Monaco’s comeback to life with game 3 win against Paris

AS Monaco has come out of its coma in these Betclic ELITE 2025 playoff finals. Humiliated by Paris Basketball on Tuesday in game 2 at the Adidas Arena, the Roca Team first feared the worst when trailing 13-1 after 3 minutes of play. But in the stifling atmosphere of Gaston Medecin arena, with humidity around 75%, Jaron Blossomgame & co rebelled to come back and take the lead during the third quarter. Despite very poor free throw shooting (13/26), Vassilis Spanoulis’s team maintained their advantage to win narrowly (81-78) after a missed shot by Nadir Hifi. There will be a game 4 this Sunday, starting at 4:30 PM.

Jaron Blossomgame leads the rebellion

Down 13-1 after three minutes, ASM seemed headed for another disaster against a fully in-control Paris Basketball, led by their point guard T.J. Shorts (14 points on 6/8 shooting and 4 assists for 16 efficiency at halftime). But after the break, the script flipped. In a monumental third quarter (30-15), Jaron Blossomgame caught fire, scoring 17 of his 26 points (his Monaco career-high) to put his team ahead before the final period (63-60).

💪 | 25 points for Jarrod Blossomgame who celebrates behind! @ASMonaco_Basket is still ahead!
Watch the end of the game live on DAZN: https://t.co/FW3FIhLLDu pic.twitter.com/yvXMfIkSpQ

— DAZN France (@DAZN_FR) June 20, 2025

The Roca Team then held on despite another free throw shooting struggle (13/26). Elie Okobo (17 points and 10 assists) perfectly supported his American forward, while Nick Calathes and Alpha Diallo used their experience and Monaco’s team play (27 assists) was in sync tonight. On their end, Paris struggled to attack Monaco’s defensive switches. Notably, Vassilis Spanoulis had finally changed his plans, using extra small-ball lineups (Diallo and Blossomgame with three guards) to stop T.J. Shorts up top (0/10 shooting in second half, -2 efficiency in 15 minutes).

T.J. Shorts goes 0/10 in second half, Paris loses composure

Despite Monaco’s comeback, Paris stayed close until the end. With one minute left, the score was only 79-78. But a key play sealed the game’s fate: T.J. Shorts received a second unsportsmanlike foul on Jordan Loyd’s 3-point attempt. An ejection for the season’s double MVP and three free throws awarded to Monaco, which made the difference (81-78).

« We showed character, we weren’t ready to give up our title, » said Elie Okobo after the game. With this win, Monaco stays alive and can defend their crown again on Sunday.

Paris maintains the advantage but sees Monaco coming back

Paris, despite this loss, still leads 2-1 in the series and remains one win away from their first national title. Tiago Splitter’s men will have another chance to close it out on Sunday, still in Monaco. But beware of this Monaco team, which has rediscovered its pride and level.

Reactions: Monaco with heart, Paris with lucidity

Speaking to DAZN after the game, Jaron Blossomgame delivered a powerful message: « It’s not easy playing against Paris but we’re champions, we showed character tonight. We didn’t want to get swept. We played with heart and pride. […] I played well. I didn’t want to lose. I gave everything. Everyone’s tired but we didn’t give up. That was my mindset. We’re better when our backs are against the wall. We’re a team that wants it, we have experience. We’re not afraid of anyone. I’m proud of my teammates. »

Never underestimate the heart of a champion 😤 @ASMonaco_Basket officially launches its comeback mission, see you Sunday for Episode 4️⃣ pic.twitter.com/cXXgZkLwkP

— Betclic ELITE (@Betclic_ELITE) June 20, 2025

Elie Okobo praised the collective effort: « We showed much more intensity than in the first two games. We’re playing at home, in front of our fans, we had to show a better face. I’m happy with today’s effort. We’ll need to do even more on Sunday. »

On Paris’s side, Nadir Hifi acknowledged the night’s superiority: « They were aggressive. They got easy baskets. Their worst shooter (Blossomgame) hit shots today. They played a good game. They deserve to win. We need to find our identity: get stops and run. That’s how we put them in trouble. »

A gameplan to rediscover on Sunday to claim the club’s first title. Otherwise, they’ll have to return next Tuesday to the Adidas Arena.

In Monaco,