This performance will be a landmark. Already winner of match 1 in its Adidas Arena setting three days earlier (99-86), Paris Basketball once again beat the London Lions (85-93) this Friday evening on the banks of the Thames (93 -84). Starting from nothing and born barely six years ago, the capital's ambitious basketball club is already in the Eurocup final, the first European in its history.
We are talking here about the second of the European Cups behind the all-powerful Euroleague which the American David Kahn's club will perhaps join more quickly than expected. It could be next season if, as a tasty icing on the cake, Paris wins the final. Like every year, the winner of the Eurocup receives an invitation to the Euroleague. Paris is almost there.
This event has existed for 20 years, and only two clubs before Paris have reached the final: Strasbourg in 2016 and Monaco winner in 2021. In the event of victory, Paris Basketball will succeed giants like Real Madrid, Dynamo Moscow, the Virtus Bologna and a few others. “It’s a blessing and it’s fantastic to be in the final. Many basketball players dream of one day playing in a final and we will have this chance. I can only say congratulations to all my teammates. I’m so proud,” summarizes leader TJ Shorts.
PARIS BASKETBALL IS IN THE EUROCUP FINAL 😍😍😍😍😍 pic.twitter.com/nUTatGmSvP
— Paris Basketball (@ParisBasketball) March 29, 2024
In a best-of-three series, two successes were enough for the Parisians to validate the ticket. Like last Tuesday at Porte de la Chapelle, they built their success in two stages this Friday in London. The Lions dominated the first period (45-39, 20th). Coach Tuomas Iisalo's team was a little scared. And then as is often the case, the Parisian machine - the steamroller would be more accurate - started up after returning from the locker room in the third quarter. London sank little by little and took on water. Paris held its prey and did not let go before imposing itself. “I don’t know if the word happy is enough. We started the adventure in August to get to this point. We earned our place with all our efforts,” rejoices Tuomas Iisalo.
Also read “Training sessions 10 times harder”: Tuomas Iisalo, the “unique style” coach of Paris Basketball
Paris is in the final! This will also take place in the best of three matches. The series will begin on April 9 and the first leg will be played in the capital, with Paris normally enjoying home advantage. Just one detail remains to be resolved: who will this final be played against? We do not yet know if it will be 100% French. In the other semi-final in Turkey, Besiktas Istanbul won (82-71) and came back tied, at 1-1, with Bourg-en-Bresse who had won match 1. The third round will take place this Wednesday in Bresse. “Whoever it is, we will respect this opponent,” warns TJ Shorts. But we will go around to win the final. »