In a thrilling conclusion to their playoff series, Paris Basketball has advanced to the Betclic Élite finals, facing AS Monaco for the third consecutive year. After a nail-biting game against Cholet Basket, Paris secured their spot thanks to a dramatic game-winning shot by Nadir Hifi. With only 12 seconds left on the clock and the score tied at 91-91, Hifi sank a long-range step-back jumper, sealing a 93-91 victory and sending the crowd at La Meilleraie into stunned silence.
Nadir Hifi was the standout performer for Paris, pouring in 26 points, including the decisive basket. He was effectively supported by Daulton Hommes, who had an impressive series and contributed 21 points in the crucial game. Following the intense match, Hifi expressed his respect for Cholet and their passionate home crowd, acknowledging the challenging defense they presented. He noted the mixed reactions from the audience – boos and eventual applause – and commended their sportsmanship, suggesting that with a larger venue, Cholet could be a formidable force in the league.
Despite a valiant effort from Gérald Ayayi, who scored 24 points for Cholet, his team’s inability to secure rebounds proved to be their undoing, having surrendered 22 boards. Nevertheless, Fabrice Lefrançois’s squad can hold their heads high, having consistently challenged the reigning French champions throughout the series.
Meanwhile, AS Monaco comfortably secured their place in the finals by defeating Nanterre. The championship series will once again pit Paris Basketball against AS Monaco, a matchup that has become a tradition in recent years.
