Paris, France – June 24, 2026 – In a high-stakes clash at the top of the LNB Pro A standings, AS Monaco delivered a commanding performance to defeat Paris Basketball 101-92 on Wednesday night. The victory strengthened Monaco's grip on the league lead, while Paris missed a chance to close the gap in the title race.

Match Overview

Monaco seized control early and never relinquished it, leading for nearly 38 minutes of the contest. Paris fought back in the third quarter, trimming an 11-point deficit to just three, but the visitors responded with a decisive 14-4 run to close the period. Monaco's depth and discipline at the free‑throw line proved crucial down the stretch, as they converted 24 of 28 attempts (85.7%).

Key Moments

• First quarter surge: Monaco opened with a 28-19 flurry, sparked by six quick points from Mike James and three early assists from Elie Okobo.
• Paris rally: Led by TJ Shorts II, Paris outscored Monaco 29-21 in the third quarter, cutting the lead to 75-72 with 2:18 left in the period.
• Monaco's response: A pair of triples from Jordan Loyd and a driving layup by Alpha Diallo rebuilt the cushion to 89-76 early in the fourth.

Tactical Story

Monaco's defensive scheme focused on limiting Paris's transition opportunities and forcing half‑court sets. They switched aggressively on ball screens, disrupting the rhythm of Paris's pick‑and‑roll attack. Offensively, Monaco exploited mismatches in the post and used high‑low action to free their big men for easy looks. Paris, meanwhile, struggled from beyond the arc (8-for-27, 29.6%) and could not contain Monaco's dribble penetration in the final period.

Standout Players

• Mike James (Monaco): The veteran guard finished with 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists, repeatedly breaking down the Paris defense in isolation situations.
• Donatas Motiejūnas (Monaco): The Lithuanian center added 18 points and 9 boards, converting crucial baskets in the paint during the fourth quarter.
• TJ Shorts II (Paris): The dynamic point guard poured in 25 points and dished 8 assists, keeping Paris competitive with his speed and creativity.
• Nadir Hifi (Paris): Came off the bench for 16 points but was forced into difficult shots by Monaco's perimeter pressure.

Table Impact

The victory improves Monaco's record to 26-5, maintaining a two‑game lead over second‑place Boulogne-Levallois. Paris falls to 22-9, now tied with Asvel for third place. With the regular season entering its final month, every result carries weight in the race for home‑court advantage in the playoffs. Monaco's balanced scoring and road resilience send a clear message: they remain the team to beat in the Pro A title chase.