This is perhaps Monaco‘s benchmark Euroleague match. Against Bayern Munich, the Roca Team delivered a solid game with a Mike James (26 points including 5/7 at 3-points and 6 assists) who perfectly assumed his role of leader throughout the meeting.
From the first minutes, the American leader gets in his legs on isolation. It must be because the Monegasques are hampered by the regular defensive changes of the Bavarians, between zone defense and individual. Less versatile but just as effective, the Roca Team also managed to contain the German assaults, with the exception of Corey Walden, glowing at long distance in the first period (5/10 to 3-points in total).
It is also the latter which allows Munich to create the first gap of the match (35-28, 15 ‘). But after A time-out for Monegasque coach Sasa Obradovic, Monaco ended the first half 12-0 and left Bayern without points for four minutes. As a good trickster that he is, Mike James even allows himself to steal the ball on a throw-in from Bayern and send a bomb he has the secret to the buzzer (35-40).
That was @TheNatural_05 #7DAYSMagicMoment pic.twitter.com/UfaOLlKGts
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At the start of the second half, Monaco held the lead with their outside address and a Danilo Andjusic in all the right moves (3/3 to 3-point and 15 evaluation). The shooting selection is good (12/17 3-point total) and even when it is not, Mike James shows his talent and does it again by sending a new 3-point step-back to the buzzer of the third quarter time. All in the face and beard of the Bayern Munich bench but also referees who do not see the foot of the American on the touchline when he takes a shot (54-62).
But Monaco, which leads for the first time by more than 10 points at the start of the fourth quarter, loses the thread of its match and lets Munich return just a few lengths 5 minutes from the end (68-73). Fortunately, Mike James continues to make his show and is the total disillusioned Munich, like Vladimir Lucic (14 points).
With this victory, Monaco (12th) comes back to the height of its evening opponent (8 wins and 11 defeats) and can still believe in a qualification for the finals of the Euroleague.
