Dominant in the first period, Monaco had to fight until the end before winning in Berlin, to maintain the lead in the Euroleague rankings. ASVEL, for its part, collapsed at the end of the match against Milan.
When we approach the year 2025 at the top of the Euroleague, we aspire to stay there. Logically, the trip from Monaco to Berlin, to the bottom of the competition, should not pose any problems. But on January 2, it looked like a trap match. Nevertheless, this match was also and above all the occasion of the first appearance of Nick Calathes since signing this summer.
If the Greek star did not have an impact in the first period, that did not prevent Monaco from making kindling with the German team. Despite a rotation reduced to ten players, La Roca continued. Intractable in defense, it was especially in attack that she did the job, always under the leadership of Mike Jamesbut also Matthew Strazelwith real accuracy to widen a significant gap at the break (35-55). From then on, it was difficult to see what negative could happen for the Monegasques, who literally ate their rivals on the rebound.
But the second period was not going to offer the same spectacle. The German collective got into place in a good way (4 players with more than 13 points), the Monegasque defense relaxed, and the gap was reduced for the first time. After a boost from La Roca, Berlin launched its last stand, and even got closer to six points. It is Jarod Blossomgame which would be the detonator at the end of the Monegasque match, repelling the last German assaults to validate the Monegasque victory, clearly obtained thanks to a fiery attack. That’s the main thing, for the defense, we will have to come back. But whatever happens, Monaco remains at the top of the Euroleague.
Certainly, ASVEL had sunk in Bologna for the last match of the year 2024, but beforehand, it had chained three victories in a row in the Euroleague for the first time in ages. The form was there, it remained to be seen whether it would translate into victory, especially after learning that Theo Maledon was expected to sign with Real Madrid next season.
And in the first half, we felt the Lyonnais were on a tightrope. The leaders, Maledon et Nando De Coloresponded present and carried out the attack, but it was much less flamboyant than in the last matches. Fortunately, the Milanese did not seem to be having a great night, as evidenced by their awful 2/12 behind the arc at the break. But despite this lack of skill, the visitors led at the break (32-36), and we would have to take up the gauntlet to win the victory.
The reaction was positive, with a high-level third quarter and a De Colo in international form. ASVEL came back to level, seemed to gain a certain ascendancy, but could not maintain it. And, under the repeated blows of Zach LeDay et Nikola Mirotic, who will accumulate 35 points, Milan would end up breaking away irresistibly at the end of the match, annihilating the local resistance during a particularly successful last 5 minutes. A regrettable defeat for ASVEL, which had the cards in hand to get closer to the qualification zone, but which remains stuck at the bottom of the table.
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