, the outcome will therefore be played on a 5th and last decisive match at the Gaston-Médecin room. A cleaner confrontation, with the key a precious ticket for the Final Four of the Euroligue and a semi-final against l’olympiakos. Carried by an audience heated to white, Monaco will have to draw on its mental and physical resources to overcome a FC Barcelona experienced. And to hope to prevail, the rock team will undoubtedly have to count on a great match of its star, Mike James, capable of turning the meeting alone.
A faulty address that slows down the Monegasque momentum in the first quarter
Unlike the previous match, Monaco Do not allow itself to be a distance from input. Carried once again by a Alpha Diallo punchy (9 out of the 15 points of his team), the Roca Team Stay in contact in a balanced start to the match, where each team responds to blow. But the end of this first quarter turns to the advantage of Barça. Contested shots, missed franc throws and address deficit (5/15 in shooting) cost dearly to Monegasqueswhich accuse a slight delay: 19-15 in favor of Catalans After ten minutes. Despite a solid defense, it will Take more precision to hope to win this evening.
Monaco turns into the break
The second quarter remains on the same tempo: intense, tense, worthy of a match 5 at high stake. This time, the Monegasques are more effective offensively (12/21 shooting on the period) and manage to make the difference at the end of half-time. Thanks to a award -winning shot from Mike James and excellent management of opposing faults, the Barça reaching the bar of five faults in the 5th minute, the Roca Team Take the advantage just before the break.
Monaco Return to the changing rooms at the head: 45-39. But the threat remains very present, embodied by Kevin Punter. Little in sight since the start of the series, the Catalan rear already displays 13 points at halftime and could well change the situation in the second half.
-Shared time shared in a third quarter under tension
The Roca Team attack this third act on the floor, taking up to ten points ahead, carried by a Mike James sparkling. “Magic Mike” delights with its high class floating shots and maintains pressure on a Barcelona defense in difficulty. But Barcelona responds with authority. The alarm clock of the pivot Willy Hernangome Change the situation: dominator in the racket, it folds Daniel Theisforced to join the bench with four faults more than 15 minutes from the end of the match. The momentum then seems to switch, but Monaco find a saving breath thanks to Matthew StrazeThe author of a complicated shot while the Monegasque attack struggled to find address.
Ten minutes from the end: Monaco leads 65-62 and the last quarter promises to be irrespirable.
An irrespirable money time, as we like them in match 5
The last quarter starts timidly. The stake weighs on the shoulders of the two teams, and the game is affected: imprecise, faults, nervousness. But suddenly, the meeting gets carried away.
For four minutes, we are witnessing a real fireworks. Mike Jamesagain, the wick lights with several decisive actions. Barcelona answers tac to tac, then Papagiannis Fate of his box: perfect at long distance (3/3 to three points), he turns the atmosphere. Jabari parker Pushes the nail with an icy shot that brings the silence back to the Monegasque room. But there Roca Team Don’t let go. Carried again by PapagiannisMonaco takes over the lead in an unbreathable final, dead time and there are 2 min. What a game !
The last two minutes are unbreakable, but Monaco shows composure. In a high voltage final, the Roca Team makes his experience and lucidity speak to win a breath: 85-84. Mike James (20 points) has once again shone, but the hero evening is also called Georgios Papagiannisprecious in the two snowshoes and author of 16 decisive points. Monaco is essential at the end of the suspense and offers a qualification for the Final Four.
