Following a journey from their training center in Noisy-le-grand to Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport, Paris Basketball has arrived on the Côte d’Azur, ready for match 3 of the French championship finals against Monaco. The team departed after a final practice session and a speedy meal, setting the stage for a possibly decisive game.

Messages of encouragement, such as “3-0 guys” and “you come back on Saturday,” have been sent by club members remaining in Paris for this pivotal “title ball” game. After securing two victories at Adidas Arena against the Roca Team with scores of 94-82 and 92-67, Paris Basketball has the prospect to clinch the French championship with a third consecutive win this Friday. Coach Tiago Splitter emphasizes the need to maintain composure: “The state of mind is to remain quiet, concentrated. It will be the hardest match of the season for us. “

Tiago Splitter, the Brazilian and 2014 NBA champion with the San Antonio Spurs, is resolute to avoid extending the series. “We cannot go by saying: its ok if we lose because there is a match 4. We want to finish the work and finish the season,” he insists. He anticipates a more aggressive approach from Monaco and advises his team to “expect the unexpected”. Echoing this sentiment, Finnish strong winger Mikael jatunen states, “We want to finish the work. We have prepared for these moments since the start of the season. “

“It was a bit shame”

Having finished first in the regular season, Paris Basketball has demonstrated a strong ability to perform as a cohesive unit. “My players have still proven their ability to raise the level,” Tiago Splitter remarks, praising the contributions of players like Yakuba (Ouattara) and Daulton (Holmes), who “arrived at the best time to show their character”. The team’s performance is largely driven by TJ shorts, who has averaged 29 points in the first two games. “30 points, 28 points … I have the impression that he has been playing at this level as the start of the season,” says his teammate janunen.

Monaco is eager to rebound after a significant 25-point loss in Paris on Tuesday evening. “It was a bit like losing this way,” sighs Élie Okobo. “We hope two home games to show a different face. This one was not beautiful at all. each player must raise their level and rise in power. It is a final. We won nothing this season. The holidays are not for today “.

Monaco faces this crucial match without Mike James,