![[Rétro] When Paris Basketball and JL Bourg faced each other in the EuroCup final](https://i3.wp.com/lnb.azureedge.net/wp-content/2025/01/Design-sans-titre79.jpg?w=1240&resize=1240,&ssl=1 "[Rétro] When Paris Basketball and JL Bourg faced each other in the EuroCup final")
A Tale of Two Cities: Paris and Bourg-en-Bresse’s EuroCup Showdown
The 15th day of Betclic ÉLITE in 2025 brings us a clash of titans: paris Basketball versus JL Bourg. This matchup, scheduled for Sunday at 7 p.m. on DAZN, is more than just a regular season game; it’s a reminder of the thrilling all-French EuroCup final that captivated fans in 2024. Back then, Paris emerged victorious in a decisive 2-0 sweep, marking a historic moment for French basketball.
The 2025 season kicked off with a bang,echoing the excitement of the previous year’s EuroCup final. This rematch between Paris and Bourg-en-Bresse, the second all-French showdown in a European Cup final after Nanterre’s clash with Chalon-sur-Saône in the FIBA Europe Cup in 2017, promises another captivating chapter in thier rivalry.
Few predicted this final pairing at the start of the 2023/24 season. Paris, having missed the Betclic ÉLITE playoffs, seemed an unlikely contender.Meanwhile, JL Bourg’s early exit in the 1/8 finals against Promitheas Patras in 2023 cast doubt on their championship aspirations.
However, hindsight reveals the logic behind this final. Paris underwent a remarkable change with the arrival of coach Tuomas Iisalo and a core group of players from Telekom Baskets Bonn.This infusion of talent, combined with the dynamic duo of TJ Shorts and Nadir Hifi, propelled Paris to an remarkable 17 victories in 18 matches, securing the top spot in their group.
JL Bourg, simultaneously occurring, experienced a renaissance of its own. Led by the exceptional Zaccharie Risacher, a future NBA Draft pick, and the astute coaching of Frédéric Fauthoux, they enjoyed their most successful season in history, also finishing first in their group.
Both teams dominated the playoffs, showcasing their prowess and determination. Paris dismantled Badalone (86-70) in the quarterfinals before sweeping London in the semifinals (2-0). JL Bourg, displaying resilience and tactical brilliance, overcame Prometey (96-85) and then edged out Besiktas Istanbul in a thrilling semifinal series (2-1).The final four lineup,featuring Paris,London,Istanbul,and Bourg-en-Bresse,highlighted the global appeal of the EuroCup. bourg-en-Bresse, nestled amidst these basketball powerhouses, defied expectations and earned its place among the elite.
The stage was set for a captivating EuroLeague qualification showdown. Paris, a rising force in its sixth season, represented the meteoric rise of a modern basketball powerhouse. in contrast, Bourg-en-Bresse, with its 87-year legacy, embodied the enduring tradition and local pride of French basketball.
The contrast between the capital city and the province,international fame versus local roots,added another layer of intrigue to this clash of styles.Paris, undefeated in their newly inaugurated Adidas Arena, entered the final as favorites.
Nadir Hifi, acknowledging their favored status, emphasized the importance of playing their game with intensity and focus. “Everyone knows we are the favorites in this final,” he stated. “When we lose, it is above all our fault. If we play our basketball,with the level of intensity that we have,I think it will be fine.”
The first match lived up to the hype. paris dominated from the outset, establishing a commanding lead that reached 27 points. Their superior firepower and tactical discipline proved too much for Bourg-en-Bresse to overcome.
This EuroCup final was more than just a basketball game; it was a testament to the growth and evolution of French basketball. Paris and Bourg-en-Bresse, two cities with distinct identities and basketball legacies, showcased the passion, talent, and competitive spirit that defines the sport.
Parisian Triumph: Hifi Leads the Charge to EuroCup glory
Paris Basketball secured a historic EuroCup victory, defeating Bourg-en-Bresse in a thrilling two-game series. The Parisian squad showcased their dominance, culminating in a decisive 89-81 win at Ékinox, a venue steeped in meaning for Nadir Hifi.
The first leg saw Paris assert their authority, cruising to a 77-64 victory. Nadir Hifi, reflecting on the performance, emphasized their strategic approach: “We controlled both offense and defense as planned, making a significant impact on the game.We’re incredibly pleased with the outcome; it’s a crucial step towards our championship aspirations.”
Bourg, though, refused to surrender easily. Determined to turn the tide, they entered the second leg with renewed vigor, fueled by the passionate support of their home crowd, which included former French President François Hollande. Despite a strong start, leading 30-22 after 11 minutes, Bourg found themselves trailing by a mere three points at halftime (46-43). This narrow margin proved to be a turning point.
Paris, led by the unwavering determination of their players, seized control in the latter stages. A devastating 9-0 run, punctuated by clutch shots from Mikael Jantunen and Tyson Ward, effectively sealed Bourg’s fate. Nadir Hifi delivered the final blow, securing the Parisian triumph with less than two minutes remaining.
Hifi, who had scored his first professional points at Ékinox, embraced the moment with characteristic poise. “This arena holds special meaning for me. I became European champion here, and these crucial shots are a testament to my character. I thrive under pressure, which is why I’m entrusted with these responsibilities at such a young age.”
Paris Basketball’s victory marks a historic achievement, boasting an unprecedented 22-1 record for the season, the best in EuroCup history. This remarkable feat solidifies their place as a dominant force in European basketball.
Parisian Triumph: A Night of Celebration and a Leap into Basketball’s Elite
The echoes of jubilation still reverberate through the halls of Ékinox, where Paris Basketball etched its name into european basketball history. Following an emotional rollercoaster of tears and confetti, the Parisian squad found themselves huddled in the press conference hall, a sea of thirty journalists bearing witness to the elation of tuomas Iisalo and TJ Shorts.
The celebratory mood reached fever pitch when amara Sy, the club’s sports director, ignited the festivities.The EuroCup champions erupted, showering their coach in a cascade of champagne. Hifi, the team’s mastermind, donned a ski mask, climbed atop a table, and led the chant: “IISALO – IISALO – IISALO!”
This April 12, 2024, will forever be etched in the annals of Paris Basketball. It marked not just a victory, but a monumental leap into the upper echelon of European basketball. The team’s meteoric rise, spearheaded by the visionary leadership of Tuomas Iisalo, has been nothing short of phenomenal.
“This title represents a truly extraordinary ascent for Paris Basketball,” Iisalo remarked. “I’m unsure if there’s a parallel in European basketball history. It’s a testament to the tireless work of David Kahn and Eric Schwartz in elevating the club to this level. Their dedication over the years has been instrumental.For the team,it’s a remarkable sporting achievement,but it also signifies a giant leap forward for the club as a whole. Every element aligned perfectly: the inauguration of the Adidas arena, the inaugural Leaders Cup victory, and now the EuroCup. When I arrived in Paris, I was promptly struck by the abundance of talent in this nation. I told friends that we could achieve something truly special, that Paris possessed a vibrant basketball culture. This is a unique narrative, and we must find a way to continue it next year. Every trophy we win automatically raises the bar.”
Iisalo’s prediction has proven accurate. Even after his departure to join the Memphis Grizzlies coaching staff, Paris continues to defy expectations, currently holding a commendable third-place position in the EuroLeague. The bar has indeed been raised, but for now, the memory of the JL Bourg reception will bring smiles to the faces of Paris Basketball fans as they gather at the Adidas Arena on Sunday evening.
Photo credit: Alexandre Josserand / JL BourgPlease provide the HTML article you would like me to rewrite. I’m ready to transform it into a unique, high-quality piece while preserving its original meaning and incorporating your SEO keywords.
