Paris continues and consolidates its leadership position, Asvel takes on Real at the buzzer

“They attack in a way that is unique. I love watching them play. It’s very impressive”. Coach of Maccabi Tel Aviv, Oded Kattash had taken out the polishing brush before facing Paris Basketball. He must not have been disappointed… Winners of their previous eight matches in the Euroleague, the last 11 in all competitions, Tiago Splitter’s players continued their crazy series by winning against Maccabi (81-93), this Tuesday , in Belgrade. Nine in a row for the Parisians, who have not suffered defeat since October 29. A success which allows them to consolidate their improbable leading position in the standings (10 wins, 3 losses) before visiting Evan Fournier’s Olympiakos, Monaco’s opponent at Gaston-Médecin on Wednesday (7 p.m.), in this 13th day. At the same time, Asvel brought down Real (80-78) at the LDLC Arena after a totally crazy scenario.

Newbies in the Euroleague but holders of the Eurocup, the Parisians got off to a smooth start in the almost empty Serbian room. Shorts took care of everything first. It was quickly relayed by Lo and Hifi, authors of four winning shots in a row, two each (10-22). Rivero and his teammates returned to contact in the second quarter (18-22). No more. Because Lo and his little comrades, long above 50% by far, started again with a vengeance (24-40). In the end, Paris Basketball returned to the locker room with a 14-point advantage, after a first period during which Tiago Splitter’s players made 10 of their 19 three-point shots (52.6%). Look no further for the statistic to remember after this first act (36-50 MT)… Already three players with 10 points or more at this stage, Hifi (13), Lo (11) and Shorts (10).

Paris alone in the lead

From afar, up close, in transition… Paris continued its recital at the restart (39-50, then 39-60). Demonstration. And the breakdown. Less skill, some ball losses. And Maccabi, with Randolph in particular, the Frenchman Hoard too, stuck their heads out of the water (56-66, then 58-68 at the end of the 3rd QT). No more sound, no more image for Parisians, in doubt (60-68). Hayes restarted the machine with a devastating dunk, before two points from Shorts (60-72). Maccabi did not manage to permanently seize up the Parisian machine. And even less the metronome Shorts (69-82). In the end, Paris held on at the end of the match (81-93 final score). 22 points for TJ Shorts, with 8 assists as a bonus, 19 points from Maodo Lo, 15 from Nadir Hifi and 14 for Tyson Ward. Paris serious and in control despite this gap in the third quarter. Like a big one. And the only leader after the defeat of Fener.

After its exploit against Anadolu Efes Istanbul (97-82), Lyon-Villeurbanne challenged Real Madrid in Décines. A match started well by the “Green Team”, in front throughout the first quarter. First 10 minutes during which it was mainly a question of attack (28-21, then 30-26 at the end of the 1st QT). In front for only 15 seconds at the start of the game, the visitors were unable to turn the tide. Especially since Ndiaye caught fire from afar, just on fire. It was he who gave Asvel +11 in the last minute of the first period (51-40). 10 points for him at the break (51-43 MT). 9 for Lee and 8 for Malédon. Logical advantage for the Rhone residents, intense in attack, solid in defense, facing Madrilenians far too feverish to hope for better at the LDLC Arena.

Robertson’s anthology counter

Feverish, the Spaniards were much less so at the restart… Big highlight in Madrid. Campazzo in all the good moves. Deck hurt. And Asvel on the ropes (55-59, 59-69). Then the heat from Malédon, author of eight points in a row (67-69, then 69-69). Hezonja did the job (69-74) and Asvel seemed condemned by his errors, his losses of ball, with Tavares who gave his team +5 58 seconds from the buzzer (73-78). Malédon, again, made two baskets in a row (78-78). Bright. 9 seconds left. Campazzo for Real’s victory… and Robertson’s counter! The referees took time before validating it. Another 1”8. Asvel ball. Throw-in from Robertson. Lee for the win at the buzzer (80-78 final score)! Madness. 23 points for Théo Malédon, 13 for Paris Lee at Asvel (5 wins, 8 losses). 19 points for Mario Hezonja, 17 from Gabriel Deck and 12 assists from Facundo Campazzo. Asvel has definitely launched its season.