Betclic Elite Final: Paris takes the advantage over Roca Team

For the first match of this Betclic Élite final phase, the Roca Team faced Paris Basketball. Leading on the scoreboard for a long time, Monaco ultimately lost everything in the final moments (95‑91).

The Roca Team and Paris found themselves at the top once again, as if the French Championship could no longer be concluded without their ritual confrontation. This third consecutive final pits two teams that have shaped the recent era of French basketball, accumulating 75% of national titles over the last four seasons and already facing each other 15 times in the Championship over the same period. Behind this established matchup, intertwined trajectories: experienced players who lived through the two previous finals, a Monégasque advantage of 4‑1 in this year’s matchups, a record of 34 points signed by Matthew Strazel, but also two MVPs absent for the first time. So many reference points that fuel anticipation before another chapter between two powerhouses that know each other inside out but refuse to yield an inch of ground.

The Roca Team approached this final in a familiar configuration, but far from ideal. As against Nanterre, Sasa Obradovic had to manage without Mike James, still sidelined due to unpaid image rights contracts, and without Daniel Theis, whose fractured right index finger had not healed sufficiently. The two men, already absent in last year’s lost final, nevertheless participated in Saturday morning’s training at Gaston‑Médecin: symbolic presence for Mike James, determined to maintain his position, and just light recovery for Daniel Theis, who can only return in the event of a Game 5. Monaco therefore presents itself with nine professionals, the same group that eliminated Bourg then Nanterre, in an attempt to achieve a historic quadruple after the Super Cup, the Leaders Cup and the French Cup.

Jaron Blossomgame as metronome

Monaco strikes first, without hesitation. The starting five composed of Kevarrius Hayes, Jaron Blossomgame, Alpha Diallo, Élie Okobo and Matthew Strazel immediately imposes its rhythm. But it is Justin Robinson who lights the first spark on the Parisian side with a crisp low post shot. The response is instantaneous: Matthew Strazel finds Jaron Blossomgame on the left wing, who launches a first three-pointer. It’s the beginning of the American forward’s show. In an electrifying start to the game, Enzo Shahrvin throws down a violent block on Matthew Strazel, causing tension to rise and a physical face-off between Jaron Blossomgame and Daulton Hommes. Élie Okobo brings his precision with a left-handed floater then a free throw that extends the lead, before Nadir Hifi keeps Paris under pressure. Nemanja Nedovic, quiet in recent weeks, gets on board by feeding the inevitable Jaron Blossomgame (11 points), unstoppable. Ten minutes are enough to set the tone: Monaco leads 28‑22.

Determined to extend the gap, the Monégasques return full throttle in the second quarter. Alpha Diallo, already very active, throws down an angry dunk. The Roca Team takes an eleven-point lead and forces the Parisians to call an immediate timeout. Salvation for Paris comes from Daulton Hommes, who brings his team back within six points by executing a series of high-class plays. The Monégasques go through a rough patch in the paint, notably Kevarrius Hayes, limited to 25% shooting. With the two teams tied by one point, Jaron Blossomgame passes the ball under the basket to Matthew Strazel, who concludes with a dunk while taunting the Adidas Arena.

The end of the second quarter turns into a more nervous tempo. A Monégasque turnover gives Paris the last possession, but Nadir Hifi hesitates too long and his pass to Hommes results in a three-pointer that falls short. Monaco holds only a slim lead after a second quarter that was underwhelming, where its eleven-point cushion evaporated under the blows from Hommes, who scored seven points in just a few minutes. At halftime, the Roca Team leads 52‑51.

The Roca Team returns to the attack

Paris returns from the locker room with the intention to disrupt the pace, and Justin Robinson sets the tone by immediately launching offensives. Carried by the interior work of his teammates, he fires a confident three-pointer. Monaco responds through Kevarrius Hayes, aggressive in the paint but clumsy at the line, before Jared Rhoden delivers one of the quarter’s standout plays: a fluid spin move finished with a surgical jumper to put Paris ahead, 56‑55. A shiver runs through the Adidas Arena, quickly stifled by Monégasque acceleration.

The Roca Team regains control, even though Sebastian Herrera ignites the arena with a straight shot that brings Paris back within four points. The two teams then trade free throws, where Élie Okobo demonstrates his precision to stabilize the gap. More experienced, the Monégasques lock down the end of the quarter and pull away to +9, carried by Alpha Diallo’s activity (15 points, five rebounds) and Élie Okobo’s control (17 points, five assists), while Paris stays in pursuit thanks to the Hifi‑Robinson duo.

The battle rages on the boards, as evidenced by Lamar Stevens fighting hard on the offensive glass. Despite this, the Parisians struggle to dominate in the paint: the Monégasque presence under the basket prevents Paris from taking over. Nadir Hifi wins his battle against Strazel in the money-time. Unstoppable, he brings his team level with four minutes remaining. Paris even goes ahead before the eyes of Kev Adams and Omar Sy.

Less efficient offensively, both teams play fearlessly. Everything ultimately comes down to one final offensive foul. On the last transition, Matthew Strazel loses control of the ball at the top of the key and claims a foul. But the video finally penalizes Alpha Diallo on Justin Robinson, less than a second before the buzzer. Robinson doesn’t flinch and gives Paris a four-point lead, winning (95‑91).

The Roca Team can harbor regrets after this first away game. See you Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. for the continuation of this final between Paris Basketball and Monaco.