Thomas Heurtel shines in EuroLeague: 12 assists, a personal record this season
This Friday, January 30th, Thomas Heurtel (1.89 m, 36 years old) confirmed that he is gradually regaining his rhythm. In ASVEL’s narrow defeat against Panathinaikos Athens (78-79) at the LDLC Arena, the French point guard achieved his best performance of the season in assists with 12. Previously limited to 9, the Béziers native, who grew up in Agde in Hérault before playing in Montpellier and then at the Élan Béarnais training center, showed that he is gradually regaining his touch at the highest European level.
A veteran point guard duel at the LDLC Arena
Facing Kostas Sloukas (1.90 m, 36 years old), MVP of the day with a 36 efficiency rating, Thomas Heurtel held his own in this duel of 36-year-old point guards. In just 22 minutes of play, he compiled 8 points and 12 assists. While he occasionally struggled, as evidenced by his 5 turnovers, the former French international was able to energize the Villeurbanne offense, particularly in the second half.
He particularly stood out in his connection with Bastien Vautier (14 points in 14 minutes in the second half) in the paint, providing pinpoint passes to keep ASVEL in contention until the end.
A performance among the best of the season in EuroLeague
With these 12 assists, Thomas Heurtel tied the third-best performance of the season in EuroLeague in this category. Only McKinley Wright IV (15 assists with Dubai) and Nick Weiler-Babb (13 with Anadolu Efes Istanbul) have done better this season. A figure that illustrates the renewed impact of the French point guard in offensive organization.
A role to fill in an ASVEL in transition
While Nando De Colo left the club for Fenerbahçe Istanbul in early January and Glynn Watson Jr was invisible this Friday (-9 efficiency rating), ASVEL needs Thomas Heurtel in full command of his abilities. Long awaited after his return to competition in mid-November, the soon-to-be 37-year-old point guard is starting to find his rhythm. In a roster undergoing changes, this rise in form bodes well for the rest of the European and domestic season.
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