Paris Secures First Euroleague Win Against Zalgiris Kaunas

Paris Basketball has secured a foundational win, overcoming Zalgiris Kaunas 82-78. After leading at halftime and then falling behind in the final quarter, the Parisian club found the strength to clinch the victory. This win marks a turning point after a challenging start to their Euroleague season, which saw them lose their first two games.

Nadir Hifi emerged as the leader late in the game, scoring 21 points to seal the win. TJ Warren also contributed significantly early on with 14 points before his ejection at the start of the final quarter. For Zalgiris Kaunas, Jonas Valanciunas had a less impactful performance than expected, scoring 12 points and grabbing 6 rebounds. Carsen Edwards and Azuolas Tubelis combined for 37 points but, like their team, faltered in the closing minutes, failing to score in the last two minutes.

TJ Warren Proves Essential

Similar to their previous game against Partizan, Paris started strong. Provocative plays from Nadir Hifi and a lively Jared Rhoden unsettled Zalgiris early (8-3, 3rd minute). Jonas Valanciunas, Zalgiris's main threat, faced challenges from Paris's taller interior players. However, his reliable backup, Azuolas Tubelis, took over with 9 points in the first quarter, helping Zalgiris take the lead with a powerful alley-oop (17-19, 10th minute).

Fueled by a strong performance from TJ Warren (8 points at halftime), Paris initiated a 6-0 run to start the second quarter (23-17, 12th minute). This momentum continued even with substitutions. Despite their solid start, Paris struggled with three-point shooting initially (1 for 11). Jeremy Morgan eventually broke this streak (34-29, 18th minute), allowing Maxime Lefèvre's team to hold a lead at halftime (41-38, 20th minute).

Carsen Edwards Rekindles His Game

The team maintained their intensity after the break. TJ Warren continued to be effective near the basket, shooting 6 for 6 after three quarters. In contrast, Carsen Edwards had an off night shooting (4 for 14 after 30 minutes) until a remarkable circus shot shifted his momentum (48-42, 25th minute). This play, however, didn't immediately reignite his team, who trailed at the end of the third quarter (61-53, 30th minute).

The game shifted early in the fourth quarter with TJ Warren's ejection (63-56, 31st minute). Paris's offense faltered, allowing Carsen Edwards to find his rhythm. Two consecutive three-pointers put the visitors ahead. This surge seemed to awaken Jonas Valanciunas, who responded with a strong and-one play and a block on Hifi, appearing to give Zalgiris a decisive advantage (71-76, 36th minute).

Hifi Dominates the Money Time

However, Allan Dokossi answered with two quick baskets inside (76-76, 37th minute). Léopold Cavalière then hit a three-pointer, followed by Nadir Hifi, to put Paris back in front with less than three minutes remaining (79-78, 38th minute). Hifi then took charge, scoring to secure the lead (81-78, 39th minute) and later extending it from the free-throw line (82-78). The score remained unchanged, marking Paris's first Euroleague win of the season. This victory provides a strong foundation for their upcoming games, including a trip to Le Mans on Sunday and a home game against ASVEL on Wednesday in the Euroleague.

The box score for the match can be found here.

At the Adidas Arena, Paris