Antibes triumphs 76-64 against Denain, securing their spot in the elite of French basketball, a season after leaving it. It’s the result of a great season with the Leaders Cup title and a beautiful team with a capital T.
They did it! The Antibes Sharks are back in Pro A and in a grand manner. After defeating Nantes in the quarterfinals, Le Portel in the semifinals, Denain was thwarted by the iron defense of Antibes in the playoffs final. It’s the culmination of an exceptional season, especially as the initial goal last September was merely to secure a spot in the top nine, synonymous with making the finals.
Julien Espinosa, coach of the Sharks, emphasized after the victory in Game 1 (61-60), “only 50% of the work is done, 50% remains.” So Antibes launched into the game at full throttle with a 5-0 start thanks to Mbida and Blue. The Azur Arena roared, Act 1. Denain responded but faltered, failing to defend against Frédéric Bourdillon, who scored five consecutive points (13-8, 6th minute). A first quarter where success beyond the 6.75m line made a difference (4/6 with Blue, Spralja, Bourdillon, and Atamna). Antibes already creates a gap (24-17).
The Antibes defense remains impenetrable. Inside and on the perimeters, Will Solomon’s teammates locked everything down. Denain was left without a solution and went nearly five minutes without scoring. Lens Aboudou, seldom used during the season, seized the opportunity to shine with a dunk that blew up the arena, Act 2 (32-21, 16th minute). Under the basket, Junior Mbida continued his mission of destruction with two blocks but was replaced after committing his third foul. By halftime, the Sharks had only conceded 24 points (36-24) and the crowd began to smell the scent of Pro A.
After halftime, no fear. Will Solomon, struggling with his shots from the start of the match, electrified the arena with eight points in three minutes (47-33, 23rd minute). On Denain’s side, only Ivey, Ouattara, and Hollins managed to stand out. Timothée Cabarrot increased the lead to its largest margin in the match with two free throws (59-40, 29th minute). Denain was knocked out, while Atamna and Bourdillon were putting on a show on the bench, and the Azur Arena imploded, Act 3 (59-46).
The last quarter was much more tense, with nerves showing on the Antibes side. Proof of this: in six minutes, the Azuréens scored only four little points. Denain took the opportunity to make shots and regain confidence with a 10-0 run (63-48 then 63-51 and 63-58). The experienced Sharks trio, Blue-Solomon-Diarra, came through at the crucial moment with important shots (70-62, 38th minute). On fire since the start of the playoffs, the “local kid,” Frédéric Bourdillon, made an improbable three-pointer from the corner, decisively (73-62, 39th minute). The arena went wild and finally sang, “We are in Pro A!” Aded Hussein finished off with a free throw (74-62).
Then came the time for the court invasion, the MVP (most valuable player) trophy presentation to Tim Blue, and the raising of the “Promotion to Pro A” sign. The evening ended late, very late in the lounges with “joyful” players and a coach with a shirt soaked in fizzy drinks. Time for celebrations and well-deserved vacations. Bravo and thank you, gentlemen!
