ALL-STAR GAME LNB 2024 – Team World once again got the upper hand over Team France in the All-Star Game, 149-141. In the lead for most of the match, the Tricolores saw their rivals snatch extra time, before taking the upper hand in extra playing time.
Like every year, the end-of-year celebrations are an opportunity to celebrate French professional basketball with the traditional All-Star Game LNB. The last version was a success, with a breathtaking last quarter, won by the World Team of Mike Jamesand marked by the new points record established by Nadir Hifi. Team France had a revenge to take, which promised another interesting meeting.
A first warm-up period
At a slow trot, the French took command of the game in the first five minutes after tricks from Hifi and Okobo (23-15), to respond to the construction site of Shevon Thompson (9 points in 5 minutes). More fluid, and more aggressive on the rebound, Team France dominates, but several consecutive outside shots allow Team World to remain in ambush, before taking the lead at the start of the second thanks to the heat from Bressan Xavier Castanedaauthor of four three-pointers (43-50). In tune with their shooting, Jerome Robinson et Desi Rodriguez are in second place to maintain their lead. But with the will of one Bastien Vautier ultra present in scoring inside, and an increasing skill, Team France made a late run to come back close at half-time (72-73).
Team World takes over in overtime
From the start of the second period, the intensity increases a notch. The defenses are much less lax, and the baskets are more difficult to score. Following an exchange of baskets, the Maledon – Okobo pair took over the match and tried to create a first run, to which the World Team responded with outside shots from the two Parisian gunners, Tyson Ward et Collin Malcolm. The thriller then continues until the end of the third quarter, promising a final quarter with a knife, like the three counterattacks lined up by Andre Roberson in a few seconds (102-101).
Systems are installed, and defenses are now in place. With Nando De Colo as conductor, the French kept control of the score, and achieved a first mini break on two successive dunks (114-105). But the Americans don't give up, and get back into money time following a timeout taken by Tiago Splitter (116-115). The Tricolores are staying the course, relying in particular on a Elie Okobo hard-hitting, who also steals a valuable ball. Until Mike James (22 points) slams an insane basket, followed by a quick transition to turn the match around sixteen seconds from the buzzer (128-129)! In the process, it will come down to a story of throws where the players will deliberately send the match into overtime (130-130).
Extensions where Team World will prove to be the strongest. With offensive rebounds galore, well-aimed shots from James, and a dagger of Tyson Wardthe foreign players stood out. Team France will not have its revenge, and bows 149-141.
TJ Shorts, Trevor Hudgins and Ike Nwamu compete
Beyond the all-star game, three competitions also enlivened the evening. To set the mood, a five-star skills challenge was on the program with TJ Shorts, Theo Maledon, Elie Okobo et TJ Campbell. In the semi-finals, Shorts eliminated the double defending champion (Campbell), while Okobo offered himself a 100% French duel to reach a final, offering a one-on-one match. In this little game, the Parisian leader took the upper hand to win the first trophy of the evening.
Regarding the 3-point contest, Nicolas Lang was expected, he who became at the start of the season the most prolific outside shooter in the history of the French championship. Limougeaud will manage to qualify for the final with a score of 19, surpassing Nadir Hifi et Enzo Goudou-Sinha of a unit. But he then had to face Manceau Trevor Hudginsauthor of an impressive score (23). If the Frenchman improves his mark (20), this is insufficient to surpass the American, who does it again by signing a brilliant 23 again.
Finally, the dunk contest presented a less flashy field, with only Williams Narace (Le Mans) to represent Betclic Elite. Unfortunately, a zero score on his first pass immediately destroyed his hopes, and he found himself eliminated at the semi-final stage, just like Nathan Missia-God. Strapped to the left thigh, he managed a dunk before giving up. The competition therefore came down to a duel between Children's Power (Chartres) and Elvin Ndjock (Rouen). From the height of his 86 meter, Nwamu emerged victorious by stringing together impressive dunks. Quite sober, the Nigerian imposed himself logically, and succeeds Allan Dokossi.
