Monaco makes an excellent start against Barcelona
Apr 23, 2025
Gabriel Pantel-Jouve
Elie Okobo wants to keep Monaco at this level: « We need to maintain the same intensity »
EuroLeague - Elie Okobo led AS Monaco to a historic victory against FC Barcelona (97-80) in the EuroLeague playoffs opener. The guard delivered a high-level performance with 19 points, 7 assists and a clear message: the Roca Team is ready for battle.
Photo Credit : Sébastien Grasset
Elie Okobo (1.91m, 27 years old) had never won a Game 1 in EuroLeague playoffs. That’s now done. With an almost perfect game, the French international combo-guard greatly contributed to AS Monaco’s opening success against FC Barcelona (97-80). A first victory in a playoff Game 1 that sends a strong message: the Roca Team isn’t stopping here.
A controlled opener for Monaco
In a buzzing Gaston-Médecin arena, Elie Okobo took control of the game. With 19 points on 7/10 shooting, 7 assists and 4 drawn fouls for a 26 efficiency rating in just 29 minutes, the Bordeaux native rose to the occasion. He commented on this performance lucidly after the game: « We’re happy. We prepared for these playoffs. Barça is a very good team. It’s my first time winning Game 1. It’s been three years now that we’ve qualified and we have home court advantage. And we protected it well here », says the former JSA Bordeaux player.
Okobo emphasized the team’s collective maturity, particularly in managing difficult stretches: « We didn’t get frustrated, even when they made runs, we stayed focused. Everyone fought. »
13-0! 🥶
Elie Okobo hızlı hücumda smacı bastı, molayı aldırdı! ⚡ #EveryGameMatters pic.twitter.com/SokIWfpOl9
— Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Türkiye (@EuroLeagueTUR) April 23, 2025
An intensity that sets the tone
The playoffs change everything, and the former Pau player reminded us: « It’s time. All competitors wait for this period of the year to win a title. It goes through a five-game series in front of our crowd. » While Monaco brilliantly launched their series, Okobo remains cautious: « Barcelona will make adjustments on pick and rolls. They’ll play much harder. They got some offensive rebounds, so I think they’ll fight even harder to get more. »
Assumed leadership
In this first game, Elie Okobo showed he could be « aggressive » yet unselfish. A precious balance for an ambitious team that could also count on strong performances from Mike James (22 points and 4 assists) and Daniel Theis (22 points).
Game 2 is set for Friday at Gaston-Médecin, where Monaco will look to build on this promising start against a revenge-seeking FC Barcelona.
📊 Les stats de la grosse victoire dans ce match 1️⃣ 🆚 @FCBbasket 💥#RocaTeam #EveryGameMatters pic.twitter.com/mK4Yx0e3TK
— AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) April 23, 2025
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