Paris Basketball won their fifth consecutive match in the European Cup this Wednesday, dominating Lithuanian side Zalgiris Kaunas (83-77).
Paris Basketball continued its surprising discovery of the Euroleague on Wednesday by dominating Zalgiris Kaunas (83-77), co-leader before the game, at home, recording its fifth consecutive victory.
After more than a quarter of the regular season played, the Parisians find themselves in a group of five teams, just one victory away from the leading pair, FC Barcelona and Fenerbahçe (seven wins to two defeats). On Friday he will travel to Catalonia with the opportunity to sit on the leader’s sofa, incredible only a month ago when the first C1 championship in its history began with two defeats.
But nothing held out for several weeks and the Lithuanians, very clumsy at long range (4/23, 1/14 at halftime), in turn tore apart the gang led by TJ Shorts (21 points at 2/3 from long distance and 6 assists), Nadir Hifi (10 points and 5 rebounds) and Colin Malcolm (17 points on 2/2 3 points).
Paris, first French club
Shorts and Malcolm led the capital club to widen the gap between the end of the third quarter and midway through the final. It initially inflicted a 10-2 on Zalgiris, in particular thanks to two consecutive winning shots by Shorts and Hifi, taking a six-point lead at the end of the third quarter (62-56).
Before continuing his momentum counting a mattress of 13 points just under four minutes from the siren (78-65), in particular thanks to the contribution of Kevarrius Hayes (10 points and 9 rebounds), fundamental in the last quarter . after being hampered by three fouls since midway through the second quarter. Like the other Parisian pivot, Leon Kratzer.
But Paris was able to overcome its internal deficit, and fix the offensive rebounding sector abandoned to Zalgiris in the first period (3 shots against 10), thanks to its continuous pressure and its external ability (9/22). And it was Mikael Jantunen, with a winning shot one minute from the siren, who sealed the success of the Parisians (81-72), now ahead of the other two clubs in the French championship, Monaco (5 w/4 d). .) and Asvel (2/7).
Interview between Time.news Editor and Basketball Expert on Paris Basketball’s Recent Success
Time.news Editor: Welcome to today’s interview! I’m excited to have you here, especially as we discuss the remarkable performance of Paris Basketball in the European Cup. They won their fifth consecutive match against Zalgiris Kaunas recently. What are your initial thoughts on this victory?
Basketball Expert: Thank you for having me! This win is a significant milestone for Paris Basketball. Defeating a strong team like Zalgiris Kaunas, who were co-leaders in the standings before this match, shows that Paris is not just a newcomer but a serious contender in the Euroleague.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely! The final score was 83-77. What aspects of their game do you think contributed to this success?
Basketball Expert: A few key factors played a role. First, their defense was crucial; they managed to limit Zalgiris’ shooting, especially from beyond the arc. The Lithuanians struggled with long-range shots, finishing the game with only 4 out of 23 attempts. Paris took advantage of that defensive pressure and executed their plays effectively on the offensive end.
Time.news Editor: That’s a great point. It’s interesting to note that, just a month ago, Paris had a rocky start with two initial defeats in the Euroleague. How do you think they’ve turned things around?
Basketball Expert: It’s a testament to the team’s resilience and coaching staff. They likely took a hard look at their earlier performances, identified their weaknesses, and adapted their game strategy accordingly. It’s not uncommon for teams to struggle initially when they’re newly competing at a high level, but Paris seems to have found its rhythm now.
Time.news Editor: They’re currently just one win away from the top teams, FC Barcelona and Fenerbahçe. With their upcoming game against Barcelona, how critical is that match for Paris Basketball?
Basketball Expert: That game is pivotal! Winning against FC Barcelona would not only solidify their status as a top contender but could also provide a significant confidence boost. It’s a chance to prove they can compete with the best, and that would set the stage for future successes. Plus, sitting on the leader’s sofa—what a great accomplishment that would be for a team that was not even favored to perform well at the beginning of the season!
Time.news Editor: It really would be an incredible turnaround. Given this impressive trajectory, what future challenges do you foresee for Paris Basketball?
Basketball Expert: The challenge will be maintaining consistency. Other teams will definitely take notice of their recent performances and will adjust their strategies accordingly. Paris will need to continue refining their game, avoid complacency, and ensure they stay vigilant against any complacency creeping in. They also must manage player fatigue, as the Euroleague schedule can be grueling.
Time.news Editor: Wise words. As Paris Basketball continues its journey in the Euroleague, what should fans look forward to in the coming weeks?
Basketball Expert: Fans should be excited about the potential for thrilling matchups ahead. This is a young and dynamic team that plays with a lot of passion. Every game is an opportunity for not just victories but also for thrilling basketball moments that fans crave. Plus, watching how they adapt and grow against tough competition will be fascinating.
Time.news Editor: Thank you so much for your insights! Paris Basketball has certainly captured the attention of fans and analysts alike. We’ll be keeping a close eye on their journey in the Euroleague!
Basketball Expert: Thank you for having me! I’m looking forward to seeing how this exciting season unfolds.